joie tourist signature review

Joie Tourist Stroller Review

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'An incredibly lightweigh pushchair with a first-class folding mechanism - ideal for holidays and travel use.'

One-handed folding mechanism

Adjustable handle

Lightweight

Seat a little uncomfortable

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Hollie Bond and her one-year-old Margot tested out the Joie Tourist stroller to see if it was worthy of its travel-inspired name. In our buying guide to the  best travel strollers , we named this best travel pushchair for taking on a plane because it's stylish, light enough to carry, and easy to fold.

The Joie Tourist stroller is very easy to assemble. ‘I put it together in about five minutes while looking after my busy one-year-old,' said our tester Hollie. 'There are easy-to-follow instructions, but it’s so intuitive you don’t really need them.’ Once assembled, it is a super lightweight pushchair that would be ideal for parents going on holiday with their toddler or wanting something for daily use if they have a small car.

The Joie Tourist has an ‘amazing’ one-handed mechanism to fold it up and down. ‘You can hold your baby or toddler while collapsing and unfolding the pushchair easily,’ added Hollie. It's compact when folded and has a nifty carry handle. Other features include a decent-sized shopping basket, multi-recline positions and an adjustable handle which Hollie - whose husband is tall - particularly appreciated.

While comfortable for the pusher, Hollie struggled with the recline positions and thought the seat a little hard. She also thinks you’d have to invest in a footmuff in winter and a sunshade in summer as the hood doesn’t provide a huge amount of protection. In terms of value, this is a great mid-range option that would suit parents who want a light pushchair that's also compact and easy to get in and out of a car.

VIEW AT JOHN LEWIS | £200.00

Stroller weight: 5.92kg | Age Range: Birth to three years  | Price: £200.00

Hollie’s first impression of the Joie Tourist was how light it is. At only 6kg, it’s perfect for taking off on an overseas holiday and you’ll have no worries about lifting it on and off the airport carousel, or in and out of the car boot. As well as its weight, Hollie was impressed by its size. ‘It’s quite a tall buggy (107cm in height), which is a real bonus for our family as my husband is very tall and we’ve struggled in the past to find pushchairs with high enough handles for him to comfortably push,’ she said. ‘The handle is easily adjustable too, so I could put it back to the right height for me very quickly.’

But the standout feature of the Joie Tourist is its brilliant, one-handed folding mechanism, which Hollie described as ‘by far the best I’ve seen on a buggy’. You simply squeeze and slide two buttons on the handle with one hand and the pushchair concertinas down into a three-way fold. To open it out again is just as simple. When it’s folded down, it’s compact enough to fit in a small car’s boot (with space for extra bags) and it has a carry handle so you can move it about when folded down very easily.

Comfort and features

The Joie Tourist uses straps and a buckle to keep children in place. The buckle is easy to click into place and the straps over the shoulder are nice and comfortable thanks to some very soft, spongy pads. The length can still be adjusted easily as the pads have poppers so you can remove them before changing the length of the straps. There’s also the option to have calf support in two positions. ‘As Margot is still quite young and has little legs I used the support in the horizontal position, but it’s good to know I can easily set it down for when she has longer legs,’ said Hollie. The wheels are pretty standard for a travel buggy but if they were any bigger you’d sacrifice how light it is.

One of the features Hollie didn’t like was the shape and design of the seat. The buggy has multi-position-recline options, however, while it’s great that it lies flat for naps, she found that it didn’t go up vertical enough. ‘There’s a simple drawstring to change the seat back position, but, however hard I tried, I could not get the back up straight enough for Margot to be comfortable when she was awake,’ she said. ‘She’s a very inquisitive girl so likes to see what’s going on and so was pulling forward a lot of the time rather than sitting back against the seat.’

Another slight gripe was the seat seemed quite hard and didn’t have particularly deep sides to it, so it isn’t the cosiest option. In terms of storage, the Joie Tourist's basket is average-to-good, but bigger nappy bags and handbags are quite hard to fit through the opening, so you’d want to have several smaller bags with you to make the most of the under-buggy basket.

Value for money

The Joie Tourist costs around £200. ‘There are much cheaper options out there and this feels like a middle of the market sort of price and product to me,’ said Hollie. ‘In terms of how the pushchair looks and feels, I’d say it’s a good mid-range travel option.’ She’d recommend this to busy parents who want a really light pushchair to take on holidays or days out. ‘Anyone who struggles to lift heavy baby products, or who has a small car, will love how light and compact this is and how easy it is to use one-handed,’ she added. It’s a chic-looking stroller, coming in a lovely soft grey, and the adjustable handle is comfy too so ticks the box for style-conscious parents.

If you're undecided on the best travel stroller for your needs, you might also be interested in our Silver Cross Clic review – it's our best buy overall in our buying guide. And do check out our other baby product reviews , whether you’re shopping for specific items of baby equipment or preparing for a new arrival.

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Charlotte Duck is an award-winning lifestyle and parenting journalist who writes who regularly writes for Tatler, the Evening Standard, Yahoo, and Hello Magazine about everything from royal hairstyles to fixed-rate mortgages. She was previously Kidswear Editor at M&S and worked in-house at Boden but, while she loves writing about beautiful children's clothes, she has three children who refuse to wear them. 

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All user reviews of Joie Tourist

A disappointment.

• One hand opening and closure
• Lightweight
• Decent size basket
• Stiff and noisy wheels that get stuck on all terrains
• Harness system unsafe
• Not enough canopy coverage
• Flimsy handlebar

Unfortunately this stroller was a disappointment. I already have the Joie Versatrax travel system, and it worked well, so I thought I could buy the lightweight option from the same brand. This stroller is not sturdy, the adjustable handle makes it more flimsy and doesn’t really add anything in terms of comfort. The straps are an absolute nightmare, they come off while using the stroller, and even if the magnetic closure is a good idea, but the overall harness system doesn’t seem safe. The worst part of this stroller though, is that the wheels are stiff and literally get stuck at even the smallest crack or uneven surface. A very uncomfortable experience for both parent and baby. The one hand closure system works well and it’s handy. The footrest is included and comfortable. The canopy doesn’t provide enough coverage unfortunately. Overall, not a great option, despite the competitive price.

It's a travel stroller, so it's perfect for vacations and going to the mall

• Adjustable handle
• Adjustable backrest
• Adjustable leg rest
• Spacious basket
• Shoulder strap
• Stroller storage bag (you won't get your car boot dirty)
• Smaller wheels
• Incline of the seat

We are very satisfied with the stroller. Very well made English pram. It is light - less than 6 kg, and not at all unstable. It is compact and takes up a minimum of space when folded. It fits a larger child as well.

The handle is adjustable, so it is also suitable for taller parents. It has an adjustable backrest, up to full lie flat. The leg rest can also be adjusted. The basket under the pram is quite roomy. The seating is a little bit sort of tilted back, which bothered me at first, but our son doesn't mind it and he likes the stroller and likes to sit there. The wheels are tiny, but they can go over bumps and small stones. Of course, it's not for very bumpy roads - it's a travel stroller, so it's perfect for vacations and going to the mall ;-).

The child is, unfortunately, simply not comfortable in the seat

• ease of use
• small folded size
• the child is simply not comfortable in the seat
• not spacious enough for that weight capacity

I like the ease of use and the small folded size, but the child is, unfortunately, simply not comfortable in the seat. It is also not spacious enough for that weight capacity.

Not worth your money

Not worth your money.

Apart from the canopy size and the backrest, I have no other objections

• easy to manage
• can take the weight
• holds and unfolds by itself/one button
• small canopy
• the backrest cannot be upright

We have been using it from the beginning as a 3in1 because you can buy a Joie compatible basket for a newborn.

The stroller is feather light and resistant, it fits behind the seat in the car, very easy to manage on the roads as we drove them on macadam and rough roads without any problems (only gravel was the problem).

The canopy could be bigger, it needs 10 cm to be parallel with the seat and to provide full shade. The backreast cannot be placed under 90 in sitting position and the baby is really laid back.

It carries a lot more than 15 / 22kg because I used it almost like a working stroller (drove the baby + everything from the market + a couple of tens of kg of soil for flowers in the basket below). Honestly, apart from the canopy size and the backrest, I have no other objections and we really squeezed maximum from it.

My boy cries when he’s in it because he can’t sit up straight

• Light weight
• Folds up easily
• Feels like it’s going to fall to bits when you push it
• The seat isn’t upright, my little boy looks so uncomfortable in it
• The wheels are so small

I bought this pushchair to go on holiday with but it was a complete waste of money as my little boy hates it. He cries when he’s in it because he can’t sit up straight and he’s so uncomfortable. So I’ve now got to purchase another one.

The seat is spacious enough, but it's very slanted

• lightweight
• quick-folding
• adjustable handlebar
• the seat is very slanted - I wish it would be more upright
• small, noisy wheels
• too much give in the handle - it moves more than I'd like

The seat is spacious enough, but it's very slanted (my kid slides down a bit). It is a compromise to the price, but for occasional use, it will do.

It's light and compact

We got this pram because my wife has to carry it upstairs (2nd floor) daily. It's light and compact for that, she's happy about that.

Too many downsides for the price and promises of this nice stroller

• Does not hold the seat in its position (my baby weights 20 pounds)
• Seat does not go upright, the baby is half seated like on a swimming pool bench
• Front wheels are too small, gets stuck in minimal imperfections on the sidewalk

The system to hold the seat in the upright position is too weak. In less than a month, it was damaged. Also, the seat does not get to sit upright, which looks very uncomfortable. Finally, the front wheels are too weak, and the stroller gets stuck on the minimal batch on the sidewalk or stone. The rest is fine, but it has too many downsides for the price and promises of this nice stroller.

You have to keep in my its not an expensive buggy

• padded seat
• full recline
• adjustable - rotating handle
• one-hand recline (inklining is two-handed, though)
• the wheels take in a lot of gravel
• the hood is very short
• the seat is angled
• foam-covered handlebar
• noisy on cobblestones
• straps to recline feel weak and cheap

Fo holidays and trips only, it's a good pushchair. Other than that, I keep in our car as a spare, so it usually goes out only when doing a lot of shopping or at the grandma's. Works fine like that. You have to keep in my it's not an expensive buggy.

Nothing for everyday or for bad terrain, but as a secondary option, one of the few with an adjustable handlebar (and probably the only that is really affordable)

A pretty little stroller for the car and for when your child cannot walk anymore. Nothing for everyday or for bad terrain, but as a secondary option, one of the few with an adjustable handlebar (and probably the only that is really affordable).

We use it for 2 months, and we are happy with it

I recommend it. We use it for 2 months, and we are happy with it.

The best is then, I think, to truly have it for only occasional use

I do love the design, the low weight, and the simplicity of use. And all that for an affordable price.

The downsides comprise the angled backrest, meaning your child doesn't sit upright and may slump down if he/she wants to or lets him/herself to, the small wheels good for mainly shopping centers and airports, and a shorter hood (mainly in the laying position or with a smaller child).

The best is then, I think, to truly have it for only occasional use when you don't expect much - and low weight will be asset enough.

The seat it really poor designed

Unfortunately we are sooooo unhappy with this stroller. For the price you pay I would expect more. Yes it folds absolutely amazingly but that is the only great thing about it. My little boy absolutely hated sitting in it as it is a really uncomfortable angle for them with no way to adjust. The seat it really poor designed. He kept slipping to the side. Not only that, the buckle system is so complicated which doesn’t make it easy if needing to strap a child in safe and quickly, especially if you have a squirming child.

I like the spaciousness and overall design, even though the details are maybe a bit too straightforward

• folds by itself (for locking it, you need to help the system a bit, though)
• spacious even for an older child
• nice design (I want to underline the pretty wheels)
• compatible with a carrycot and a car seat - can create a full travel system (one set of adapters for the car seat/carrycot is also a huge plus)
• travel bag (very simple) and rain cover included
• the fabrics are creased even in a new one
• doesn't fit the airline compartment dimensions (it is a bit bigger than cabin luggage)
• seemingly weak strap system of backrest adjustment
• short canopy

The price-performance ratio is very nice. For that price, don't expect the most luxury and sturdiest pushchair there is, but it is more than just a simple buggy. And I find it very practical for the on-the-go parents of an older toddler, that doesn't need all the bells and whistles.

I like the spaciousness and overall design, even though the details are maybe a bit too straightforward. The canopy is not very long, however, and keep in mind you probably will be buying some extra shading device (that sunshield in the front is so small I think the producer might have been joking ;-) ). The seat is nice and well padded, even for a smaller child. You CAN adjust the seat up to a full lay-flat! I also love that the bumper bar is included (not all pushchairs of this type have those). And I am extremely thankful for the button that holds the between-legs padding on the lower strap of the harness - that is simply wonderful! (I lost these things so many times in the past, not talking about how uncomfortable it is always to adjust it so that you can clip the buckle together and it is not in the way...)

The handlebar height is excellent for taller parents - I am 179 and my husband 183 - and we couldn't have chosen better, handle-height-wise. And it is even adjustable, which makes it a little bit more wobbly, but on the other hand, so few of these compact pushchairs have those I feel like we bumped into a unicorn! It is not an all-terrain pushchair, so I am not taking the small-ish wheels as a negative - you get what you buy (and do take the price you pay into account not to expect something crazy). The driveability on basic surfaces is OK. Having said all that, I rate it quite high.

I am a bit disappointed I couldnt take it on-board

• Folding system
• Very simple
• Handlebar can be adjusted

I am a bit disappointed I couldn't take it on-board. Also, it feels a bit simple in your hand. But the price and the folding system make up for it. And Joie, please make the canopy - or at least the sun visor - longer!

Not the sturdiest, but with a lot to offer

A simple, affordable buggy with a few 'magical' features. Not the sturdiest, but with a lot to offer. Great for occasional use or to keep in the car.

Joie Mytrax Flex Signature travel system review

In a nutshell

A mid-range travel system featuring a pushchair and infant carrier. Though it doesn’t induce love at first sight, it is as smooth and stylish as some pricier models

What we tested

• Smart, durable, comfortable for child and adult to use, good folding system, canopies stand out.
• Opening to the shopping basket too narrow, design on pushchair and car seat can be fiddly and needs practice.

Showing item 1 of 10

Joie products strive to be 'stylish and affordable' and this travel system was clearly designed with such goals in mind.

Suitable from birth, the Joie Mytrax Flex Signature pushchair and i-Gemm Signature Infant Carrier sit in the middle of the market and its design and functionality reflects this; the system is stylish without being trend setting. It’s as intuitive and smooth to use as some of the pricier models on the market.

Comparable systems in the price range include the Ickle Bubba Stomp V3 travel system , the Red Kite Push Me Fusion travel system and the Cosatto Wow travel system .

Riah is a first-time mum to six-month-old baby Molly, who values products which make her life easier and are available on a sensible budget.

What’s in the box?

The pushchair came with a coffee cup holder and rain cover, the infant carrier came with the adjustments for the ISOFIX

What were your first impressions of the Mytrax Flex pushchair?

It wasn’t love at first sight and the design feels quite traditional compared to some of the others on market and I had to spend a bit of time with the instruction manuals (never my strong point). However, it looks smart, is robust and I liked the nod to current trends, including the leatherette finishes and coffee cup holder.

Are there any additional extras that you need to or can buy?

The carry cot, if your baby is too young for a pushchair.

Is it easy to put together?

It took about half an hour to get the hang of the pushchair and the same again for the carry cot. If you used the instruction manual from the start rather than trying to 'work it out', you could probably do it in half the time.

How does the Joie Mytrax Flex Signature compare to other travel systems?

The pushchair isn’t as intuitive as other models I've tried, but it feels durable and covers all the basic functions. Anyone with a small car (or who has a family dog and clutter in the car) will appreciate its compactness.

This was the first time I've used a car seat which clicks into the pushchair and it felt a bit fiddly.

What age is the Joie Mytrax Flex Signature suitable for?

The pushchair is suitable for children weighing under 25kg, while the car seat is suitable from birth to around 1.5 years or under 13kg.

What did you think of the carrycot?

The Mytrax Flex doesn't come with the carrycot but is compatible with the Joie ramble carry cot . The pushchair seat does lay into a fully reclined position for those sleepier moments when they are older and this option got the thumbs up from my baby, Molly.

How does the Mytrax Flex fold?

A hidden handle in the middle of the pushchair pulls up. It promises to be a 'one handed' folding system and, with a few practice-runs, it almost is.

How compact is it when folded and unfolded?

It is one of the few pushchairs I can fit into the boot of my car amidst the chaos of family paraphernalia.

How lightweight is the Mytrax Flex pushchair?

It is light enough that you can lift it upstairs without having to ask a stranger for help but still heavy enough that you have to brace yourself for the challenge.

How easy is it to push the Joie Mytrax Flex Signature?

The wheels pivot around at 360 degrees making it easy to push.

Does it feel sturdy?

The sturdy frame makes it ideal for a range of surfaces from pavements to cobbled roads right through to the occasional ‘off terrain, though the later makes for a bumpy ride.

How easy is it to use the Joie Mytrax Flex Signature on public transport?

The pushchair is compact and easy to fold making it great for public transport.

Is the frame durable?

The pushchair has a reassuring sturdiness.

What about the handlebar?

The handlebar was a hit with the grandparents who raved about how comfortable it felt to hold and adjust. Leatherette touches add some style.

What do you think of the seat unit?

The seat unit feels a bit more traditional than the bucket style unit favoured by many models today. Visually, it’s not exciting but it doesn’t lose anything in terms of functionality.

How many recline positions are there?

There are four recline positions for the backrest, which afforded enough variety to keep a 6-month-old baby happy. It can be tricky to determine which of the four angles you have selected as the mechanism is somewhat hidden under the handlebar.

How comfortable does it feel for your baby?

My baby seemed really at ease and relaxed in the pushchair and the straps were snug and secure.

How is interacting with your baby when in the buggy?

A little window in the canopy makes it really easy to engage with your baby whilst still keeping them protected from the elements.

What do you think of the hood?

The hood/canopy was a strong point of both the pushchair and the infant carrier. They are easily pulled forward and baby Molly ended up having much longer naps in the day time because of it!

What about the brakes?

There’s an easy to locate brake lever at the back of the wheel­–easy to use and is reliable.

How easily can you access the basket and is it big enough?

There is definitely space for a decent shopping bag or two but trying to get them into the space provided is challenging.

What is the car seat like?

Even with the padded insert removed, the car seat seemed more padded than our usual Maxi Cosi. This didn't bother baby Molly, she just looked a little more snug than usual! The seat looked really wide and cumbersome, but it wasn't as heavy as I had feared.

How easy is the car seat to fit?

I found it a little tricky to fit the car seat, but I’ve never managed to fit any car seat without a lot of help, so I may be the problem rather than the seat!

Does the car seat work as a travel system?

Clicking a car seat into a pushchair feels harder work to me, than lifting the baby from the seat to the chair. For those who do prefer an all-in-one option, I think these are fairly easy to use.

Is the Joie Mytrax Flex Signature compatible with any other car seats?

Adaptors are included for an i-Gemm Signature Carrier–the website states 'other infant carriers' can be used but I struggled to find any details of which car seats this includes.

What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the item?

As a first-time mum, I find all the terminology around travel systems a little confusing and this product range has its fair share of specialist terminology. What exactly is a 'flex comfort system' and when they say ' 3 in 1 ' does that mean I have everything I will need?

A decent read of the product specifications breaks some of this down but I wish I had asked for some guidance on what a full travel system actually entails.

Who would the product be most useful for?

A first-time parent who wants something that will last.

What was your favourite feature of the Mytrax Flex?

The canopies on the both items really stood out for me; the mesh and windows allow engagement with your baby while a generous reach of UV protection ensures they are snug and safe.

Is it worth its price tag?

Yes, it's a good-value price and I would recommend it.

Where can I buy the Joie Mytrax Flex Signature travel system?

It is available to buy from Argos .

MadeForMums verdict

A reliable, comprehensive travel system which favours functionality over trend-setting. Suitable from birth, compact and featuring canopies fit to rival even its most upmarket competitors.

Read More...

• Best travel systems for newborn babies
• Best baby car seats from birth
• Joie Evalite Duo Buggy review

MadeForMums product articles are independent, honest and provide advice you can have confidence in. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links. However we never allow this to influence our coverage. Our reviews and articles are written by parents who are professional journalists, and we also include feedback from our parent community and industry experts.

Product Specifications

• Pushchairs, Buggies and Strollers

Joie Pact Flex Signature review

The Joie Pact Flex Signature stroller has a tiny taxi design to make tucking, tidying and travelling easy with an ultra compact fold. This stroller is suitable from birth and has a flat reclining seat and included infant seat adapters. Made up of beautiful lines with textured and woven fabrics, bold block quilting with a soft touch and special effect sleek high gloss frame and a luxury zipper which pulls and accents in luxe faux leather texture. The stroller features flex comfort ride system for a 30% smoother stroll and a full-size hood with 50+ sun protection.

Would you recommend this to other mums?

Thokozani:  This product is great. I am a mum who doesn’t have a lightweight stroller and would at times postpone or cancel a trip simply due to difficulty in compacting my current pram. I use public transport a lot and sometimes its very difficult to get the pram onto the bus or train due to the availability of space. The Joie is collapsible with one hand and extremely compact. When it is in its collapsed state, it is slightly larger than a briefcase. It's extremely lightweight, so it is easy to carry and it comes with a helpful handle.

Laura:  This pram is well made, lightweight, easy to use and my little boy loves it! He had no problem falling asleep in it and the multiple recline positions made it a comfortable ride for him. The quality of the fastenings are great and the padded shoulder straps are a great feature. The basket can easily hold a handbag and some essential shopping!

Kirsty:  I would recommend this product for a mother looking to purchase a pushchair for a one-year-old upwards. I think its foldability and design make it perfect for the next stage pushchair, especially for people with limited storage space. It is perfect as a holiday pushchair as it will fit nicely in the overhead compartment of a plane or train.

How did this product make your life easier?

Vicky:  When I pick a pushchair I'm looking for something that is easy to use, comfortable for my little girl and good value for money. The Joie pact flex signature got 3/3 on those. This pushchair is easy to put up and down one-handed, which is great if you have your hands full, which as a parent is all the time. My little girl was happy to sit in this pushchair and appeared comfortable which is very important to me. The price is very reasonable.

Holly:  The Joie Pact flex signature is a great lightweight and compact pushchair. It is easy to put up and down with a lovely smart but simple design. I had so much space in my boot and I highly recommend it as a fabulous travel pushchair that is easy to use and manoeuvre when pushing as well as getting it in and out of your car.

Helen:  Getting in and out of the car was a breeze with this pushchair with its one-handed fold and it’s super lightweight frame. It came with a dustbag and a carry handle and the compact size meant it was easy to throw over your shoulder when travelling on public transport. Unfolding it was slightly more challenging as the complex fold meant it took a while to ensure it would land on its wheels. The best bit is that it doesn’t look like a lightweight buggy as when it’s up it is a really sturdy, high quality and a stylish pushchair.

Would you choose this product to win?

Charlotte:  I would choose this product to win. Comfort and practicality have been well thought through. It is good quality and perfect for people who want a lightweight stroller that doesn't take up much room. With the benefit of being so small, you can also take it as a carry-on for the plane rather than having to check it in the hold.

Hayley: I would be happy to purchase one. I liked the style, the colour and loved the way it was so easy to use. The hood also folds down quite low so the sun doesn't go in the baby's eyes. I would be happy if this product won.

Tonileigh:  I haven't tried out any other compact strollers but this one has won me over. The Joie gives me everything I wanted in a compact stroller. It folds down nicely and has a shoulder handle to help you carry it. It pops up nice and quickly too!

What changes would you make to this product?

Shannon:  I would change the wheels. Whilst totally suitable for the pushchair, I much prefer air-filled tyres that are a bit bigger as it makes the ride smoother for the baby on board.

Thokozani:  I really enjoyed using this pram and although there aren’t many things I would change about it, the one thing I would is the handlebar on the pram. I found it quite fragile and was unsure whether the prolonged use would eventually break the handle. I appreciate that you are able to adjust the handlebar to different heights but I felt it could be slightly sturdier.

Laura:  The wheels on the stroller seem a little small for rougher terrain. If you were to take it into woods, or for a longer hike I'm not sure how well they would cope. In town they are great and my son seemed quite comfortable going over the grass in the park so the suspension must be good.

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Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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