One of the main pilgrimage routes in Russia, the footpath to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra (monastery) is the successor to the historical road to St. Sergius of Radonezh, and later to the Trinity Church. For many years this road was followed by powerful kings and destitute beggars. People came to the Trinity-Sergius Monastery to ask for a better life and to atone for sins. In memory of the fact that Sergius did not ride horseback, it was customary to make the pilgrimage on foot from Moscow to the Lavra.