One of the most famous Orthodox monasteries in Ukraine is Holy cross monastery in Poltava. The date of its Foundation is considered 1650, when the funds of Poltava Colonel M. Pushkar, Cossack and local residents began the construction of a monastery.

Because at the end of the 18th century the monastery was among the most southern of the regimental monasteries Hetmanate, was often subjected to raids and looting. So in 1695, the monastery was captured and devastated by the Crimean Tatars, in 1709 was plundered by Swedish troops during the Northern war it housed the headquarters of the Swedish king Karl XII).

The first buildings of the monastery were wooden and only in 1699 began construction of the stone Holy cross Cathedral. This seven-domed cruciform Church was one of the best examples of Ukrainian Baroque style and was consecrated in 1756 the Design of the temple was conducted during the second half of the 18th century, but, unfortunately, all unique iconostasis was destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1933 Near in 1750 was built a small one-domed Trinity Church. In 1786, was built 47-metre four-storey bell tower, which was the decoration of the monastery.

In addition to these facilities on the territory of the monastery there is a single dome Semenovskaya Church, built in 1887, and a whole group of cells and single storey farm buildings – the parish priest's house, a house of monks ' cells, a hospice, etc.

The monastery was dissolved in 1923, and in 1942, during the occupation restores its activity as a convent. In 1960 it was closed again, and the nuns moved in Lebedinsky monastery. In 1991, Holy cross monastery again restores its activity as a female cenobitic.

Placed on a high hill, separated from the town by a river and surrounded by a powerful stone wall Holy cross monastery resembles a fortress.