Historically, pre-revolutionary Irkutsk was known as a city of merchants and patrons who actively supported public education and the construction of churches. One such gift to the city was the Prince Vladimir Church, built with the funds of merchant Litvintev. The project was developed by the famous Irkutsk architect Vladislav Andreyevich Kudel'skiy. Construction began in 1888, timed to the 900th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus, and by 1895 the church was consecrated. The temple is distinguished by numerous domes and architectural elements reminiscent of an ancient box created by Russian craftsmen before the Petrine era. Due to the white color of its walls, the church received the popular name "white," which has been preserved for over a hundred years. In 1903, it was decided to establish a male Prince Vladimir Monastery based on the church, which was soon realized.

The establishment of the new monastery in Irkutsk coincided with the beginning of the Russo-Japanese War, and a hospital was organized on its territory. The monks actively helped care for the wounded, trying to alleviate their suffering. In addition, a shelter for men, a seminary, and a school for boys were established at the monastery. All these institutions were funded by merchant Litvintev, who bequeathed 400,000 rubles to the monastery. This money could have lasted for a long time, but in 1917 serious upheavals began, and after the Civil War, the monastery was closed. Along with it, all shelters and two male schools ceased operations, and the buildings were repurposed as barracks for the NKVD cavalry regiment.

For many decades, the monastery buildings were not restored, and only at the end of the last century were they returned to the Irkutsk diocese. Today, the monastery has been restored and once again fulfills its spiritual purpose, reminding of the city's past and the traditions of merchant patronage.