Picturesque Karelia is located in the north-west of Russia. Its unique nature with numerous lakes, forests, bizarre rocky rocks and historical and architectural monuments has long attracted tourists. What must you visit in Karelia to make your vacation an unforgettable event?
Summer in Karelia 2018: popular attractions
1) Kizhi Island
Kizhi Island is located 68 kilometers from Petrozavodsk, among the water space of Lake Onega, striking with amazing creations of northern wooden architecture. The ensemble of the churchyard of the 18th century, consisting of the main Church of the Transfiguration, the Intercession Church and the bell tower, is referred to the masterpieces of world architecture. An open-air museum has been created on the Kizhi island, the adjacent islands and on the coastal territory. Surrounded by unique natural objects, there are wooden buildings that tell about the work and life of the peasants of the Russian North. The pearl of the island-museum is the oldest church of the Resurrection of Lazarus, which has stood here since the 14th century. A total of 89 architectural monuments and many archaeological finds are presented on the museum territory.
2) Valaam archipelago
Lake Ladoga is famous for the Valaam archipelago with numerous rocky islands and cultural monuments.
The island of Valaam is notable for the fact that the oldest monastery in Karelia, founded in the XIV century, is located here. Sailing to the island, tourists have a view of the monastery estate located on a high hill. In its center rises the Savior Transfiguration Cathedral, surrounded by monastic cells. The architectural ensemble also includes the Church of Peter and Paul, built in the classicism style of the 18th century. The main staircase leads directly from the pier to the temple. And not far from the northern end of the monastery bay is Nikolsky Island with the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker - the patron saint of fishermen.
3) Solovki
The Solovetsky archipelago is located in Onega Bay on the White Sea. It consists of 6 large and many small islands. In 1436 a monastery was founded here. During the Stalinist regime, special camps were located in this harsh area. In the 60s of the last century, a historical and architectural museum and a natural museum-reserve began work on Solovki. During the existence of the monastery, powerful fortress walls were built from local stone, the grandiose Cathedral of the Transfiguration and the Church of the Assumption were erected. In the 17th century, monks created navigable canals connecting dozens of lakes, and a one and a half kilometer long dam they built connected Solovetsky Island and Muksalma Island.
In Karelia there are also islands less explored by tourists with unique natural landscapes, archaeological and cultural attractions. You will not be disappointed when visiting the islands of the Kuzova and Kolgostrov archipelago, which will leave in your memory an indelible impression of this beautiful land. It is better to visit the islands from the end of May to October, when the weather is favorable in Karelia and there is no storm on the lakes.
