The land that brought icy, but at the same time incredibly beautiful glory to our Motherland, is undoubtedly called Karelia. This republic has everything, so a tourist can find entertainment for himself even with the most refined taste. The sights of Karelia are the purest smooth lakes and islands that separate them, the rocks that show us the underground natural we alth, and the incredible height of spruce and pine trees, enveloping the entire region with eternal greenery.
A Brief Overview of Memorable Places
Despite the fact that this Russian republic is a nature reserve, and one of the most beautiful in the world, seekers of ancient buildings, connoisseurs of ancient architecture and church architecture will also find joy here. The architectural sights of Karelia are famous all over the world for their unique Russian beauty, their spirit and grandeur. Among them, the most famous is Valaam - an archipelago of fifty islands, which are located in Lake Ladoga. They housed a religious ancient complex, which consists ofTransfiguration Monastery, adjacent to it are a stone chapel and the five-domed Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior. This complex of islands also has a whole host of sketes. Some of them are closed, some have been converted into mini-hotels, and most of them are often visited by tourists to find out how former hermits lived.
Valaam complex. More detailed description
Now let's look at all the colors and features of the main attractions of Karelia. Where to go if you came here for a week or at least five days? What to do with all this time, especially if it's cold outside? The answer is simple: visiting each island of the most famous Valaam archipelago will be one of the most exciting activities for you. It is here that the famous monastery is located, which was built in the 15th century. It was a refuge for many Russian people during the Crimean War. In those years, he experienced an interesting story, which was as follows: the British sailed up to Valaam and began to bomb the island, because the local monks did not recognize their supremacy. To their great surprise, the monastery was practically not damaged, after which they turned off their expedition and left our shores.
Features of nature in Solovki
The name of this city alone evokes rather sad historical memories for many Russian residents. They are connected with the Crimean War and with numerous hermit monks, who either came here themselvesthey came to renounce the whole world, or they were exiled by force. Today, very good-natured and sociable people live here. They are not in a hurry, they are in complete harmony with nature, and if you communicate with them, they will teach you the same. After all, it is the air, greenery, mountains and waters that surround this archipelago that can drive any person who is accustomed to a different climate and conditions crazy. It is incredibly calm here, the air is so clean and full of oxygen that it makes you dizzy. It should be remembered that you need to get used to such conditions, give the body time to adapt, otherwise such an “incomprehensible” state will torment you for a long time. That is why many tourists come to Valaam just for one weekend, just to have time to look at the best sights of Karelia and take pictures of them.
Kizhi Museum Islands. Heritage of the Russian people
The Republic of Karelia has become one of the centers of Russian wooden architecture. The sights that are located on the Kizhe archipelago are truly majestic churches, monasteries, mills, barns, rigs and simply residential buildings that amaze with their beauty. All the buildings of the region are made of wood, which gives them a special spirit and charm. It is here that historians and just lovers of architecture come to look at the true Russian North. The local pearl is the Church of the Transfiguration, consisting of 22 domes, its height is 37 meters. Next to it is the winter temple of the Virgin, and between them- chapel. After examining these architectural monuments, as a rule, tourists go to explore such sights of Karelia as peasant houses. They present the life of past centuries, the guide tells various stories from the life of local inhabitants who lived here before.
Ruskeala Marble Canyon
Natural sights of Karelia are inconceivable without the famous canyon, which demonstrates to us all the natural power and beauty of underground fossils. It was discovered during the reign of Catherine II and has since been considered one of the most beautiful and at the same time profitable places in Russia. This miracle of nature can be viewed from different angles, and in any case, you will be fascinated. There are many viewing platforms along the canyon, which are crowded with tourists both in winter and in summer. On the groundwater that filled this huge gorge, you can sail on a boat, examining the marble deposits up close. Also, many guides offer to go down into the adits to get acquainted with the underworld that lurks under these beautiful lands. Well, the most amazing way to see this reserve is diving, which is possible only in the summer.
Small conclusion
The list of natural and architectural riches that the North of Russia is famous for was presented above. Kivach waterfalls, Marcial waters, ancient mysterious petroglyphs, Sandal and Onega lakes are places visited by millions of tourists every year. They are known assights of Karelia. You can see photos of some of them in the article, but they do not convey the fullness of beauty that can be appreciated while in those extraordinary places.
