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Valaam
Valaam
In the northern part of Lake Ladoga, which was called Nyevo in the ancient times, there lie numerous islands, the largest of them being
Valaam. The clear waters of the rough lake wash an archipelago, intruding into the shores of the
Valaam islands. There the shores form most picturesque bays and straits, many of which serve as a shelter for vessels seeking refuge from the fury of waves. Wonderful pictures of high steep rocks reflecting in calm waters alternate with views of primeval forest standing on the bluffs of big and small islands. There is something simply not of this world in these rocks and waters.
Valaam has a micro-climate, which makes the weather warmer than in the neighbouring areas. In this northern region, monks cultivated melons growing up to three kilograms and watermelons up to eight. Nature is spectacularly beautiful there. Ladoga Lake washes the sandy and rocky shores of the Islands on which dense forests grow, and when walking along the paths of
Valaam you see fields sparkling with flowers, picturesque inner lakes and springs, and find out a remote
hermitage or a farm that was tilled by monks centuries ago. The lake area around is rich with fish, islands are populated by birds and on the shore-line Ladoga Ringed Seal lives - a rare and interesting animal species. Within the area of
Valaam Nature Park nature of the Archipelago is specially protected.
Valaam Archipelago is one of the most interesting cultural, historical and nature attractions in the North of
Russia. The ancient
Valaam Monastery is situated here, first mentions about which date back to 960 year AD.
For many years the Monastery was a religious and cultural center of
Russia supported by Russian Tzars and the Russian Church. The Monastery was completely self-sufficient and monks produced all the necessary products themselves while working at small factories, saw-mills and farms, constructing buildings.
At the beginning of the 20th century the
Valaam Monastery became on of the wealthiest Russian Monasteries, comprising a kind of a small state with 13 smaller monasteries under control. During the Second World War the Archipelago was under control of Finland and returned back to the USSR in 1944. Since that time the Monastery was closed until 1989. Now it functions again.
Major sights
Cathedral of the Transfiguration and the Monastery manor
The central monastery building is quite big and has many interesting things to look at. The Hegumen residence is located here, as well as major monks' cells.
Hermitages
There are 10 hermitages on the very Valaam Island and nearby isles, of different architecture and history. In several hermitages, monks live according to the strict rules of the Monastery. Some of the hermitages are opened for visitors, two are abandoned.
Oboronny (defense) Island
Island to the south of Valaam, separated by a narrow canal. The name of the Island is originated by its fortifications that still can be found there. During the WW-II, Finnish artillery was located on the Island, with a cannon moving on rails and keeping under fire nearly the whole Ladoga lake area.
Krestovoe Lake
Lake in the south of Valaam, with great scenery and a worship cross on its shore.
Chapels, crosses, little hermitages
Numerous sights of this kind can be found all over Valaam.
Canals, arch bridges, alleys
Canals with arch bridges connect inner lakes of the Island. Beautiful alleys of silver fir and larch are a good place for a pleasant and meditative stroll.
Farms, cemeteries, household and housing facilities