This is the largest island located in the north of the Valaam archipelago. Here is the village of the same name, which is part of the Sorgaval city settlement. According to legend, once it was the land of the god Veles ...
General information
The island of Valaam is twenty-two kilometers from the mainland. The length of this land is 9.6 km, and its width is 7.8 km. It consists of two islands separated by the Jordan River. That is what the locals call the Leshchevy and Brick Canals. In addition, Mount Eleon rises on the island.
Climate
In summer, Valaam has an average of thirty to thirty-five more sunny days than the mainland. July temperature is +17 degrees. Winter is snowy, comes in early December. The average temperature in February is -8 degrees.
Flora and fauna
We can bet that a trip to Valaam Island from St. Petersburg will not leave anyone indifferent. The reviews of those who were fortunate enough to visit this paradise clearly indicate this. It should be noted that the positive feedback from travelers is associated not only with the inspection of the oldest Russian monastery, but also with the bright, expressive and original nature of these places.
On the territory of the archipelago, there are more than four hundred and eighty species of plants, most of them planted by monks. In the forests you will be accompanied by the voiced voices of numerous birds nesting on the island. In addition, hares, foxes, squirrels, and moose live here. And if you suddenly wander into secluded deserted corners, you can see the Ladoga seals that carefree on the stones , which have long been listed in the Red Book.
Secrets of the island
The history of this place is covered in riddles and secrets. And, of course, the locals are the best to tell about them. There is a Lake of Fear, where, according to old-timers, one can hear “Ladoga Thunders” - barantids, as well as observe mirages — unusual islands or ships soaring into the sky, etc. Stone roads and masonry, it is not known when and by whom they were built, too add mystery to the island.
Valaam today
Nowadays, this island can hardly be called secluded, especially in the summer. Increasingly, one can hear opinions that the endless flow of tourists to the island of Valaam from St. Petersburg and other Russian cities must be stopped or at least limited. But today there are plenty of people here.
Excursions around the island begin from the Voskresensky monastery, a shuttle bus runs to the monastery. The tourism sector is well developed here - there are tents selling souvenirs everywhere.
Guests arrive on the island of Valaam in two ways - as pilgrims and as part of tourist groups. However, I would like to give you advice: if you want to feel the truly legendary atmosphere of the island - break away from traditional excursions, explore it yourself.
Sights of Valaam
Undoubtedly, this is one of the most famous Russian monuments in the open. Its main attraction is the Transfiguration Monastery, which was founded in the XI-XIII centuries. A more accurate date of its appearance has not been established. In those days, in addition to religious and cultural functions, he also performed defensive functions. The Transfiguration Monastery has a difficult history - it was repeatedly destroyed and ruined by the Swedes. In 1611, it was almost completely destroyed.
After Karelia became part of the Russian State, the monastery was restored by building it from wood. However, the magnificent work of art by architects was again destroyed - this time the fire played a fatal role.
It was then, in 1837, the decision was made to build a monastery of stone. Its main structure, the Transfiguration Monastery, is almost seventy-three meters high. To this day, the relics of the Rev. Herman and Sergius of Valaam are stored in it. Equally valuable for Orthodox Christians is the icon of the Valaam Mother of God. The bright blue domes of the monastery rushed up and flaunted in the sun.
Transfiguration Monastery
By the beginning of the sixteenth century, more than six hundred monks lived in this monastery with a long history. In the eighteenth century, when he was led by the Sarov elder Nazarii, the construction of a monastery of stone began. By the middle of the nineteenth century, it was a small state, having its autocrat - the abbot, the spiritual police, subsistence farming and a strict charter-law.
Architecture
The central manor is located on a high hill and is a very slender and strict ensemble, in the center of which is the monastery. It can be seen from various points on the island. The monastery is surrounded by buildings of fraternal cells, and the hillsides amaze and delight with the splendor of the gardens.
The Cathedral is cross-domed. Eight pillars divide it into three naves. Winter, the lower church is consecrated in the name of George and Sergius, the upper - in the name of the Transfiguration. Thirteen bells were previously strengthened at the multi-tiered bell tower, of which only the largest has survived to date. The bell tower is crowned with a tent roof on an octagonal drum. The Holy Gates and the Church of Paul and Peter, made in the style of Russian classicism of the eighteenth century, are facing the main staircase leading from the pier.
An old cemetery adjoins the northern line of the monastery estate, where burials were carried out until the mid-nineteenth century.
Nikolsky island
Located at the exit of the Monastery Bay. His monks mastered in the eighteenth century. In those days, there was a fishing village and a wooden bow cross. In its place, the monks built the chapel of the Wonderworker Nicholas, the patron saint of all sailors. In one thousand eight hundred and fifty-third, a church was erected here. Twelve monks lived in the monastery, who were engaged in fishing and inspecting newly arrived pilgrims (it was strictly forbidden to bring tobacco and alcohol to Valaam).
Especially striking to all who come to Valaam from St. Petersburg and other cities of the country is the monastery of All Saints, which is located on the island of Skitsky. It was the most severe construction on the territory of the monastery - pilgrims were allowed here only once a year. The monastery appeared in one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, in the middle of the eighteenth century a church was built here in the name of Alexander Svirsky. In three years (from 1842 to 1845) eight buildings were built, which were then joined by a blank fence in the shape of a rectangle. Towers with hipped roofs were installed at the corners.
What else can you see on your own
If you have the opportunity to be on Valaam, try to devote as much time as possible to the "wild nature". Believe me, there is something to see here - Rocky Coast, Marvelous Bay, etc. Often a trip there takes a whole day, but it's worth it. You can just walk along the ancient roads, the monastery alleys, and then the desire you made will certainly come true.
Cruises from St. Petersburg: Valaam
Getting to this mysterious island is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. For many years, travel agencies of our country have been organizing trips there. The most requested tour to Valaam island is from St. Petersburg. Excursions are made constantly. The northern capital and the most picturesque place of Karelia is shared by two hundred and twenty kilometers.
While approaching this fabulous island, there is a feeling of unreality of everything that happens. The centuries-old pine trees and magnificent rocks seem to be something unusual, elevated, as if coming out of some other, calm and measured life.
The cost of travel
If you decide to take a fascinating trip to Valaam Island from St. Petersburg, the prices for travel agency services will certainly interest you. The cost of the trip may be different. It all depends on the class of the ship on which you plan to take a walk.
An adult passenger will have to pay from eight to twenty-one thousand rubles for a trip on a comfortable boat, depending on the class of the cabin and its location on the ship. A children's ticket costs an average of seven to nine and a half thousand.
You can take a one-day excursion to Valaam from St. Petersburg. The meteor will take you to the island under the program of the Pilgrimage Service of the Valaam Monastery. In the summer months, such trips are made daily. Its cost is approximately four to four and a half thousand rubles.
Surely among travel lovers there are many who want to go to the island of Valaam from St. Petersburg on their own. To do this, you can use your personal water transport. However, you need to know that you will be allowed to moor on the island only in the Monastery Bay, at the pier of the museum. As an exception, during a storm, mooring at the old marina in Nikonovsky Bay is allowed.
Where better to stay
If you decide to go to Valaam from St. Petersburg on your own, naturally, the question will arise before you about where to settle on the island. Three hotels work here - Igumenskaya, Attic, and Winter. During the school summer holidays, one more is equipped - in the school premises. You can settle in the private sector, although local residents, according to seasoned travelers, rent out housing not very willingly.
Extreme lovers can settle in their own tent on two sites designated for this purpose. There will be no problems with nutrition either. There are open summer cafes at the berths of Nikonovskaya and Monastyrskaya bays. According to the reviews of tourists, the food in them is pretty decent. In addition, the village has a small grocery store.
The trip to Valaam is very informative. Therefore, if you are planning on this fascinating journey, be sure to bring your children with you.