Petrozavodsk was founded more than three hundred years ago as a "working settlement" of the Petrovsky iron-smelting plant, created on the site of rich ore deposits. Since then, it has developed primarily as an industrial center, but in our time it has become a popular tourist destination.
It would seem, what interesting things can a tourist get from walking around Petrozavodsk, the very name of which suggests that the plant occupies the main place in it? To make sure that such an opinion about the city is incorrect, it is enough to take a tour of its streets.
Interesting places of the city
Do not forget that Petrozavodsk, the capital of the Republic of Karelia, is located on the shores of Lake Onega, which is the second largest freshwater reservoir in Europe.
- Onega embankment is the busiest and most beautiful street in the city, where both the townspeople and guests of Petrozavodsk usually prefer to walk. The largest shopping centers, as well as many cafes and "restaurants" are located along it. In addition, here, in the open air, you can see the exposition of the Museum of Contemporary Art. In winter, it is complemented by original sculptures made of ice and snow by artists.
- Round Square (Lenin Square) is the oldest in the city. Until 1918, in the center of it stood a monument to Peter I - the founder of Petrozavodsk; then it was moved to the embankment, and in its place was erected a monument to Lenin, whose name was given to the square. It is there even now, but the historical name - Round - the square was returned.
- The Karelian State Museum of Local Lore is one of the oldest in the North-West region of Russia, founded in 1871. Its richest exposition includes thousands of exhibits dedicated to the nature of Karelia, the history and life of the peoples inhabiting it, archaeological finds made on its territory, and much more, which cannot be told in a nutshell.
- "Polar Odysseus" is the base of the historical and nautical expedition of the same name, whose members recreate ancient ships according to the drawings and, following the example of Thor Heyerdahl, make journeys on them, repeating the paths of ancient sailors-pioneers.
- The National Theater of Karelia fully corresponds to its name - performances are performed here in the three main languages of the republic: Karelian, Finnish and Russian. This is the only cultural institution of this type in Russia.
This is just a short list of what can attract the attention of a curious and caring person while walking around Petrozavodsk. However, it is possible to fully realize all the beauty and uniqueness of this region only after visiting it. And then, as the old song says, "Karelia will dream for a long time …" We will also dream about walks along the streets of its wonderful capital - the city of Petrozavodsk.
