- Where is the island of Valaam
- The history of the island
- How to get to Valaam
- What to see on Valaam
- What to bring from Valaam
Since ancient times, Valaam has attracted people with its mystery and splendor of nature, thanks to which the island has become known all over the world. Every year, not only tourists, but also pilgrims strive to get to Valaam, since the place is considered the center of Orthodoxy in Russia. The combination of picturesque landscapes with architectural monuments of traditional architecture, a peaceful atmosphere, rich flora and fauna - all this can be felt and seen in full, knowing where Valaam is located.
Where is the island of Valaam
The geographic landmarks of the island are the Valaam archipelago, washed by the cold waters of Lake Ladoga. The island occupies most of the archipelago. Its length is about 10 kilometers and its width reaches 8 kilometers. Almost the entire island is covered with dense forests and a network of drainage canals, created in the 19th century.
The special microclimate of Lake Ladoga has greatly influenced the weather conditions of the island. That is why winters on Valaam are rather cold, and spring comes late. In the summer period, the air warms up to a maximum of +20 degrees.
The nearest town, located at a distance of 40 kilometers, is called Sortavala and is part of the Republic of Karelia. At the moment, about 350 inhabitants live on the island, but the settlement does not have an official status. Most of the population is concentrated in the northern part of Valaam.
The history of the island
According to historical data, the name of the island goes back to the Karelian-Finnish dialect and translates as “high land, highland”. In the future, researchers found confirmation of the version that a more accurate translation of the name of Balaam is the phrase "land of the oath."
The first settlement was formed on the island at the beginning of the 10th century. The construction of the monastery, in which the relics of Saints Herman and Sergius, who founded the large monastery of Valaam, were located, belongs to the same period.
Over the long history of its existence, the island has repeatedly been attacked by Swedish troops. So, in 1611 the monastic monastery on Valaam was completely destroyed and plundered, and in 1617 the territory of the island was subordinated to Sweden.
The year 1715 radically changed the fate of Valaam, as the island became part of Russia and, by order of Peter I, a new church, a small bell tower and other household buildings were erected on Valaam. Later, all buildings on the island were built of stone, and the monastery began to develop actively thanks to the efforts of the clergy, sent to Valaam in exile.
The 19th was the heyday of the monastery under the leadership of Father Damascene, during whose life several chapels, roads and two factories were built. For a long time Balaam lived his own life, subordinate to his own self-government bodies.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Valaam began to belong to Finland and only in 1944 was it returned to Russia. In the 50s, the monastery was closed on the island, from which all the shrines were taken out and placed in museums, and the monks were repressed. For several decades Valaam ceased to exist as an important religious site. Only at the end of the 20th century, the gradual restoration of the monastic monastery and the creation of a museum-reserve on the territory of the island began.
How to get to Valaam
If you decide to visit the island, then it is worth worrying about your route in advance, since Valaam is located in a remote area. As a rule, tourists go to the island from St. Petersburg. Residents of Karelia prefer to start their journey from Sortavala or Priozersk. There is a regular water service between Valaam and other settlements. However, in winter and autumn, all trips are canceled due to bad weather conditions on Lake Ladoga. Among the most common methods are: speedboat; motor ship; cargo launch.
The most expensive option is to go to Valaam from St. Petersburg as part of an excursion tour. Companies organizing excursions provide a comfortable boat "Meteor", which will take you to your destination in approximately 3-4 hours. In the same way, you can get to the island from Priozersk and Sortavala. Travel time and ticket prices may vary depending on distance. It is better to find out information about the flight schedule and the availability of tickets in advance, as these data may change.
Also, two motor ships run from St. Petersburg, Sortavala and Priozersk to Valaam. One of them is called "Valaam" and is the property of the monastery. To travel on this vehicle, you must register as a pilgrim at the courtyard of the Valaam monastery.
Travel on a cargo launch is possible only from the pier of the small Karelian town of Lahdenpohja. The cost of the trip is always negotiable, and tickets are purchased on the day of departure. The main advantage of this method is that in forty minutes you will be on the island.
What to see on Valaam
The island is often compared to the Greek Athos, as unique architectural monuments are concentrated on its territory, the religious significance of which is recognized throughout the world. Pilgrims who visit Valaam every year strive to get to know each of the key attractions and feel the peaceful atmosphere of the island. Be sure to include the following places in your excursion program:
- Valaam Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, which is the citadel of Russian Orthodoxy. The first buildings of the temple date back to the 10th century, after which the monastery has been actively developing every century. Today, the shrine is subordinate to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and the monks live in accordance with strict laws regulated by the church.
- Valaam Museum-Reserve, founded in 1979, includes a vast territory, where various church buildings, a monastery, a museum and a research center are located. The staff of the museum complex offer tourists not only to get acquainted with the rich exposition, but also to learn interesting information about the historical past of the island.
- The Chapel of the Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign" became famous due to the fact that its construction was dedicated to a significant event timed to coincide with the visit of the island by representatives of the imperial dynasty in 1858. In honor of the arrival of such important persons, a decision was made to build a new chapel, as evidenced by the inscription carved on the front facade of the chapel. The project was implemented with the involvement of the best masters of the island, as a result of which the building became an example of Russian classical architecture.
- White Skete, founded at the end of the 18th century and considered one of the oldest on Valaam. Visiting the hermitage is possible only on certain days, so most tourists prefer to walk around the attraction in order to see with their own eyes the original architectural style and enjoy the amazing landscapes.
- Holy Island Skete, which is located on the Holy Island, not far from Valaam. The skete was the home of Alexander's father and is perfectly preserved to this day. Outwardly, the shrine is a recess carved into the cave, where the monk lived away from the bustle of the world and prayed fervently. After his death, Alexander was recognized as a monk, and a cross was erected near the skete as a token of his memory.
- The Red Skete attracts the attention of visitors thanks to the church, the architectural style of which combines Israeli and Russian traditions. Inside the church, you can find a grotto made of gray marble. It contains the most valuable Orthodox relic brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. There is also a refectory on the territory of the skete, where tourists who come to the island are fed.
- The Vladimirsky skete is considered the most modern building. The foundation of the skete falls on 2002, and the completion of the project dates back to 2007. The concept was to embody the complete ensemble in traditional Russian style combined with elements of architectural modernity. The abbots of the skete will invite you to visit the local museum and a hall set aside for an exhibition dedicated to Patriarch Alexy II.
What to bring from Valaam
Souvenir products of the island are represented by magnets, beads, bags, miniature pictures burnt on a wooden surface, rosary beads, fabric bags filled with juniper shavings, bells, knitwear, hats, etc. As a rule, the theme of all souvenirs is of a church nature.
For personal use, you can purchase original birch bark dishes made by Karelian craftsmen from environmentally friendly materials. Carved plant and animal ornaments depicted on the dishes will look great in any interior.
Gourmets will appreciate the delicious smoked trout and fresh monastery pastries, which can be bought in specialty stores or on the dock. It is also worth trying the aromatic jam made from berries grown and harvested in Valaam.
Pilgrims who come to the island must buy prayer books, icons, church books, disks with recorded monastic chants. Such purchases are recommended to be made in church shops near monasteries. So, you can be sure of the authenticity of your purchase.
