Valaam Monastery, Orthodox monastery on Valaam Island, Russia
Valaam Monastery is an Orthodox monastic complex spread across several islands in Lake Ladoga in northern Russia. The site includes churches, chapels, residential buildings for monks, workshops, and expansive gardens connected by paths and bridges.
The monastery was founded in the early 15th century and grew into an important spiritual center in northern Russia. Swedish attacks in the 17th century led to destruction, but after Russian reconquest the site was rebuilt and expanded.
The monastery takes its name from the island and serves as a living center of Orthodox spirituality that draws pilgrims from across Russia. Monks here practice ancient liturgical chanting and hold services several times each day, which visitors are welcome to attend.
Ferries connect the monastery to the mainland from May through September, with the crossing taking about an hour. Visitors should bring appropriate clothing for religious sites and note that some areas remain accessible only to monks.
The monks cultivate their own fields and orchards and produce food items such as dairy products and vegetables for daily needs. This self-sufficiency allows the monastery to function largely independent of mainland supply lines.
Location: Sortavalskoye urban settlement
Inception: 1407
Architects: Aleksej Gornostaev
Website: http://valaam.ru
GPS coordinates: 61.38874,30.94423
Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:08
Valaam Research Religious-Archaeological and Nature Museum-Reserve
0 m
Central manor of Valaam monastery
126 m
Церковь иконы Богоматери "Живоносный источник" и Живоначальной Троицы во внешнем каре монастыря (Сортавальское г.п.)
90 mПамятный знак на складе у "дороги водоносов" (Сортавальское г.п.)
53 m
Монетные ворота с дровяниками (Сортавальское г.п.)
13 m
Посадки клёна и ясеня (Сортавальское г.п.)
139 mДендропарк (Сортавальское г.п.)
188 m
Корпуса внутреннего каре монастыря (Сортавальское г.п.)
32 mПосадки липы (Сортавальское г.п.)
93 m
Ограда аптекарского сада с калитками и воротами (Сортавальское г.п.)
167 m
Церковь Петра и Павла во внешнем каре монастыря (Сортавальское г.п.)
77 m
Old brothers' cemetery of Valaam Monastery
118 m
Металлическая ограда с восточной стороны внешнего каре (Сортавальское г.п.)
122 m
Церковь валаамской иконы Божией Матери во внутреннем каре монастыря (Сортавальское г.п.)
92 mСистема мощёных дорожек (Сортавальское г.п.)
43 mЧугунная ограда (Сортавальское г.п.)
40 m"Дорога водоносов" (Сортавальское г.п.)
53 m
Свечная лавка (Сортавальское г.п.)
106 m
Церковь Успения Богоматери во внутреннем каре монастыря (Сортавальское г.п.)
97 mКолодец (Сортавальское г.п.)
145 mСвечной завод (Сортавальское г.п.)
160 m
Transfiguration Cathedral (Valaam)
99 m
Chapel of Our Lady of the Sign, Valaam
153 mFormer Candle Factory
155 mScenic viewpoint
99 mПатриарх Алексий II
66 mАндрей Первозванный
97 mВалаамский образ Пресвятой Богородицы
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