Staraya Ladoga mounds

Staraya Ladoga mounds are a group of earthen structures located on the bank of the Volkhov River, north of a fortified settlement. The largest mound rises about ten meters high and stands protected as an archaeological cultural monument.

This site emerged in the early medieval period as a burial ground and appears in early Novgorod chronicles. Excavations in the 1800s uncovered burned bones and objects from the 8th century, revealing evidence of early Slavic settlement.

Local folklore connects this mound to early rulers of Rus, and it appears in historical chronicles as a place of significance. Visitors can sense how the site bridges ancient burial practices with the stories that shaped regional identity.

The site is located outside the main town and requires a car journey from larger settlements. The area offers views across the river and allows walks around the mounds to see their structure from different angles.

These mounds belong to a group of four large structures in the area that have kept their shape since the early medieval period. This collection makes the area a rare example of intact burial monuments from that era.

Location: Staraya Ladoga

Part of: Группа из 4 сопок (одна из них «Полая» — «сопка Ходаковского») (Старая Ладога)

GPS coordinates: 60.01192,32.30135

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40