New Valamo, Orthodox monastery in Heinävesi, Finland
New Valamo is an Orthodox monastery on Lake Joujarvi with a large cathedral and several buildings serving different functions. The complex includes residential quarters for monks, a cultural center, guest facilities, and areas where traditional crafts and production take place.
The monastery was founded in 1940 when about 190 monks evacuated from the original Valamo Monastery during the Winter War with the Soviet Union. Its main cathedral was built later in the 1970s and has defined the complex's appearance since then.
The monastery maintains Orthodox traditions through daily services and displays religious objects like icons in its collections. Visitors can observe this living religious community engaged in prayer and spiritual practice.
Visitors can stay in the monastery's guest house, join guided tours, and purchase beverages at the shop. The on-site restaurant offers meals, and it is worth checking opening times in advance.
The monastery operates a large distillery that produces traditional beverages using old recipes passed down through generations. This production represents a rare connection between monastic spirituality and practical craft.
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