Staraya Ladoga, Medieval settlement in Leningrad Oblast, Russia
Staraya Ladoga is a village in Leningrad Oblast, Russia, located about 180 kilometers from Saint Petersburg. The settlement preserves a medieval fortress and several stone churches alongside traces of early occupation layers.
The village began in the 8th century as a trading post on the route connecting the Baltic Sea to the Volga. Rurik established his first seat of power here in the 9th century before moving on to Novgorod.
The Church of St George from the 12th century contains original medieval frescoes, including scenes depicting religious miracles and legends.
Access to the fortress and churches follows unpaved paths that can become slippery after rain. The site is open to walk around freely, and sturdy footwear helps when exploring the grounds.
Archaeologists discovered amulets with runic inscriptions and a wooden stick carrying skaldic poetry inside burial mounds. These finds show the connection between Scandinavian and Slavic culture during the Viking Age.
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