Valaam Island, Religious island in Lake Ladoga, Russia
Valaam is an archipelago in Lake Ladoga in northwestern Russia, made up of over 50 islands covered with pine forests and granite cliffs. The main island spans roughly 28 square kilometers and features many small bays and several inland bodies of water.
The monastery was founded in the 14th century and suffered several destructions by Swedish forces during the 17th century. The site changed hands between Russian and Finnish rule in the 20th century before becoming permanently Soviet after World War II.
The name Valaam likely comes from a Karelian word meaning high land, referring to the rocky hills rising from the water. Monks today use the grounds for worship and tending orchards, while visitors walk among chapels and view icon paintings inside the churches.
Boats sail from Saint Petersburg or from Sortavala during summer, with trips taking several hours across the lake. In winter, an ice road from Sortavala crosses the frozen lake when the ice is thick enough to support traffic.
Around 600 people live year-round on the island, including monks, craftsmen, and museum staff. There is a small school, a grocery shop, and a medical station serving the community.
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