Kizhi museum, Historic wooden chapel in Kizhi Island, Russia
The Chapel of the Archangel Michael on Kizhi Island is a wooden structure featuring intricate carved details and the distinctive onion domes characteristic of Northern Russian religious architecture. The building displays the typical form and ornamentation of wooden churches from the Karelia region.
The structure was built in 1714 using construction methods that local craftspeople passed down through generations in the Karelia region. These traditions developed from the need to create durable wooden buildings in a harsh climate.
The chapel serves as a spiritual focal point for the Orthodox tradition and demonstrates how wooden structures in this region became centers of religious life. Visitors can observe how craftsmanship and faith are woven together throughout the building's design.
The building is easily accessible during warmer months, while winter visits require advance notice. Visitors should bring weather-appropriate clothing and be prepared for uneven ground around the wooden structures.
The building was constructed entirely without nails or metal fasteners, relying instead on wood-to-wood joinery that has kept it stable for over three centuries. This joining technique reveals the exceptional woodworking knowledge of local craftspeople.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
