Petrozavodsk  Petrozavodsk is the capital of Karelia. Petrozavodsk is one of the major industrial and cultural centres of the North-West of Russia and is the capital of the Republic of Karelia. Petropavlovsk is connected to the country and regions of the Republic by railroad, automobile, and air transportation. There are a railroad and the Murmansk-St. Petersburg-Moscow railroad going through the city. Petrozavodsk is a host of many significant international and Russian congresses, conferences, local and international exhibitions, and fairs. The main attraction for tourists is the world known Kizhi reserve located in 60km from Petrozavodsk. Tourist attractions of Petrozavodsk also include other places: the first Russian resort Martian Waters and its museum, the famous Kivach waterfall located in the territory of Kivach reserve, and the magnificent Dormitory Church (1774) in Kondopog.
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EXCURSION AROUND PETROZAVODSK
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Petrozavodsk. City tour
Embankment of the Onega lake – the second largest lake in Europe. Monument to Peter I – erected in 1873. Historical center of the city – the cannon-monument, installed in 1862 in the locality where the former Petrovsky cannon foundry used to be. Former Alexandrovsky plant built in 1772 – nowadays the Onega tractor plant. Theatre square, the cultural center of the city. Located in it are: the oldest building of the city – the Olonets gymnasium, built in 1789 – nowadays the Museum of Fine Arts, Russian Drama and Musical Theatre, built in 1955 (designed by S.Brodsky). Architectural ensemble of the 18th century in Round Square. Cathedral of the Deposition of the Cross (19th century). Scientific and educational centers: Karelian scientific center, National library, State University, Petrozavodsk Conservatory. |
Museum of local History and Culture
Exhibitions: "Pomor Ship" (material culture of the peoples of the White Sea); "Kalevala" (the runes gathered by Lönnrot in northern Karelia became the basis for a collection he later compiled); "Petroglyphs" (these area paintings tell their own story of how people lived thousands of years ago). |
Out-Door Museum on the Island of Kizhi
Churches, chapels, traditional Karelian houses and ancient articles have been collected from Karelian villages for this museum area on Kizhi Island. The 22-cupola Church of Transfiguration and the Church of Murom's Lazarus are the best known churches in Kizhi. Kizhi is a puzzling, unique entity and one of the 300 heritages classified by UNESCO. |
First Russian Spa "Martial Waters”
The route greatly favored by tourists, crosses spectacular land of woods and lakes, small Karelian villages with traditional wooden houses, agricultural farms, picturesque suburbs of Petrozavodsk and typical Karelian landscapes. Tsarevichi village is located in a very picturesque place on a narrow isthmus between two lakes, visiting houses of local people and the chapel of the 18th century. Sampo rock. Unforgettable scenery and acquaintance with the world-known Karelian-Finnish epos "Kalevala". The Martial Waters museum. The exhibition of the museum is concerned with the greatest events of Russian history during the first quarter of the 18th century. The "Martial Waters" spa with sources of the unique mineral water, rich in iron and effective to cure cardio-vascular diseases. One can taste mineral water and visit the Church of Apostle Peter, built in 1721. The tour gives a wonderful opportunity to see the life of the inhabitants of the north-western part of Russia, learn about their rich culture, customs and traditions. |
Kivach Nature Park
The State Nature Preserve of Kivach was organized in 1931. Its territory is approximately 10,000 hectares. A large part of the territory is occupied by forests (pine, fir, birch, aspen, grey and black alder, linden, elm trees). The gem of the preserve is the Kivach waterfall on the Suna river. The Kivach waterfall is the second largest flat waterfall in Europe (10.7 m). |
Karelian Folklore show “Kantele”
One of the oldest artistic groups in Russia, founded in 1936. Named after the ancient musical instrument kantele, which Finns and Karelians played for hundreds of years, and sang runes and danced to it. The show presents: traditional arts of Finns, Karelians, Vepses and Russians of the Zaonezhye region, diverse genres and styles of folk music for ancient Karelian instruments – five-string kantele and jouhikko. The program boasts hilarious dance and vocal numbers. Russian and foreign press reports on the group's shows especially emphasize the original form of the concerts, freshness of the repertoire, sincerity and modest scenic behaviour, characteristic of the Northern people. |
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