Karelia, Olonets: attractions, what to see

The ancient buildings are what almost every ancient city in Russia is famous for. Olonets, whose attractions have become a bait for tourists from all over the country, is no exception. According to historians, this settlement was founded in the far 12th century, the first record about it in the annals dates back to 1137. So, what can travelers see who have visited Olonets?

Sights of Olonets: Museum of Karelians-Livvics

The Museum of Karelians-Livvics was founded on the basis of the regional specialist Prilukin, for whom the life of the Karelians-Livvics (the so-called Olonets Karelians) became a matter of life. It is this building that will tell the visitors of the city about the eventful history that Olonets is famous for. What attractions are worth visiting, but not this museum? The scientist was able to collect a huge number of ethnographic artifacts, thanks to which travelers will be able to learn interesting facts related to the culture of the ancient people.

What noteworthy exhibits are exhibited in the museum complex, which is famous for the city of Olonets, whose sights are considered in this article? For example, visitors will be able to admire the products, in the manufacture of which used a unique technique "immitit", see a collection of old-time New Year's toys. Also, people interested in Olonets weaving can take a short course of study directly on the territory of the museum.

The opening of the complex took place in 1959, it occupies a building formerly owned by merchant Kuttuev. It is known that the construction of the house was completed in 1872, he occupied the territory on which the chambers of the Olonets voivode were previously located.

City Park

The city park is a place you can not avoid visiting Olonets. The sights of this village can be listed endlessly, but only the park was awarded the title of a symbol of the city. It is known that its construction began about 150 years ago. In the park you can find the Catherine's school, which was erected in 1900.

This place is most remarkable for its unique vegetation. Visitors to the park will be able to see more than fifty species of trees and shrubs, some of which can not be found in other Karelian cities.

Temple of the Icon of the Mother of God

The ancient churches are what the city of Olonets deservedly famous for, whose sights attract curious tourists. In the heart of the village, travelers will be able to discover a small island in which the Cathedral of the Icon of the Mother of God is located. It was possible to establish that the construction of the temple was completed as far back as 1752, from the point of view of architectural style it belongs to such a direction as classicism. It is curious that even earlier on this territory the Church of the Odigitria was located.

Visit the cathedral guests of the city should already because in 1819 he hosted the emperor Alexander the First. It is known that the autocrat defended the service in this temple, offering prayers, and also donated a large sum for his restoration. The history of the cathedral was not easy, in 1917 it was closed for a long time. Then on its territory for some time the museum of local lore functioned. At the moment, the service is again being held in the temple.

Vazhaozersky Monastery

What other sights of Olonets are worthy of attention of the guests of this ancient settlement? Among the curious religious buildings located on the territory of the city, the Vazheozersky Monastery, built in the 16th century by the efforts of the monks Gennady and Nikifor, occupies a special place. Legend has it that the ministers of the church dreamed of seclusion, which they found in the walls of the monastery.

The history of the ancient church is full of events, including bloody ones. Despite the protection of the deaf Karelian forests, in the Time of Troubles it was discovered by the Poles, as a result of which the monastery had to be rebuilt. In 1917, the temple, like many other religious buildings, was closed. For some time its territory served as a camp, where prisoners of war were kept, and the church managed to visit a psychiatric hospital. At the moment, the Vazheozersky Monastery is again open to the suffering, wishing to worship shrines.

Assumption Cathedral

Listing the attractions of Olonets, you can not ignore the church, built by order of the very Catherine the First. The Empress was often visited in this city with Peter the Great, she kept about him the most pleasant memories.

It is curious that this church never stopped its work, no matter what year it was in the yard. The church owes much to Natalia Lobskaya and other parishioners who did not allow him to stop his work in the sixties. It is interesting that after the battle for the church was won, Natalia became a nun.

Frol and Laurus Cathedral

What other attractions of Olonets (Karelia) deserve attention? Guests of the city must certainly see the Church of Frol and Laurus, which is famous throughout the world as a monument of Novgorod architecture. The exact date of its erection has not been established, it is known only that it happened in the 17th century. The reason for the construction of the temple was the infamous battle with the Lithuanians, which claimed thousands of lives.

Other sights of Olonets, the description of which is offered in this article, can hardly compete from the point of view of historical value with this temple. The fact is that the cathedral is the oldest wooden building, preserved on the lands of Karelia. He is also interested in the tyblan iconostasis, which was often found in churches built before the 14th century.