Solovetsky Monastery

About this place

Solovetsky Monastery is a fortified monastery on the Solovetsky Islands in the White Sea in northern Russia, about 54 km from the mainland town of Kem in a straight line. It was one of the largest Christian citadels in the Russian north. The monk Zosima founded it in 1436, though the monks Herman and Savvatiy lived on the island before him and are counted as co-founders. It grew quickly in the 15th and 16th centuries into the economic centre of the region, and its most important buildings date from the 16th century. A massive wall of huge granite boulders with conical wooden-roofed towers rings the monastery, grey and white church domes rise inside, and it stands on the shore of the Holy Lake, which mirrors the walls. Grassland, lakes and forest surround it. Boats reach the island in summer from Kem or Belomorsk, and there are flights from Arkhangelsk. The season is short and the weather cold and changeable, so book accommodation early and bring warm clothes. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia, and non-Russian bank cards may not work, so read the current advice before you plan.