Valaam Monastery

About this place

Valaam Monastery is an Orthodox monastery in Russian Karelia on Valaam, the largest island in Lake Ladoga, the biggest lake in Europe, about 37 km from the town of Sortavala in a straight line. Its founding date is uncertain, as documents do not mention it before the 16th century. One tradition credits two 10th-century monks, but historians today place the founding in the late 14th century, roughly between 1389 and 1393. The white cathedral with its tall bell tower and blue domes rises above green forest, framed by a square white block of monks' quarters, and gardens, orchards and small hermitages are scattered across the island among pines and rocky shores. Boats reach the island from Sortavala and elsewhere in summer and stop in winter when the lake freezes. It is a working monastery, so dress modestly, and plan at least a full day. 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.