Valaam Monastery
Description
The monastery, located on the Islands of the Valaam archipelago in Karelia.
Valaam - an island situated in lake Ladoga, a few hours on the water. Now there is an Orthodox monastery on the island. Once there was located the ancient temple, then came the Christians and founded a monastery. In the years of Soviet power there was a farom in the Holy land, the monastery was destroyed, the chapel was taken for the boards - they stoked the furnace, a shop was opened in the church building. Now the churches and monasteries of Valaam are actively restored.
Doors of monasteries and temples are open to everyone: both to pilgrims and ordinary tourists.
It is "not blessed" to walk, to wander alone the island because of all the visitors divided into groups and guided tours. For these purposes gaining guides (some quite far from the Church) to work on the island. There they live for several months.
Balaam is an auspicious place for centuries. There is some special atmosphere of goodness. But in addition to the amazing nature of Balaam. Rocky island, covered with taiga. The high Bank above the turbulent waters, the ancient (some say older than 300 years) trees. And lost among the wild nature of the skits. Skete — the Orthodox dwelling of the hermit, independent or structurally allocated in the monastery of the secluded dwelling.
To get to the monastery is possible by boat or air.
On the water - or full-day excursion to the Meteora, or a tour for a few days on the boat. There are tours exclusively for Balaam (3 days), there is Valaam-Kizhi (5 days).
http://vp.valaam.ru/?id=2993 - information about day trips on the meteor.
Tour to Valaam can be purchased in any turagenstva St. Petersburg. The cost greatly depends on the ship and class of cabin. Departure from the river station of St. Petersburg (V. M. Lomonosov).
By air - one-day and two-day excursions http://vp.valaam.ru/?id=2701
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