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History and heritage of Karelia, Russia

Karelia is one of the most famous Russian territories in international tourism for its unique architectural, cultural and historical objects located on Kizhi, Valaam and Solovetskie islands, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Republic of Karelia has a lot of natural, architectural and historical sites on Kizhi and Valaam Islands, which arouse higher scientific and tourist interest. Architectural wooden monuments made Karelia world known. Kizhi Pogost is an outstanding work of Russian craftsmen. Nowadays Kizhi is not only an open-air museum of national architecture. All the authentic traditions, national handicrafts, customs and games are regenerated here.

The historical and cultural peculiarity of Karelia, which differs it from the other regions of Russia, is made by the cultural heritage of four indigenous populations of Karelians, Finns, Russians and Vepps. Living together for more than ten centuries they’ve created a unique and original culture.

Karelia is the place of birth of a famous Karelo-Finnish epos "Kalevala" - a literature monument of world significance. Here ancient Karelian and Vepps settlements, which are of great interest for the fans of ethnic tourism, are still kept protected.