Why you should come to Petrozavodsk, Karelia...
If you are going to St. Petersburg, make a small detour to the city of Petrozavodsk (Peter the Great's cannon factory). It's the capital of the Republic of Karelia, the land of forrests, lakes and waterfalls which is just a one night non-expensive train ride from Moscow's Leningradsky railway station.
You must have heard of UNESCO's World Heritage List. So, according to it, the 2nd most important heritage of Russia (the 1st is a historic center of St. Petersburg, the 3rd is the Kremlin and the Red square) is the pogost of Kizhi which is located on one of the many islands in lake Onega near Petrozavodsk. Two 18th-century wooden churches, and an octagonal clock tower, also in wood and built in 1862, can be found there. These unusual constructions, in which carpenters created a bold visionary architecture, perpetuate an ancient model of parish space and are in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
KIZHI
The 4th most important Russian heritage (accoring to the UNESCO's WH
list) is again located in Karelia. It's a cultural and historic ensemble of the Solovetsky islands.
SOLOVKI
You are also welcome to visit the Valaam island and the Stauropological monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of the Savior on it.
VALAAM
How about the the highest plateau waterfall in Europe--Kivach, the oldest resort in Russia founded by Peter 1--"The Martial Waters", the largest cluster of 4th century BC petroglyphs in Europe (more than 3,000 images), the most southern pagan sanctuaries and labyrinths of the Saami people in Europe and so on so forth.
Besides the unique historical and natural sights, everybody will find something for themselves in Petrozavodsk. Petrozavodsk is a city with one of the highest levels of education in Russia. It's a home to 15 colleges and almost 20,000 students, i.e. every tenth Petrozavodskian is a student! And believe us it affects every aspect of everyday life of the city, especially the nightlife. It's not a very big city but a huge campus town with lots of student (sometimes "too off-the-wall") activities going on, but fun loving and young hearts will always appreciate and enjoy them. Moreover, it's a home of two Miss Russia and one Miss Europe! So, have a try, maybe you'll find your heart's desire or just a friend for a night there.
For tours in Karelia and cheap accomodation in Petrozavodsk, please contact Jigowatt Hostel (E-mail, +79602126656, Skype).
