Valaam pilgrim official. Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam Monastery. How Valaam lives

- a great option for people who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the world in body and soul, for those who want to be alone with themselves a little, understand their faith and think about eternal salvation. After trips to holy places, pilgrims will forever have a feeling of unity with God that they experienced there, the opportunity for sincere repentance and cleansing from all sins, the opportunity to get acquainted with the prayerful feat of the monks and the knowledge of the uniqueness of northern nature. If you also decided to touch with your soul the Shrines of the Russian people, then we recommend that you visit the Valaam Monastery.

In general, Valaam is the largest island of the Valaam archipelago, located in the northwestern part of Russia, more precisely in Lake Ladoga. There are places in the world where, having visited once, you want to return again and again, and of course, one of such places is the island of Valaam, which since ancient times was called “Wonderful”, because there is something that you will not see anywhere else. This island occupies most of the area of ​​the archipelago. The name "Valaam" comes from the Finnish word - "Valamaa", that is, "High, mountainous land", which can really describe its location: the island stands on a hill, surrounded by mountains. But there is another version - a religious one, that the island is named after the biblical prophet Balaam. Although some argue that everything went from pagan times, when sacrifices were made to the pagan god Veles on this land, and the place was called - "Land of Veles".

In ancient times, the island of Valaam was inhabited by Finnish tribes, but when the monastery itself arose is not known for certain - versions differ. According to one of the legends, the Valaam Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior was erected here in the first century AD, on the site that was illuminated by the heavenly patron of Russia - the Apostle Andrew the First-Called. According to another version, the monastery arose in the tenth century, in the era of the Baptism of Rus': it was founded by the monks Sergius and Herman, who were later canonized. This version is more plausible, because it is known for certain that in 1163, the monks of the monastery transported the relics of St. Sergius and Herman to the city of Veliky Novgorod, but already in 1179 the relics were again returned to the Valaam Monastery, where they were buried on top of a rock to hide the remains saints, from desecration by the Swedes, who often attacked these territories because of the proximity of the Swedish border. Such attacks on Valaam happened more than once, for example, the most famous happened in 1240, but, fortunately, he was stopped by the famous commander Alexander Nevsky with his army, he did not allow the looting of the holy monastery. But there is a third version of the appearance of the monastery, which tells about its foundation in the twelfth century by the Monk Ephraim of Perekom, which can be read in the "Tale of the Valaam Monastery", which was written in the sixteenth century.

On your pilgrimage tour to the island of Valaam, you will learn that from the very moment the monastery was founded, its history has always been inextricably linked with Sweden, although this has always brought only trouble: the monastery was attacked more than once, it was especially difficult in the Middle Ages, for example, during attack in 1578, thirty-four monks were killed here. But, fortunately, this long confrontation ended in 1595, after the signing of peace with. But the joy did not last long: in 1611, the Swedes again treacherously attacked Rus' and burned the monastery, while almost all the monks died. The next attack on the island took place in 1617. They tried to restore the monastery, but during the next attack they destroyed it again. And only Emperor Peter the Great, who came to power, was able to change the political situation. Already in 1715, the "Decree on the revival of the Valaam Monastery" was signed, and the wooden Spaso-Preobrazhensky Church, with outbuildings, was immediately erected. Throughout the eighteenth century, construction continued: other temples appeared here. But buildings made of wood were not eternal, they were influenced by various natural factors, therefore, since 1811, construction on the territory of Valaam was carried out strictly from stone. The heyday of the holy Valaam monastery came in the nineteenth century, under the talented and economic rector - Abbot of Damascus, in the world - Damian Kononov, who for forty-two years unceasingly took care of increasing the monastery economy.

The twentieth century brought a lot of trials to the Valaam Monastery: in 1917, immediately after the October Revolution, the lands of the monastery were divided and the monastery ended up in Finland, a country where the main religion is Lutheranism. In 1925, the monks even had to conduct rituals and services in Finnish. But, “Everything that God does not do, everything is for the better,” it was precisely belonging to another state that averted the cruel repressions of the thirties from its ministers - a difficult time when not only churches, but also clergy were destroyed in Russia. True, at the end of the thirties, relations between Finland and the Soviet Union began to decline sharply, and the territory of Karelia, together with the island of Valaam, again went to our country. Already in 1940, a boatswain school was opened here, and when the Great Patriotic War began, a fierce confrontation between Finnish and Soviet troops was going on on Valaam. When the Soviet troops won, the monastery gradually began to return to life, which took many decades, because the authorities constantly placed various public organizations at the monastery: in 1949 - a state farm, from 1952 to 1982 - a boarding school for war invalids. In the meantime, the monastery buildings began to collapse or were purposefully destroyed. On the island of Valaam, a nature reserve, a museum-reserve, and an organ music hall were arranged, but these ventures did not work out. And only since 1989, the real return of the monastery to its original activity began, when the authorities of Karelia transferred the monastery and several sketes to the Leningrad diocese: they began to restore buildings here, resumed monastic services, and restored the economy.

In recent years, more and more Russians and foreigners come on pilgrimage tours to the holy island of Valaam, not only to see its vaunted natural beauties, but also to get closer to monastic life. Fortunately, getting to Valaam is not a problem. In addition, when organizing his pilgrimage tour, the pilgrim can also plan a visit to other famous northern monasteries of Russia, for example, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Solovetsky Monastery, the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery, the Vvedeno-Oyatsky Women’s Monastery, the Bogorodichno-Uspensky Big Tikhvin Monastery, visiting in the Kazan church in the village of Vyritsy, where the holy relics of St. Seraphim of Vyritsky rest, and they can only be content with visiting the island of Valaam.

According to its administrative structure, Valaam belongs to the city of Sortavala, but in fact, it is a separate independent unit. In addition to the monastery, Valaam has a military unit and a weather station. Despite the constant conduct of excursions here, it is forbidden to take photographs. You can take pictures only on the territory of the following sketes: Nikolsky, Bely, Yellow (Gethsemane), Red (Voskresensky), Predtechensky.

The construction and restoration of the monastery continues to this day. In 2002, a significant event happened here: Archimandrite Ephraim arrived on the island of Valaam from the Athos monastery Vatopedi, who presented an invaluable gift - a list from the miraculous icon "Pantanassa" - "The Tsaritsa", which was consecrated on Athos. The Valaam Monastery accepted this gift with gratitude, the fact is that all the shrines that previously belonged to it were taken out of the monastery or lost as a result of wars and raids, so the monks accept any gift with deep gratitude and carefully store it. In the same year, 2002, in the inner square, in the premises of the former St. Nicholas Church, the first church of the Valaam Icon of the Mother of God was arranged, and celebrations in honor of the miraculous icon are held on the island of Valaam, every year on the fourteenth of July. Today it is the main shrine of the Valaam Monastery. In 2005, restoration work was completed to restore the main cathedral of the monastery, in August of the same year, it was consecrated by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Alexy II. To date, eleven of the thirteen sketes that previously existed here have been restored. And yet, the Valaam Monastery has several farmsteads: two - in St. Petersburg, one - in Moscow, two - in Priozersk and Sortavala.

When pilgrims are brought to this island, ships anchor in the wide Bolshaya Nikonovskaya Bay, closer to the monastery, cruise ships will not pass in size and draft, therefore, here tourists change to small local ships, or walk a beautiful, but very long and tiring road. Those who come from Sortavala go straight to the Monastery Bay. When approaching the island of Valaam, already from the ship, you see the central monastery estate, the Transfiguration Cathedral. The main building of the island is the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, the building of which is already one hundred and twenty years old, and it is distinguished by its unusual architecture. Around the monastery are various religious buildings. From the water it is best to look at their bell towers and domes. Right at the pier, pilgrims are met by a beautiful chapel, built in 1896, consecrated in the name of the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow”. It is built of bricks, which were produced at the monastery's own brick factory. The chapel stands on a granite pedestal, it is decorated with granite columns of polished dark red stone and black diabase. In 1985, it was re-restored, its dome was again gilded and the ball and cross installed on it. And opposite the chapel of All Who Sorrow, there is a white brick chapel of the Annunciation, built at the end of the eighteenth century - the oldest building in Valaam. Its restoration took place in 1988. Nearby are the stables and the monastery garden, surrounded by a hedge - an ash alley, as well as a monastery garden. A garden stretches along the shore, with a pond, from which water was previously taken for watering plants. From the pier to the central monastery estate, you will walk along an alley of larch trees that are over a hundred years old.

Pilgrims are accommodated in the hotel area, to which, right from the pier, a staircase leads, next to which there is a black stele, with the names of kings and members of their families engraved on it, who visited this monastery at different times. Nearby stands a marble chapel, built in 1862, consecrated in the name of the Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign". It was erected after the visit of Emperor Alexander II here, on the site of an older and more modest chapel. This event is reported on a gilded medallion mounted on the western facade. From this chapel you can go to the three-story Winter Hotel, along a beautiful thuja alley. It is located in a picturesque place, among a grove with various types of trees. Nearby you will see a candle shop. Right next to the central estate there is a monastery cemetery, surrounded by a fence, with towers in the corners, which are crowned with trumpeting angels. The church of the Reverend Fathers was built near the cemetery, with another one - the Igumensky cemetery for the burial of the monastery fathers-priests. Father Damaskin, whom we talked about above, also rests here.

Today, Orthodox believers honor the island of Valaam as an unbending source of faith, revived despite the hardships that haunted it. That is why, every year thousands of pilgrims and tourists come here to see this miracle.

Valaam Island on Ladoga is an unusual place full of religious humility and universal harmony. Pilgrimage trips in this direction are made regularly. And among the many shrines visited by believers, one of the central places is occupied by the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam Monastery. The amazing rare beauty of nature, the silence and remoteness from the bustle of the world leave an unforgettable impression on all visitors to this holy place.

The history of the founding of the monastery

In the northern part of Lake Ladoga (Karelia) there is an archipelago with about 50 islands, the area of ​​which is approximately 36 sq. km. km. The largest of them is the majestic island of Valaam. The nature of this area has an amazing and unique beauty that amaze all visitors to the island. But not only she attracts to this wonderful place. The indescribable sanctity of this place is the main incentive for tourists wishing to visit the monastery.

Historians are most inclined to date - 1329, suggesting that it was in this year that the holy monastery was organized. The Valaam Monastery was repeatedly subjected to fires and devastation, as a result of which the annals were lost, reflecting historical data on the organization of monastic life in this place.

As a result, today there are three versions of the origin of the Valaam Monastery, associated with the appearance on the island of two monks: Saints Sergius and Herman of Valaam, who spread the Orthodox faith here and laid the foundation for monasticism.

According to the monastic tradition reflected in the texts of liturgical books, in the 10th century two Greek monks (Sergius and Herman) came to this island with the missionary goal of enlightening pagan Rus'.

Having settled on the island, they founded a monastery and established the faith of Christ in these parts. Another version suggests that Sergius was a student of Andrew the First-Called, who visited and blessed these holy places in the 1st century, foreseeing the development of Christianity here.

Sergius of Valaam and his disciple Herman labored on Valaam, laying fertile ground here for the spread of Christianity. According to the Sophia Scroll as a written historical source, the first monks settled on the island in the 14th century, wishing to renounce the worldly bustle and perform a Christian feat in this place.

The Reverend Fathers - Sergius and Herman, the Wonderworkers of Valaam, came to this land, laying the foundation for the Transfiguration Monastery on the island of Valaam. The monks contributed to the establishment of Orthodoxy in the Karelian land, defending the true religion from the militant and cruel influence of the Swedish Catholics. The monks Sergius and Herman in 1329 founded the Spaso-Preobrazhensky monastery with a hostel on the island, which initially became crowded thanks to the spiritual strength and wisdom of its founders.

The greatest glory came to the monastery only in the XV-XVI centuries. During this period, there were up to 600 inhabitants. The monks of the Valaam Monastery worked diligently and accomplished a feat of prayer within the walls of sketes and cells. Thus, the monastery gradually gained worldwide fame, attracting many believing pilgrims.

The monastery was located directly on the border of Russia with Sweden, because of which it was repeatedly ruined and raided. Due to regular attacks, many monks were martyred by militant Gentiles, while other monks fled without offering armed resistance. At the beginning of the 17th century, the monastery was completely ruined and destroyed, and the lands of the archipelago were taken over by Sweden.

Only after 100 years, as a result of the Great Northern War of Peter I, Valaam returns to its native harbor again. In 1715, the emperor issued a decree on the restoration of the monastery and the construction of the Transfiguration Cathedral.

The Valaam Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery reached its peak in the 19th century. It was during this period that many architectural monuments that have survived to this day were built.

In 1839, Abbot Damaskin became the head of the monastery, having been in this position for 42 years. He contributed to the improvement of construction on the island, involving only professional architects in the work. In the same century, thanks to the disciples of Paisius Velichkovsky, the ancient tradition of eldership was revived, intended for spiritual help and guidance for novice monks.

Many pilgrims, seeking advice, prayer and blessings from holy people, came to the monastery from afar. Often, noble persons visited monastic shrines and temples. Members of the imperial family regularly came to the island, hoping to take a break from the bustle of the world. Many famous poets, composers, scientists, writers and artists also aspired to visit Valaam.

From 1811 to 1917 the Valaam archipelago was part of the Russian Empire, the Grand Duchy of Finland. Due to the fact that after the October Revolution, Valaam became part of the independent state of Finland, the church buildings were not subjected to mass extermination from the Soviet authorities, so the historical buildings were preserved.

As a result of the Soviet-Finnish war, the islands came under the control of the Soviet Union. Fleeing from political and ideological persecution, the monks were forced to leave the monastery, moving to Finland. Here, in a new place, they founded the New Valaam Monastery, preserving the established traditions. The empty buildings of the former Valaam monastery were used by the Soviet authorities for civilian purposes.

From 1950 to 1984, the Valaam House for the Invalids of the Great Patriotic War was located in the former monastery buildings.

In 1989, on the eve of the feast of St. Andrew the First-Called, monastic life was revived on Valaam.

In 1991, the monastery received the status of stauropegial. Pankraty (Zherdev), Bishop of Trinity, was appointed abbot of the monastery.

Today, the Valaam Monastery has about 160 brethren, and skete life is also being revived - 10 sketes were restored in a short period.

In 2008, a new, St. Vladimir Skete was built, in which the Patriarchal residence, a museum and an icon-painting workshop are located.

Shrines of Valaam

Many Orthodox Christians tend to visit the Valaam Monastery, this northern spiritual corner of Russia, in order to touch the shrines and see the beauty of the original nature.

One of the most visited places on Valaam is the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. The construction of the cathedral began in 1887, and the consecration took place only in 1896. Under Soviet rule, the building was partially devoid of some architectural solutions. The lower floor of the cathedral was consecrated in honor of Sergius and Herman of Valaam, and the upper one in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

Believing Orthodox pilgrims strive to venerate the relics of the founders of the monastery - the holy venerable fathers Sergius and Herman of Valaam. Cancer with a shrine is located in the Transfiguration Cathedral.

One of the most revered shrines of the monastery is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God (Valaam), painted by the monk Alipiy in 1878. Another miraculous icon of the monastery is the icon of the holy righteous Anna, the foremother of Christ, which is a copy from the Athos original and has the miraculous property of healing from infertility.

Choir of the brethren of the Valaam Monastery

With the blessing of Vladyka Pankraty, Bishop of Trinity, a festive concert choir of the Valaam monastery was organized. Choir director and leader Alexei Zhukov is an Honored Artist of the Republic of Karelia. The soloists of this group, certified conductors and vocalists, demonstrate high professional performance skills. Every year this choir participates in the Patriarchal services of the Valaam Monastery, and is a laureate of many choral competitions in Russia and abroad.

In addition to the concert composition, there is a choir of the brethren of the Valaam Monastery, which is a traditional performer of various znamenny chants. The choir, under the direction of Hierodeacon German (Ryabtsev), participates in divine services, and also conducts concert activities, providing numerous recordings of unison or polyphonic works of ancient Russian creativity. This vocal group is distinguished by a peculiar manner of performance - a clean, well-balanced system, an excellent ensemble, deep penetration and sincerity.

The choir's repertoire includes many different church liturgical hymns, both in znamenny chant and author's works. The Valaam Monastery actively cooperates with the Department of Old Russian Singing of the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Teachers provide great assistance in the study of the ancient Znamenny singing of Rus'.

Pilgrimage tours to Valaam

The pilgrimage service of the Valaam Monastery organizes one-day and multi-day trips to the island with accommodation and hotel accommodation. Orthodox Christians, making a pilgrimage, can participate in the daily circle of monastic services and venerate Christian shrines. Sightseeing walks around the island are also offered to acquaint tourists with the nature, history, architecture and shrines of Valaam.

The Valaam Monastery is known for its educational activities. In 2000, with the blessing of the abbot, a studio recording of all the psalms of King David was made. The reading of the Psalter lasts over five hours and is punctuated by choral performances of some prayers. The Psalter of the Valaam Monastery is very popular not only among Orthodox Christians, but also among everyone who is interested in the church tradition of liturgical reading.

The monastery courtyard is a community of the monastery, it can be located in any city of the patriarchy, while it is under the jurisdiction of the monastery and is subordinate to its ruling Bishop. Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam Monastery has 4 farmsteads:

- The courtyard of the Valaam Monastery, located in St. Petersburg, is located at the address: Narvsky pr., 1 / Staro-Peterhof pr. 29.

- Valaam Monastery - Moscow: the address of the courtyard - st. 2nd Tverskaya-Yamskaya, 52.

- In the city of Priozersk, the courtyard is located at the address: st. Pushkin, house 17.

- In the Republic of Karelia, the courtyard is located in the Sortavalsky district, the village of Krasnaya Gorka, St. Nicholas Church.

The most convenient way to get to Valaam from St. Petersburg is through Priozersk. The plane arrives at Pulkovo airport. From the airport by bus you need to get to the station. metro station Moskovskaya. Then by metro - to the Finland Station (the metro station is called "Lenin Square - Finland Station" Kirovsko-Vyborgskaya metro line or line No. 1, highlighted in red on the diagram). The transfer must be done at st. Metro "Technological Institute" To transfer, you need to go to the other side of the metro platform.

The train from Moscow arrives in St. Petersburg at the Moscow railway station, combined with the metro station "Ploshchad Vosstaniya". From sq. Uprising by metro, you need to get to the Finland Station (the metro station is called "Lenin Square - Finland Station" Kirovsko-Vyborgskaya metro line or line No. 1, highlighted in red on the diagram). Two metro stops without transfers. This station has two exits. You need to get out of the metro to Finland Station, and not to Botkinskaya Street.

From the Finlyandsky railway station, take the train to the city of Priozersk. Two electric trains are suitable for this: one goes to Priozersk, the other to Kuznechny. The second train makes a stop in Priozersk and follows further. It is important not to pass the desired station. Travel time is about 3 hours.

You can get to Priozersk by bus. To do this, you also need to take the metro to the metro station. "Devyatkino" (terminal station on the Kirovsko-Vyborgskaya line (line No. 1), on the diagram - at the top right). Through the underpass, go to the Severny bus station (there are signs in the underpass) and take bus number 859, going to Priozersk. Travel time - 2.5 - 3 hours. Baggage is paid separately. Buses run more frequently than trains. Approximately every 40 minutes. From st.m. You can leave Devyatkino on the same electric trains as from the Finland Station. This metro station is combined with the railway platform of the same name. It is better to check the bus schedule by phone: (812) 635-81-58. .

From the station in Priozersk (it is combined - a railway and bus station) you need to take a taxi to the pier of the Valaam Monastery. Taxis stand in the same place on the square near the railway station. The cost of a taxi is about 200 rubles.

Or walk along Lenina Avenue to the end of the avenue, then turn right, go to the square in front of the plant, go under the pipeline to the bay, cross the bay along the pontoon bridge and then go left along the fences to the pier. The walk from the bus station to the pier takes about an hour.

If necessary, you can spend the night on the pier. The amount of the donation for staying at the hotel on the pier is about 300 rubles. There is also a meal on the pier.

The motor ship Valaam departs from the pier in Priozersk usually around 9-30 in the morning, and the meteor - around 11-00. Landing on them is possible only if there are empty seats. Communication on commercial ships is valid only in the summer. To board a commercial ship, you need to contact the captain of the ship.

The motor ship and meteors arrive on the island in Monastyrskaya Bay.

Upon arrival on the island, you need to go to the hotel service office to check into a hotel. After getting off the ship to the pier, go a little forward, go out onto the road that runs along the pier, turn left, go up the stone stairs (high), then go straight, go through the first arch and immediately go to the first door to the left. Next to the door is a green sign - "Hotel Service Office".

For all questions about organized tourist trips, you should contact it there. Service site http://vp.valaam.ru/. The desire to stay on the island for more than one day must also be coordinated with the pilgrimage service.

The most common way to get to Valaam is a tourist trip on a boat from St. Petersburg. This method is the most expensive of all existing, but at the same time the most comfortable and simple. The cost varies, the specific amount can be found on the website of the pilgrimage service or when ordering an excursion to Valaam. The prices include meals, a trip on a boat, where you will be allocated a separate cabin, as well as an excursion and entertainment program.

There are also cheaper tours that do not provide accommodation in cabins and meals on board the ship. In most cases, the ship travels to, you spend the day on the island, and return back the next night. The cruise route to Valaam can be combined with visiting other places: the island of Kanevets, Svirstroy, on which Alexander-Svirsky is located, are sometimes included in the excursion program and others. Specify details when ordering a tour.

From St. Petersburg you can get to Valaam "Meteor". An organized trip includes an early morning departure, a stay on the island (approximately 8 hours) and a return trip. The one-way trip takes only 4 hours, but the conditions on the Meteor are not so comfortable. In addition, this is a rather noisy way of moving on water, so many people prefer a boat.

You can get not from St. Petersburg itself, but from the cities of the Leningrad region, located closer to Valaam, for example, from Priozersk. "Meteor" also goes from there, the journey takes about an hour.

Sources:

• Valaam pilgrim
• meteor on valam

The Valaam archipelago, located in the northern part of Ladoga Island, is more than 20 km away from the mainland and unites more than 50 islands. The largest of the islands of the archipelago is Valaam Island. The surrounding nature alone is enough to turn Valaam into a place of pilgrimage for thousands and thousands of tourists.

Instruction

One of the most comfortable and, as a result, the most expensive ways is a tourist cruise on a ship. The ship departs from St. Petersburg with the arrival directly on the island of Valaam. Additionally, you will need to take care of getting from Moscow to St. Petersburg, which in general is not a problem - you have at your disposal express trains, regular trains, bus routes departing from Moscow to St. Petersburg and back several times a day.

A boat trip usually takes a night on the way, a day on the island and another night on the way in the opposite direction. The fare includes accommodation in a cabin, meals, a number of excursion routes on the island and recreational activities on the ship.

A faster and more economical option is to travel on a water boat (as a light single-deck boat is called) in 1 day. Departure will be, as in the previous case, from St. Petersburg, here on the way you will spend 4 hours in each direction, and about 8 hours of free time will be left to get to know the island. The disadvantage of this trip option is the noise of the boat, which is very tiring for a four-hour voyage.

Another option for tourists to come to Valaam is especially popular in the spring and autumn, when standard trips from St. Petersburg have already been discontinued. In May, or you can get to Valaam from the city of Sortavala, where, for example, the Oktyabrskaya railway leads from Moscow. From St. Petersburg - No. 350 departs on odd numbers from the Ladonezhsky railway station. The electric train from the northern capital goes to the village of Kuznechnoye, then to the city of Sortavala. Departure daily from the Finland Station at 16.32.

It is also possible to get to Sartovaly from Moscow or St. Petersburg by intercity bus or car, but such a journey is tiring due to the length (between St. Petersburg and the city is about 300 km), besides, the car will have to be left in the city for the entire duration of the walk along Valaam. In fairness, it must be said that there is a guarded and quite large parking lot near the pier.

From the city pier to the island can be reached by regular boat on Mondays and Fridays at 16.00 or 17.00. Travel time 2.5 hours. You can use the local sightseeing boat "Meteor", it runs almost every day, but without a clear schedule. Travel time 1 hour. Estimated cost is 700 rubles.

In Sortavala, you can also use the services of the yacht club, which is located near the well-known Piipun-Piha hotel in the city. Vessels depart from the city pier every two hours to Valaam, there are also small carriers, most of which work either through numerous agencies or independently, without, however, providing tourists with special guarantees of safety on the water.

A trip to "Northern Athos" can also be made from the city of Priozersk, Leningrad Region, which can be reached by train from the Finland Station - direction to Kuznechnoye - from the Devyatkino station or from the Severny bus station, Devyatkino metro station by bus number 859 .

You can get from Priozersk to Valaam only by water from the Valaam pier and only during the navigation season, which begins in May and ends in October. The cargo ship "Saint Nicholas" makes trips until the end of November, but officially does not take passengers.

The monastic republic also has a specialized pilgrimage service, which also organizes trips to the island. For example, you can fly to the monastery monastery with their help by helicopter. A one-day such tour will cost about three hundred thousand rubles, a two-day one - 450,000.

Sources:

• valam how to get

In the fresh waters of Lake Ladoga there is a rocky archipelago, consisting of a large group of granite and diabase islands. Unique in its beauty, the Valaam archipelago is considered to be the main attraction of Karelia.

Valaam - the harmony of nature and architecture

The Valaam archipelago is also called "Northern Athos". It represents a monastic empire, with a way of life, law, hierarchy preserved from ancient times. The landscape architecture of the island is in harmony with the pristine nature.

Among the sights of Valaam, which tourists should definitely visit, is the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, where the beauty of Russian architecture is presented in an unusual combination of color and architecture. The top, the color of heavenly blue, harmoniously combines with the red bottom. A three-tiered bell tower completes the whole architectural composition.

Cells-sketes were spread all over the island, where hermit monks retired from the bustle of the world:
- All Saints (White) Skete. Located on Skitsky Island. It looks like a snow-white fortress with pointed towers;
- Ilyinsky. Made in the Russian style, reminiscent of a rustic frame;
- Nicholas the Wonderworker;
- John the Baptist;
- Konevsky;
- Abraham of Rostov. Restoration work is currently underway;
- Complex "Northern Jerusalem". Includes buildings of the Resurrection (Red) and Gethsemane (Yellow) sketes;
- Smolensky;
- St. Vladimir.

Znamenskaya (Royal) Chapel
The roof of the marble chapel is decorated with a medallion with a commemorative inscription stating that Emperor Alexander ΙΙ visited Valaam in 1858. On the left side of the road are the Spassky Gates leading to the internal buildings of the monastery.

Those wishing to make an additional excursion can visit the Igumen cemetery. You can go down to it by passing under the arched bell tower.

Mannerheim line
Those who are fond of military history can see the preserved fortifications, which are a whole complex.

Ascension Chapel
There is a lake south of the Gethsemane Skete. The right bank of Malaya Nikonovskaya Bay is decorated with a granite bow cross. At the very top, the Ascension Chapel with 5 chapters was erected.

The forest path will lead to the Konevsky lakes - Igumenskoye, Ossievo, Mustojarvi. On the monastery farm, located on the shore of about. Sisjarvi, tourists are offered treats here.

It is possible to make a water excursion along the river. Ladoga around the island.

Memo to the tourist

On the monastery territory, women must be in a skirt.

Only men are allowed in the White Skete (All Saints), the exception is the feast of All Saints.

It is forbidden to drink alcohol, smoking.

The cleanest air, the beauty of pristine nature, architecture will not leave anyone indifferent. Impressions from visiting Valaam will remain for a long time.

Valaam archipelago

Pilgrimage tour to Valaam is an opportunity not just to admire the beauties of the Valaam archipelago. It is also an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle, warm your soul, calm down, believe and hear the answers to your questions.

A beautiful island immersed in the forest is washed by picturesque bays, lakes and rivers. It's like in a fairy tale here! Blocks of granite, overgrown with moss, tall fir trees, forest glades bathed in the sun, the smell of flowers, thyme, fresh milk and honey. The fuss of a city dweller is taken away as if by hand, and at some point you realize that your entire inner state is filled with unusual peace and serenity.

Central estate of the Valaam Monastery

The entire Valaam archipelago consists of about 50 islands. The largest island occupies two thirds of the total area, and it is on it that the Central Estate is located. There is a village of the same name on the island, it is inhabited by laity, but the main attraction is a monument of Russian architecture, the male Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior, the main building of which can be seen from afar.

Hermitages are located all over the island - a special history of Valaam. The skete is like a secluded abode. Monks live in sketes, who have left not only worldly, but also monastic ways.

Typical Valaam monastic skete

How many of them there were before, even the monks will not say. To date, ten out of thirteen sketes have been restored. By the anniversary of the Baptism of Rus' in 2008, a new St. Vladimir was built.

In some sketes, lay pilgrims and tourists are welcomed with pleasure; in others, entry is strictly prohibited. Some sketes, where visitors can enter, can be reached by transport, others only on foot, and others only by water.

Not only believing pilgrims are interested in Valaam. This island is literally full of tourists.

You can get to Vallam only by water transport on Lake Ladoga

How to get to Valaam

Wherever you start your journey to the island, whether it's a pilgrimage tour to Valaam or a tourist trip, you can get here only along Ladoga. In May-November, as soon as navigation opens, Valaam starts receiving visitors. This is enshrined in the Charter of the monastery.

Pilgrims and tourists on the pier of Lake Ladoga

The pier is bustling and crowded. Trade is in full swing along the coast - there are souvenirs, and fragrant bags with juniper, herbs. You can enjoy smoked or dried fish, drink coffee with homemade cream, in general, life is in full swing. Locals offer private motorboat excursions to nearby islands.

You can book a trip on a cruise ship (form below).

Such a trip for 3 days will cost you about 10,300 rubles. Therefore, it will be cheaper to get along Ladoga from the pier of Lake Ladoga in Priozersk. How to do it - . You can get to Priozersk by train from the Finland Station in St. Petersburg.

Just click the "Find Cruise" button.
Do not select departure and return dates in this form. Do this when the search results page opens, on which first select "Lake Ladoga", duration up to 4 nights, and then select the St. Petersburg - Valaam - St. Petersburg cruise on the right.

Book a hotel on Valaam

Just click the "Find" button.
Before that, you can choose the dates of arrival and departure. Remember that a trip to Valaam is available only from May to November.

How Valaam lives

The monastery complex itself is located on Mount Tabor. Gardens grow on the slopes of the mountain. Around the temple there are cells in which the monks live. There are refectories next to the temple. Monks, novices, laborers eat in one of them. In another, pilgrims and tourists are treated.

Once a day, the monks distribute monastic bread for free. There is a post office, a pilgrimage service where you can book a ticket for a boat. Very close to the complex was a hotel for tourists. In 2016, it burned down, so now, while it is being restored, tourists live in the cabins of the ship moored at the pier.

View of one of the islands of the Valaam archipelago

A staircase leads from the pier to the monastery, and paths and alleys leading to outbuildings and sketes are laid in all directions from the monastery. Bridges are laid across canals and bays.

Pilgrimage tours to Valaam, like tourist tours, are best done in the warm season. In the off-season, you can’t get there at all, because at such a time you can’t cross Ladoga by boat or drive on wheels.

This feature of the geographical location forced the monks to organize a strong economy, capable of functioning completely autonomously.

Valaam Monastery in spring

The monastery has its own fleet of 7 ships. There is also a bakery, a dairy farm, a car park. The trout farm is well organized. More than 50 tons of fish are caught annually. Many industriously cultivated gardens. They can be observed directly from the territory of the monastery.

An hour walk to the dairy farm. Here you will be treated with fresh milk, cottage cheese and cheese. The cheese is prepared according to Italian technologies, but the special pride of the monks is Monastiko hard cheese, the monks invented it themselves.

Pier of the monastery on Ladoga

History of the Valaam Monastery

There are opinions that the history of this monastery begins in 960, but some historians believe that the Valaam Monastery was built when the island already belonged to Novgorod. And this is the end of the 13th - the beginning of the 14th centuries.

According to church tradition, the Valaam Monastery was founded by Saints Sergius and Herman, Greek priests who came to Veliky Novgorod along with other Orthodox missionaries.

Now their relics rest in the lower church of the main cathedral. Miraculous icons and relics of other miraculous elders are also kept there.

The Valaam Monastery in its history has repeatedly acted as a fortress, subjected to raids by the Swedes. It was burned several times and completely destroyed. But Balaam was reborn again and became better and better.

And now all the sights of this amazing complex cannot be bypassed at once. Chapels, churches, memorial crosses - and all this against the backdrop of amazingly beautiful nature. Everything you see you want to contemplate, absorb, and enjoy, without haste and fuss.

Of course, the main attraction is the monastery complex itself. Inside the main temple there are no usual paintings, gilding and crystal, no pomposity. Its walls are simply painted white and carved wood is everywhere. Candles crackle in the twilight against the background of monastic chants.

The main temple of the monastery. The modest interior of the temple

Valaam is visited by thousands of pilgrims, just tourists, foreigners also come. Such trips are organized by travel agencies, pilgrimage services. You can also drive on your own.

Pilgrimage tours to Valaam can become not just contemplation of the shrine. Laymen who wish have the opportunity to live at the monastery, to work unselfishly for its good. One or two weeks, to choose from, a person is given the opportunity to retire, think, work on obedience.

Pilgrimage tour to Valaam- the most economical option than a tourist one. In addition, pilgrims have, although small, but still privileges over tourists. The hotels of the island are intended mainly for pilgrims, and tourists are accommodated on a boat. However, you can also live in tents.

Tourist parking on the island

The island is equipped with 6 tourist camps, fire pits are organized and there is always a supply of firewood. But hot summers do not happen often on the island, and even in such summers the air temperature does not exceed 20 degrees, and a storm on Ladoga is not uncommon.

It's worth coming. This is a different world, it beckons and fascinates. The land of Valaam fills anyone with energy and gives the soul the opportunity to rest.

Video. Spaso-Transfiguration Valaam Monastery

Map of the Valaam Monastery

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My wife and I, through the Arina travel agency (the official dealer of the Valaam Pilgrim), bought a tour to Valaam with a departure by bus on 08/22/18 at 7-00, arrival at Valaam at about 13-00 with an overnight stay at the hotel, excursions and departure on 08/23/18 at 17:00. On 08/21/18 at 15-05 we received a text message from "Arina", where it was said that due to weather conditions, the departure time was changed to 08/22/18 at 9-00, and the return was on 08/24/18 in the evening; we were asked our consent to this change without changing the cost of the tour, otherwise they promised to return the money. Naturally, we agreed, because. after the excursions, we wanted to just walk around the island and explore the churches on our own. As it turned out later, the same SMS came to everyone in our bus. I want to say right away that there are no complaints about the guide: everything was at the TOP level. We arrived at Valaam at about 5:30 pm, settled in, had dinner, and had the first excursion, which ended at about 8 pm, at the same time we were told that, perhaps, the departure would take place according to the original program, i.e. 08/23/18 at 17-00. To the question: what about SMS, it was said that these questions are for travel agencies. Naturally, no one was working at that time. On the second day, after the Liturgy and breakfast, we were "asked" from the hotel and we went on excursions. There was no rain, but a strong wind was blowing, so it was not clear whether we would leave or not. After lunch there was a second excursion, so the program was formally completed. After the tour, with less than an hour left before sailing, I went to the office of the Valaam Pilgrim to ask how they were going to fulfill their SMS obligations. After about 15 minutes of negotiations, it was said that it was possible to stay, but in the evening we would be dropped off at the pier, and then our problems: there would be no buses. Given that the time from the arrival of the ship to the departure of the last train is approximately 10-15 minutes, and there is no public transport from the pier to the station, the prospect of spending the night in the open loomed, which is already "fraught" at retirement age. Our travel agency Arina LLC simply kept silent, although we also called there. Naturally, such conditions did not suit us. However, 15 minutes before the departure of the ship (apparently for safety reasons), we received an SMS from the "Valaam Pilgrim" that we sailed at 17-00 on 23.08.18 in accordance with the declared program, however, we can "stay for additional payment for accommodation and meals, without an organized departure to St. Petersburg. We apologize for the previously provided inaccurate information. "There were no offers of financial compensation, although in fact we were taken away half a day of being on Valaam. The road on the ship was very motion sickness, because the excitement on Ladoga was significant - my wife If our losses are more symbolic, because we are from St. Petersburg, then the people who arrived from other cities turned out to be very tangible: in particular, one person from Moscow was forced to change tickets twice, but there was not even an apology One more small nuance: in the Igumenskaya hotel the width of the bed is only 70 cm, which is not very comfortable even for my 54th size, and for more “respectable” people, it’s probably generally bad.