Solovetsky Islands

The Solovetsky Islands, also called Solovki, are a group of islands in the Onega Bay of the White Sea in Russia. They are part of Arkhangelsk Oblast. Only a few people live there, mostly in the settlement of Solovetsky on the biggest island.

These islands are historically important because of the Solovetsky Monastery, which was founded in 1436. Later, in 1923, the monastery became the site of one of the first prison camps, known as the Solovki prison camp. This was part of a larger system used during a difficult time in history.

Geography

The Solovetsky Islands are six islands that cover 347 square kilometers. They are in the Onega Bay of the White Sea. The biggest island is Bolshoy Solovetsky Island, followed by Anzersky Island and others.

The islands are made of granite and gneiss. They have hilly land, with the highest point at 107 meters. The islands are mostly covered with pine and spruce forests. There are many lakes linked by canals. One special feature is the stone labyrinths on Bolshoy Zayatsky Island. These are some of the best examples left in Northern Europe.

Monastery

Main article: Solovetsky Monastery

The Solovetsky Islands are famous for their Solovetsky Monastery, an important place for the Russian Orthodox religion. It was started in the 1400s by two monks from the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. By the late 1500s, it had become very rich and powerful.

The main buildings of the monastery were built during the time of Ivan the Terrible and were made of stone. Over the years, the monastery also acted like a strong fort, protecting against attacks during many wars. In 1974, the islands became a museum and nature reserve of the Soviet Union. In 1992, they were added to the World Heritage List. Today, many people visit the Solovetsky Islands as a popular tourist spot in the Russian North.

Labor camp

Main article: Solovki prison camp

After a big change in Russia called the October Revolution, the Solovetsky Islands became the site of the first prison camp in Soviet history. This camp began in 1921 when Vladimir Lenin was leading the country. It closed in 1939, just before World War II began. By that time, the islands also had a training camp for naval cadets in the Soviet Northern Fleet.

Transportation

You can fly to the Solovetsky Islands using Solovki Airport. There are regular flights to Arkhangelsk. In the summer, you can also take a ferry to Arkhangelsk, Kem, and Belomorsk.