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Kizhi


What used to be an ancient pagan ritual site is now a popular tourist destination with an open-air museum of beautiful wooden churches, chapels, and houses. These fantastic buildings, most of which were put together without a single nail, are the very essence of Russia.

The most magnetic part of the island is the Kizhsky Pogost (Kizhi Enclosure). Inside stands the massive 23-domed Transfiguration Church, built in 1714. Reaching almost 100 feet, it is one of the tallest log buildings in the world. The interior is decorated with four stunning stepped iconostasis consisting of 102 17th to 19th century icons. Beside this gorgeous island landmark is the smaller nine-domed Church of Intercession, built in such a way that it balances and supplements the larger church. The bell tower between these two church icons completes the entire Kizhsky Pogost, linking all three structures and earning the Kizhsky Pogost a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Among other highlights of Kizhi is the Church of Resurrection of Lazarus, moved here from the Murom Monastery. It is the oldest building on the island, dating back to the 14th century, and perhaps the oldest wooden building in Russia. Inspired by its name, it is believed by the monks to have miraculous healing powers. The Chapel of Archangel Mikhail, the Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, the Chapel of the Divine Savior, and many others complete this atmospheric island.

The nearest city to Kizhi is Petrozavodsk, offering direct flights from Moscow. Petrozavodsk's ferry terminal offers hydrofoils into the surrounding areas. With the last trip back from Kizhi being around 4:25 pm, you will want to mind the time so as not to become stranded on the island. In winter you can reach Kizhi via chartered helicopter, a beautiful yet expensive way to jut over to the island.

Kizhi is especially breathtaking during the long summer nights, when the church domes shine with a mysterious, phosphoric light and the sun gently sinks below the horizon. On fine winter mornings, the snow-covered churches dazzle like glittering fairy palaces in the sun. It's not easy to get to the island at these special times – most people go on a brief summer day trip from Petrozavodsk – but it's a memorable experience whenever you go.