Malye Karely

Introducing Malye Karely

This open-air Wooden Architecture Museum (204 164; admission R50; 10am-pm Wed-Sun Jun-Sep, 10am-3pm Wed-Sun Oct-May), 25km east of Arkhangelsk, features a large collection of 16th- to 19th-century wooden churches, windmills, watermills, bell towers, chyornye izby ('black cottages', so called because their lack of a full chimney resulted in smoke-stained outside walls) and more, gathered from around the Arkhangelsk Region. Don't miss St George's Church (Georgiyevskaya tserkov) from Vershina, dating from 1672, or the five-domed Ascension Church (Voznesenskaya tserkov) from Kushereka village, built in 1669. The natural scenery around the reserve is quite pleasant - bringing a picnic would be a splendid idea. The Mezensky section of the grounds features some of the most interesting structures and the nicest views of the surrounding valleys.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009