Those interested in the Kalevala epic poem will want to pay their respects to the kantele-plucking statue of Karelian rune singer Petri Shemeikka that sits in a leafy square. Though he was Finnish, the Kalevala is central to the spiritual history of Russian Karelia also.
Petri Shemeikka
Northern European Russia
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
23.31 MILES
Souvenir stalls line the short road that leads, via short-cut steps, up to Valaam’s main attraction. The monastery is radiant in gleaming white and sky…
24.15 MILES
One of the few parts of the island that's easily accessible on foot from the monastery is the forested Nikonovskaya area, dotted with chapels and sketes.
0.04 MILES
This museum displays the works of Russian artist Kronid Gogolev, who spent much of his life in Sortavala. His landscape paintings are appealing but not…
22.85 MILES
For a great picnic site, stroll about 20 minutes north of the Transfiguration Monastery to the quaint, heptagonal bell tower of Nikolski Skete.
0.05 MILES
Attractive wooden relic of bygone years. Can only be viewed from the outside, however.
Nearby Northern European Russia attractions
0.04 MILES
This museum displays the works of Russian artist Kronid Gogolev, who spent much of his life in Sortavala. His landscape paintings are appealing but not…
0.05 MILES
Attractive wooden relic of bygone years. Can only be viewed from the outside, however.
22.85 MILES
For a great picnic site, stroll about 20 minutes north of the Transfiguration Monastery to the quaint, heptagonal bell tower of Nikolski Skete.
23.31 MILES
Souvenir stalls line the short road that leads, via short-cut steps, up to Valaam’s main attraction. The monastery is radiant in gleaming white and sky…
24.15 MILES
One of the few parts of the island that's easily accessible on foot from the monastery is the forested Nikonovskaya area, dotted with chapels and sketes.