Introducing Staraya Ladoga
Although you'd hardly guess it now the tranquil village of Staraya (Old) Ladoga, 125km east of St Petersburg on the winding banks of the Volkhov River, was once an active participant in the very birth of the Russian nation. Today there's little to see along its quiet streets other than an ancient fortress, several churches and some prettily painted wooden cottages. It makes for a pleasant escape from St Petersburg, particularly in summer when a swim in the river adds to the charm.
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Dating from around the 8th century, the town was known only as Ladoga until 1704 when Peter the Great founded Novaya (New) Ladoga to the north, as a transfer point for the materials arriving to build St Petersburg. Protected as a national reserve, the town's basic structure and street patterns have remained virtually unchanged since the 12th century, give or take a few ugly Soviet blocks.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Cycling Russia
by atsirlin 28 January 2012
Well, the first part of your route (after M10) goes along quiet and empty roads. They are scenic in a way that they do not have cars.…
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RE: Trains between Velikiy Novgorod and St Petersburg
by iexela 24 December 2010
The oldest city of Russia is Staraya Ladoga. Novgorod Velikyi is a little bit younger.
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Last questions before arriving St Petersburg
by umeiro 24 November 2010
Hi, I'll arrive next weekend to Pulkovo. A friend of mine, she is from Moscow, have said me a curious comentary. Questioning her…
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