Must-see attractions in Northern European Russia

  • Small Lenin Statue

    Northern European Russia

    A mini-Lenin near the Church of St John the Baptist (Церковь Иоанна Предтечи, 1710–17), on grand pl Revolyutsii, was reputedly the first ever erected in…

  • Lair of Art Gallery

    Northern European Russia

    In the fine Marfin Mansion, the Lair of Art Gallery hosts occasional mini-concerts, but is most interesting for its furnished interior and large model of…

  • Geological Museum

    Kola Peninsula

    Features ores, rocks and minerals of the Kola Peninsula; it's best to arrange a guided tour in advance. Labelled mineral fragments are sold here as…

  • North-Russian Exploration Museum

    Kola Peninsula

    Showcases the settlement of the Kola peninsula, the history of science in the region and the culture of Kola's indigenous population – the Sami.

  • Filippovkaya Church

    Northern European Russia

    This 18th century church, located with the walls of the Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery, also acted as a hospital in the tsarist period.

  • War Victory Monument 1941-1945

    Northern European Russia

    Memorial consisting of an eternal flame flanked by grim-faced statues of servicemen, honouring the fallen of the Great Patriotic War.

  • Lovozero Cultural Centre

    Kola Peninsula

    In a building that resembles an oversized chumy (tepee-shaped tent), this Sami cultural centre hosts occasional exhibitions.

  • Statue of Peter the Great

    Northern European Russia

    Close to the hydrofoil terminal is a jaunty statue of Peter the Great pointing to the spot where Petrozavodsk would be founded.

  • Peter I Statue

    Northern European Russia

    This windswept take on Peter the Great and the unexotic River Terminal building both feature on Russia’s R500 banknotes.

  • Onezhskiy Tractor Factory

    Northern European Russia

    One of the oldest factories in Russia, this strikingly grand building first opened for business in 1703.

  • Firehouse

    Northern European Russia

    Attractive wooden relic of bygone years. Can only be viewed from the outside, however.

  • Labyrinth

    Northern European Russia

    If you don't have time to visit the mysterious concentric swirls of stones that cover Bolshoy Zayatsky Island, this accessible, reconstructed example is…

  • Lenin Statue

    Northern European Russia

    Where pr Pobedy and ul Mira meet is a Lenin statue in an odd ‘Hey buddy, wanna buy a watch?’ pose.

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