This is holy place for the orthodox pilgrims. I took a boat from the Sotavala jetty at 9 am. The captain do not issue tickets – he just took 1300 roubles for the round trip to the Valaam Island to his pocket. The hydrofoil journey took us almost one hour. Can you imagine beautiful, forested archipelago of 50 rocky islands?
That is Valaam. In the 14th century on the main island the holy monks built the monastery. After being destroyed by Swedes, after fires it is now beautifully restored inside. I climbed little hill to the gate and visited two churches – lower war empty, but in the brilliant upper church there was Sunday service with great singing to hear.
Then I took a walk to the distant sketes (little sub-monasteries) Limited time allowed me to visit only 3 of them… Great day!
