Experience the Best in Russian River Travel
Some of the most visually compelling buildings in the world are on Kizhi Island on Russia’s’ Lake Onega. Built in 1714, the Church of The Transfiguration is an astonishing sight. You can get to Kizhi Island by train and boat, or you could take a trip on one of the River Cruisers which travel from Moscow to Goritzy, all the way to St. Petersburg. River Cruise ships enable travellers to have a more personal view of the countries they visit and this extraordinary stretch of Russian water has no shortage of scenery, history and local colour.
Lake Onega – Kizhi
Lake Onega is idyllic – in the summertime the landscape is verdant and blue skies are reflected in the water. Winter time brings deep snow and the Lake becomes ice bound. On the island on the Lake, is the old wooden Church, defying weather and time. The island has ancient sacred roots – pagan ceremonies used to be held here (Sun Worship) but the site was consecrated in the 17th Century, in the belief it would keep the old pagan rituals at bay.
The Church of The Transfiguration – Kizhi
The church is extraordinary – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is 37 metres high, making it a focal point in the landscape. The building was created in harmony with its surroundings; it is entirely made of wood – nails were not used in securing the structure. It’s built of soft pine logs. How this material has survived for so long is a testament to the ability of the carpenters. The logs were laid with such tight joins that no additional filler was needed to make it windproof – quite a feat in winter weather. The wood was cut with the grain, so the surface repelled water too. The floor is shaped an eight pointed star, (one square set on top of another) the traditional design for mosques and orthodox churches. It’s a tiered building, each floor is slightly smaller than it’s predecessor.
The windows are tiny, keeping out the cold, and the traditional onion domes are covered in smooth shingles, allowing the snow to slide off easily – the number of domes, 22 in all, help to keep the weight of snow from damaging the roof.
Dominating the landscape, it’s an organic building made with locally sourced materials. No paint was used on the outside of the Church; the worn green-grey shingles and ancient red fir logs give it a vibrancy that sits well with the countryside around it. There are other wooden buildings on the site, including a windmill and bell tower, but this Church stands apart. It’s inspired artists and painters for centuries, and it should be up there on a list of Essential Places to Visit. Conservation teams are working on the interior to preserve the delicate icons and wall paintings.
The Volga River
The Volga Rivers runs from Moscow all the way up to St Petersburg. This is one of the most beautiful parts of Russia – the riverbank reveals ancient towns, architectural wonders and places of interest. There are a number of first class river cruise ships providing a personal, friendly service to travellers who want to experience the best from a trip abroad. Fabulous cuisine in comfortable, surroundings, the chance to learn more about the areas you will visit, and all the time, an ever changing view – it’s a refined and relaxed way to travel.