Attractions Sortavala

Sortavala in the south-western part of Karelia on the northern shore of Lake Ladoga. It is situated on the banks of a narrow bay Lyappyayarvi 270 km west of Petrozavodsk and 50 kilometers from the Finnish border.

Karelian first fortified settlement on the site of the modern city is mentioned in chronicles in 1137 year, and a similar name Sortevala first mentioned in 1468 in the Swedish documents. In 1500, the village is mentioned in Russian chronicles as Serdovolsko Nicholas Churchyard, who was in the power of Novgorod. In the period from the 16th to the 17th century as a result of the Russian-Swedish wars churchyard moved from one state to another. At this time in 1632, the Swedes founded a city Sordavala. In 1721, following the Great Northern War Southwestern Karelia Russia withdrew, and the town was renamed Serdobol.

During the war years of 1742-1743 Serdobol Swedes seized and destroyed it. When Catherine II in 1783 Serdobol became a county town. In 1811, when Finland moved from Sweden to Russia, the entire province was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Finland. In the 19th century, when the fighting in the area had not been maintained, Serdobol became a major trading center with marble, fur, resin, oil and grain. Serdobol'skii Fair was the largest in Finland.

In 1893, this railway was built to Vyborg, and there was steamer with St. Petersburg. In December 1917, Finland became independent in the same year the city became officially known Sortavala and was part of Vyborg province. In 1939, the "Winter War" with Finland. Town a few times was captured by Soviet troops. Sortavala finally became part of Russia in 1944 after the signing of the peace treaty. Today Sortavala is a quiet town, only in Karelia, where the preserved historical planning and development of the late 19th century. That is why in 1990 he was awarded the title of "historic."

Sortavala is the second tourist center of Karelia, because it starts from a tour of the Valaam archipelago. Sortavala is 42 miles from the archipelago. From here to Balaam ply tourist ships and boats. The actual path of Sortavala to Balaam is a whole tour, during which you can see the small island, covered with forests, cliffs, bays, straits and inter-island lake.

Will remain forever in the memory and local sunsets extraordinary beauty. Valaam archipelago is one of the most popular attractions in Russia, which shows the historical and cultural heritage of the country.

The city itself has many attractions Sortavala The city itself has many attractions Sortavala. About 90 buildings in the city are the historical and cultural value. Here are a variety of architectural styles, ages 19-20: Western European modernist classicism, neo- classicism, national romanticism, and pseudo-folk wooden architecture.

Not far from the falls is the village Ruskeala Ruskeala Not far from the falls is the village Ruskeala Ruskeala. It was first mentioned in the Swedish documents under 1500 years. The village is known for its deposits of old marble. Even the Swedes in the 17th century there were his prey. Ruskeala marble used for finishing of Kazan and St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Currently, along the left bank of the river at the site of the old Tohmajoki workings formed three career. Career cut system of mines, tunnels and drifts, and partially flooded. In 2005, the site was founded by "Mountain Park Ruskeala." The centerpiece of the park is Marble Canyon, surrounded by sheer marble cliffs. Laid around the perimeter of a walking trail with an observation deck where you can admire the emerald water canyon. In addition, here, boat to swim to a career.

Marble Canyon will be interesting for divers Marble Canyon will be interesting for divers. Underwater visibility is about 10 meters, depth ranges from 5 to 15 meters on the floor of the quarry you can see a block of marble, trucks and wheels and explore the many galleries. In the park there are several monuments of industrial architecture - it's an old office building, made of marble in the classical style, and the lime kiln. The park is a working quarry, where you can see the process of production of marble.

17 km north of Sortavala River Tohmajoki Ruskeala are picturesque waterfalls. They are small rapids with a height difference of about 2 m is the highest waterfall waterfall Ryuyumyakoski height of 7 m in the vicinity of waterfalls interesting small lake and a lot of boulders brought glacier.

Tohmajoki river with the river Jänisjoki are some of the major tourist attractions Sortavala region. They originate in Finland and flow into Lake Ladoga. On these rivers have many rapids and low waterfalls, which attracts lovers of rafting.

Further south on the island Sortavala Riekkalansari preserved wooden church of St. Nicholas. It was built in the period from the 18th to the 19th century and was the only Orthodox church in the suburbs.

3 km from Sortavala in Taruniemi is giving Dr 3 km from Sortavala in Taruniemi is giving Dr. Winter, which today houses the elite hotel.

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