Ancient and mysterious priozersk
Usually they come to us to see the famous fortress of Korela. However, there is much more interesting than many imagine! Through the monuments of architecture you will reveal the history of Priozersk, which belonged to three states, and its roots go back to the Viking Age. Hear the legend of the prototype of the Peter and Paul Fortress. And admire the beauty of the city of apple orchards and lakes.
What awaits you
The Mystery of Priozersk
Officially, our city was founded in 1293, but the results of archaeological research say that the settlement at the mouth of the Vuoksi River appeared much earlier. And mentions of it are found not only in the Novgorod chronicles, but also in Scandinavian legends. Having visited the main sights of Priozersk, we will try to figure out with you how old the "city on a stone rock" is, as Alexander Dumas Sr. called it in his "Memories of a Trip to Russia".
Central Square: History in Monuments
I will tell you how and why the first cities appeared, what was the basis of medieval urbanization and how the landscape of the Karelian Isthmus was used in the development of Priozersk. On the square you will trace the architectural formation of its center from the 17th to the 20th century. We will talk about classicism, northern modernity and functionalism. You will see the building of the hotel and cinema - a vivid example of the Finnish period; the Bank of the Nordic Countries – Echoes of the Middle Ages; Cathedral of the Nativity Prsv. The Virgin Mary is an example of how an Orthodox cathedral of a classicist type can emerge from a Swedish church; and the Lutheran Church of Armas Lindgren.
Ancient fortresses
You will walk through the territory of the korela fortress (the entrance to the local history museum and a tour of it are possible only with a full-time guide). And near the abandoned bastions of the New Fortress, built by the Swedes, you will learn about the period when the city developed according to all the canons of the medieval European trading center. I will tell you what goods merchants carried through it for sale in Veliky Novgorod. And you will also hear the Priozersk legend about the famous citadel founded by Peter I in St. Petersburg.
Along the way, I'll advise you to sample the incredibly delicious pastries of the local bakery.
Stony
Island
More recently, in Priozersk, the improvement of another interesting location was completed, with which numerous historical events are associated - this is the island of Kaliosari (Finnish) or Stony. In the middle of the 17th century, the Swedes also had a small fortification here. And today a landscape park has appeared on this place. We will walk along the eco-trail leading around the island, discover the gneiss-granite landscape of the Karelian Isthmus, enjoy the beautiful view from the observation deck (not forgetting to take a couple of cool selfies), and also see what remains of the Finnish health resort of the late 19th century.
Organizational details
- You can get to Priozersk on your own or book a transfer from St. Petersburg for 6 people (1500 rubles / person round-trip)
- A ticket to the local history museum of the Korela fortress is paid separately - 50-100 rubles / person, children under 16 years old are free of charge
- Take care of comfortable shoes for a walk
- The tour is possible by prior request and prepayment on any day not specified in the schedule, please specify from the guide in correspondence