Sortavala — with a karelian!
The capital of the Ladoga region has three names and three dates of birth, once there were three triangular squares and as many as six banks. In the old days it was a city of pharmacists, bankers and enlightened people. And its buildings are a real architectural encyclopedia. Walking through the streets of Sortavala, not all this can be "read" - in the original past of my favorite city, I will be happy to help you understand.
What awaits you
Sordavala, Serdobol, Sortavala
At the meeting, we will talk about where the sortavala land came from. You will learn about the wars for the territories of the Korelsky district (yes, it was with the "o"), which belonged to the Novgorod region. Imagine the city in its heyday, when its historic center was built. You will also learn about Carl Berg, Elisabeth and Hermann Hallonblad, Gustav Winter and their role in the Sortavala past.
Special attention will be paid to the unusual architecture and layout of the city, which has been preserved since Finnish times. You will see how diverse the styles of local buildings made in Art Nouveau, neoclassicism and functionalism are. You will hear about the architects who created amazing buildings. And of course, you will admire the samples of Finnish wooden architecture, of which there are many.
Secrets and mysteries of the ancient city
You have to find out where the exposition from the museum located in the house of the patron of the arts disappeared. You will understand why the locals disagree with those who change the name of the city by cases. You will reveal the history of the change of toponyms on the example of Turunkatu, Krestinankatu and Kirkonkatu streets, which became Komsomolskaya, Chkalov and Gorky. In addition, you will find stories about the vicissitudes between the families of merchants and benefactors. As well as curious facts about the origin of some surnames.
Additional options
The tour can be continued in the museum of Kronid Alexandrovich Gogolev, where striking paintings of wood are presented, on which even animals are carved with emotions on their faces. A wonderful addition will be a walk through Vakkosalmi Park - climbing the ancient steps to Mount Kuhavuori, you will open an amazing view of the city. And if you want to know the details of the "Winter" (Soviet-Finnish) war, then welcome to the Museum of Military Glory!
Organizational details
- The walk is completely pedestrian, take care of comfortable shoes
- Additionally, an optional visit to the Gogolev Museum is paid - 200-300 rubles / person, the entrance to the Museum of Military Glory is free