Kizhi Island
3 June 2008
After leaving Mandrogi we sailed on Lake Ladoga, the largest lake in Europe --- so large
that part of the time we were out of sight of land.  Then we continued up the Svir River to
nearby Lake Onega, the second-largest lake in Europe.  Near the northern end of Lake
Onega we arrived at Kizhi Island
Kizhi Island is noted for its wooden buildings built in the 1700's.  Most famous is the
Cathedral of the Transfiguration, but there are also other architecturally interesting
buildings built about the same time.   They look authentic, quite a change from Mandrogi.  
Below are some examples of Kizhi Island architecture, starting with three views of the
Cathedral of the Transfiguration.
The buildings we visited were unoccupied but some contained historical artifacts.  We were
told that a few houses on another part of the island are still being used in Summer, but
considered too cold in winter.   Our day on Kizhi Island was the windiest and coolest our
cruise, about 40F (5C).   On other days the temperature was quite comfortable, and no
rain.   We sailed from Kizhi Island about noon.
First we sailed south on Lake Onega, then on a series of small lakes, rivers, and canals.  The
canals were at least 100 yards (90 meters) wide, with forested banks, and few signs of
human occupation except for occasional huge piles of lumber on the banks awaiting shipment.
Time to time we would see a riverboat heavily laden with lumber.  Someone said lumber was
the main produce in this part of Russia, most of it for export.  We also were told that the
canals were dug by prison labor from the time of Peter the Great (early 1700's) up to
Soviet times (1917 to 1989).  From the beginning of our cruise in St. Petersburg to the end
of the cruise in Moscow we went through a total of 18 locks.
In the afternoon we briefly visited the bridge of our ship.  One of our tour escorts recited
facts and figures regarding the ship, occasionally supplemented by remarks by the Captain.
Cargo ship carrying lumber.
Our ship following another going through a set
of locks.  The ships are not towed (as in the
Panama Canal, but move under their own power.
Part of our group visiting the bridge of the MS
"Kronstadt.
Our tour escort explaining operation of the
bridge while the Captain  stands by.
On three evenings, including this one, there was a
DVD/video presentation of one part of the
3-part documentary series entitled "Russia:
Land of the Tzars".   Unfortunately the
combination of the large audience and small
screen made it difficult for us to see much, so
we left the hall and decided to view  the DVD
after we got home.
In the evening, on board, we were treated
to a fine violin recital by Boris Gamus.