History of Karelia
From the 13th century onwards, the Swedish Novgorodian Wars marked a bitter struggle between the Novgorod Republic and Sweden, as they fought over the region. In 1423 the Treaty of Noteborg separated Karelia into two parts, one part belonging to the Novgorod Republic, and one to Sweden.
The Treaty of Nystad was signed in 1721 between Sweden and Imperial Russia, and this treaty marked the ceding over of a majority of Karelia to Russia. After the Finnish occupation by Russia during the Finnish War, many portions and provinces were incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Finland. Then in the year 1917 Finland achieved independence, and the official border was formalized in 1920 by the Treaty of Tartu.
In 1939 Finland was attacked by the Soviet Union and this was known as the onset of the Winter War. The Moscow Peace Treaty, formulated in 1940, confirmed that a majority of Finnish Karelia would be given to the Soviet Union. This move called for the relocation of around 400,000 people living within Finland.
From 1941 to 1956 Karelian ASSR (Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic) was installed as a part of the Karelo-Finnish SSR, following which it was once again recognized as an ASSR. In 1991 the Republic of Karelia was formally built from the ASSR.
Attractions in Karelia
From the island fortress and the Orthodox Center of the Solovetsky Monastery, to the Solovetsky Islands and the Uspenskaya Church, the attractions and sights in Karelia are wonderful and inspiring. Tourists visiting this region have a multitude of places to visit and experiences to choose from.
Visiting the Solovetsky Islands
The Solovetsky Islands are known for their stunning natural beauty and the gorgeous White Sea. As many as 320 lakes are connected to one another in this region by a series of channels. The islands boast of several scenic spots and important places to visit such as the Solovetsky Monastery, Fortress and Orthodox Centre. The archipelago of the Solovetsky Islands is a must visit for all those who visit Karelia.
Spend Time at the Solovetsky Monastery, Island Fortress and Orthodox Centre
The complex happens to be one of the biggest Russian Monasteries in the world, and at one time it was known to be one of the most significant fortresses in Russia. The complex is more than half a thousand years old, and while the monastery is a beautiful and serene part of the surroundings, it is also an important and popular tourist destination.