Valaam Island

Valaam, an island in Lake Ladoga in Northwestern Russia, is well known for the Valaam Brethren Choir's supernatural abilities and the unique existence of the Orthodox monastery. The beautiful bell tower of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior may be seen from afar. Visitors, pilgrimages, and the repair of monasteries and chapels have all come from the religious rebirth of the last two decades. According to academics, the monastery was founded in the 12th century and features engineering marvels such as rocky wells, navigable canals, and drainage systems.

The island has huge rock cliffs and pine forests beyond the monastery. Landscape painters Ivan Shishkin, Arkhip Kuindzhi, Nicholas Roerich (who has a tiny museum on 107th Street in Manhattan), and Tarrytown artist and novelist Rockwell Kent were among many who traveled here for inspiration.

Valaam is the largest island in the archipelago of the same name off the coast of Ladoga Lake. The geology of the island's granite basis generates a unique microclimate that keeps the island almost always warmer than the rest of the world. Take a boat ride on the Ladoga Lake to get to Valaam.

Location: Valaam, Russia

Area: 36 km²