Kizhi Island: A Unique Cultural and Historical Treasure in Russia
Located on Lake Onega, Kizhi is the most popular island to visit in Russia. Measuring only 5.5 km in length and up to 1.4 km in width, the island attracts approximately 200,000 visitors annually from around the world. Most visitors come to admire its remarkable collection of wooden architecture monuments, including churches and traditional dwellings.
Kizhi Island: A Brief History
Archaeological findings on the island include ceramic and bronze artifacts similar to those discovered in Veliky Novgorod, dating back to around the 10th century AD. During this period, Novgorodians began colonizing Lake Onega, the White Sea coast, and other northern territories.
Historical records from the 15th century mention 18 taxation, administrative, and religious districts called Pogosts in the Lake Onega region, established by the Grand Duchy of Moscow after its annexation of the Republic of Novgorod. The 1582/83 Census Book first references the Transfiguration and Intercession churches as parish churches of Kizhi Pogost, which covered a sizable area with 180 villages. A record from 1696 notes that these churches were destroyed by lightning in 1693 or 1694, but they were soon rebuilt by local residents.
In the early 20th century, the Kizhi district comprised 47 villages with a population of about 2,500. The local economy was based on fishing, agriculture, crafts, and trade. Some peasants practiced otkhodnichestvo—seasonal migration for work—in cities like Petrozavodsk and St. Petersburg. A folk school operated on the island, with 11 others in nearby villages, most of which were parochial.
Due to its remoteness, the island's churches remained open longer than in other regions; they were closed by the Bolsheviks only in 1937. That same year, priest Alexei Petukhov was arrested and executed.
During World War II, from 1941 to 1944, the area was under Finnish occupation. Despite military actions and hardships, the churches and chapels were preserved. Finnish lieutenant and architect Lars Pettersson documented the region’s church architecture and art; his work was published in Russia in 2020.
In 1966, the Kizhi Museum Reserve was established, bringing together many wooden architectural monuments from across the Zaonezhye region to preserve them from decay. The first modern religious service was held at the Church of the Intercession in 1994, and on August 19, 2021, the Transfiguration Church hosted its first service after an 84-year hiatus.
Kizhi Pogost
Today, "Pogost" refers to a church complex with a graveyard. The Kizhi Pogost comprises the Church of the Transfiguration, the Church of the Intercession, a bell tower, and a small graveyard, all enclosed within a wall of wild stones and wood.
Transfiguration Church
The 22-dome Church of the Transfiguration of Our Savior is the island’s centerpiece. Tree-ring analysis dates its construction to around 1714. Legend has it that a master craftsman named Nestor, along with his team of carpenters, built it without a single metal nail. According to the legend, after Nestor and his companions laid the final log and secured it with his axe, he threw the axe into Lake Onega. This symbolic gesture was intended to ensure that no one would ever find this tool and be able to create another marvel like it, signifying their inimitable mastery.
Standing 37 meters tall, the church was originally built from high-quality pine logs and protected with planks and iron shingles. During restoration work in the 1950s, these protective layers were removed, revealing its original appearance. However, by 1980, the structure was deteriorating, prompting closure and reinforcement with a metal framework to prevent collapse.
In summer 2021, after an extensive 40-year restoration, the church was reopened and consecrated on August 19, the Feast of the Transfiguration. Its iconostasis, measuring 24 meters, features over 100 icons from the 17th to 19th centuries. As a summer church, it has no heating, and visits are suspended during the winter months to preserve the icons.
Intercession Church
This 27-meter-tall, nine-dome church is another highlight of the Pogost. The church features a high wooden porch leading into the vestibule (seni), followed by the refectory, which also served as a nave with its own iconostasis and heating stove. The present nave, with nine domes, and the altar were added during the 18th-century renovations. The iconostasis, restored in 1957–59, contains several icons dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Further restoration is planned.
Bell tower
Built in 1863, the 30-meter-tall bell tower has a steep inside staircase, which leads to the bell chamber with brass and bronze bells, big and small. The view from the bell tower is amazing and well worth the climbing effort and the admission fee.
Fence
The original wall was lost over the centuries, and there is little evidence of its original appearance. In the middle of the 20th century, the Pogost was encircled with barbed wire. The present 300-meter long fence was built in 1959. Made of wild stone and wood, it looks authentic and fits in perfectly.
Other monuments
Beyond the Pogost, the island hosts numerous historical buildings, including chapels, traditional houses, windmills, granaries, and bathhouses (banyas). Notably:
Church of Lazarus of Murom
Believed to be one of Russia’s oldest wooden churches, dating to the 15th century. Originally from Murom Monastery, it was relocated to Kizhi in 1959.
Kizhi Chapels
- Chapel of the Assumption of Virgin Mary: Built end of the 17th century, located in Vassilyevo village in the middle part of Kizhi Island.
- Chapel of Archangel Mikhail: From the 18th century, moved from Lelikozero village in 1961, notable for its preserved iconostasis and painted ceiling ("nebo"). Located very close to the main churches, the Archangel Mikhail chapel is hard to miss. On a good day, your walk will be accompanied by bell ringing from the chapel’s belfry.
- Veronica's Veil Chapel: Built in the late 17th or early 18th century, situated atop Naryina Hill – the highest point on the island.
- Chapel of the Divine Savior: From 1750–1800, located on the very northern tip of Kizhi Island.
- Chapel of Peter and Paul: Early 17th century, now in Yamka village.
Domestic architecture
The island also features traditional wooden houses, water- and windmills, granaries, blacksmith shops, chimneyless saunas ("banya po-chernomy"), and peasant homes. Visiting these provides insight into the lives, customs, and traditions of Lake Onega’s residents.
Nature
Established in 1989, the Kizhi Natural Preserve encompasses several islands, including Bolshoy Klimenetskiy, and surrounding waters. The area is rich in wildlife: gulls, loons, curlehes, rails, raptors, elk, hares, wolves, lynx, foxes, weasels, polecats, squirrels, and occasionally brown bears. Stony habitats host European vipers—please exercise caution.
The museum offers various nature excursions, including:
- A 2-hour walk from the main pier to Veronica’s Veil on Naryina Hill.
- A 2-hour “Hunter’s trail” in the northern part of Kizhi.
- A 45-minute visit to the Apothecary Garden.
- Boat trips to Bolshoy Klimenetskiy, Radkolye, and Gryz islands.
Museum Hours
The museum operates daily without breaks:
- Summer (May 1 – August 31): 08:00 – 20:00
- Autumn (September 1 – October 31): 09:00 – 18:00
- Winter (November 1 – February 28): 10:00 – 16:00
- Spring (March 1 – April 30): 09:00 – 17:00
Accommodation
Visitors to the Kizhi area can choose from several accommodation options, including:
- House of Elupov family, Ersnevo village:
- Built in the 19th century, located across the strait from Kizhi Island.
- Offers comfortable twin and triple rooms.
- All rooms have en-suite WC and shower facilities.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.
- House of Anikin family, Kizhi Island:
- Built in the early 20th century, refurbished with modern conveniences.
- Located directly on Kizhi Island.
- Has 4 bedrooms with 13 beds.
- Features shared showers and a kitchen (self-catering).
- Tit Serov’s House:
- Located a 10-minute boat ride from Kizhi.
- Dating from 1784, carefully refurbished.
- Offers 10 rooms accommodating up to 24 people.
- Features shared showers and a kitchen (self-catering).
Tours
Explore Kizhi Island and the surrounding region with Nordic Travel. We offer a variety of tours, including day trips to the island and longer packages that explore nearby historical villages and natural beauty. Visit our website to view our package offers or contact us to create a custom tour tailored to your interests.
