Cultural and historical landscape of Solovetsky island

Unesco's Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization has recognized the cultural and historical landscape of Solovetsky Island in Russia as a World Cultural Heritage in 1992.

The Solovetsky archipelago consists of 6 islands with an area of ​​about 300 km2. The cultural and historical landscape of Solovetsky Island is a term for works as well as important traces of human life dating back to 3000 BC.

Around the 15th century, on the island of Solovetsky began to have the appearance of monks. The system of churches and monasteries on the island was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. In conditions outside the island with extreme terrain and climate, the monks have done such a wonderful thing. is to create monasteries with beautiful architecture and to conserve them continuously for centuries. It can be said that the monasteries and churches on the island are a clear demonstration of religious faith in the harsh environment of the medieval religious community.

According to historians, archaeologists, people began life on the island from the 3rd century AD. At that time, these residents lived in caves on the beach. Gradually, they went deeper into the center of the island and hunting and gathering houses .

Among the cultural landscapes on the island, Solovetsky monastery was the first to mention. This building, located on Onega Bay, was built in the 15th century. Although people lived from 3,000 BC, the history of orthodox formation on the island originated in the early 12-13 century. And actually developed in the 15.16 century. Over the centuries, this monastery has enriched Russian culture by its unique architecture, holy statues and great literary works here.

Solovetsky Monastery was built and founded by three monks from Kirillo - Belozersk and Valaam in 1430. This monastery continued to expand in the following centuries not only on the main islands and also in the land. In 1478, under the auspices of the Novgorod Administration a series of constructions were built on the island such as roads, freshwater lakes, livestock farms, ceramic production facilities . During the period from the year 1582 until 1594, a stone fortress was built and Solovetsky became the economic, religious, military and cultural center of the region.

In 1668 - 1676, a series of riots and rebellions took place in monasteries to combat the reform of the church. The island monasteries grew stronger during this time, many wooden monasteries were rebuilt in stone for more solidity.

Besides, the natural scenery on the island is also very beautiful. The combination of nature and man-made architectural structures gives the island a distinctive attraction.

In 1714, a large fortress was built on the island. Some small monasteries become botanical gardens, which provide vegetables and fruits for island residents and neighboring cities. This activity lasted until 1923 when it ended, the island became a prison for political prisoners, From 1939 until 1957, the island was used to serve the naval training force. In 1967, the right of Solovetsky established a museum on the island and in 1990 the monasteries were restored and restored.