Petrozavodsk was founded on the shores of the picturesque Onega Lake. The inhabitants of the city are proud of the magnificent beauty of the reservoir and have designed the embankment as an open-air museum. On the shore of the lake there are dozens of original art objects and sculptures - a monument to Peter the Great, sculptures "Fishermen", "Tree of Desire", "Onega", "Liberation of the Sun", "Wave of Friendship". From the pier you can go on an excursion to the Kizhi reserve-museum.
The capital of Karelia is a large industrial and cultural center. A museum with interesting expositions is dedicated to the development of industry in the history of the city. You can view archaeological and ethnographic collections in the National Museum. The only theater in the world operates in Petrozavodsk, which gives performances in Russian, Vepsian, Finnish and Karelian languages with synchro translation. The city is decorated with squares and churches.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photos with names and descriptions of the best sights of Petrozavodsk. He will help you plan routes and choose excursions to explore the top places of the city and its environs in 2-3 days.
Onega embankment
The visiting card of Petrozavodsk. The pedestrian zone is located almost on the same level with the water surface. The promenade is harmoniously blended into the natural landscape. The sidewalk of the embankment is finished with granite and crimson quartzite, lanterns in the style of the 18th century are installed. The main decoration of the embankment is an elegant rotunda. Many unusual sculptures and art objects have been installed. From the pier you can go on a boat trip on the lake.
Monument "Fishermen"
Located on the Onega embankment. The monument is a gift to Petrozavodsk from the American sister city of Duluth. The sculpture looks original and a bit futuristic. The unusual design is made of thin metal pipes. An interesting installation was given funny names by the residents of the city - "Victims of Perestroika" and "Two Terminators". The monument was made by the sculptor Rafael Consuegra.
Maritime Museum "Polar Odysseus"
Historical and cultural center, which is engaged in the manufacture of replicas of ancient sailing ships. In total, during the work in the museum, about 40 ships have been manufactured, which take part in research voyages and thematic festivals. The brigantine "Polar Odysseus", which gave the name to the museum, was launched in 2010. During the warm season, excursions to veteran ships and operating sailing ships are organized.
Lenin Square
Located in the city center. Its architectural ensemble in the style of late constructivism is a cultural monument. The design of the square began in 1770 and changed its style several times depending on the political situation - they erected and removed a monument to Peter I, erected a monument to Lenin, then replaced it with an artillery gun. Currently, there is a memorial complex with the Eternal Flame on the square.
"Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the Eternal Fire of Glory"
The memorial complex is located on Lenin Square. The bodies of the soldiers who died during the Civil War, as well as the remains of the soldiers of the Soviet Army who died during the Second World War, are buried in the mass grave. A memorial obelisk and plates with the names of the victims are installed on the mass grave. Pedestrian sidewalks around are paved with paving stones from quartzite and granite. The eternal flame symbolizes the eternal memory of the lost.
Monument to Peter I
By order of Peter I, several large factories were opened in Petrozavodsk, which gave impetus to the development of the city. The monument to Peter I is located in the Petrovsky park near the embankment of Lake Onega. It was made back in 1872 and installed in 1873. The sculpture of the first emperor of Russia is made in bronze. Peter I is depicted in a military ceremonial uniform with orders and a sword. The monument is 2.9 meters high and is set on a granite pedestal.
Quarter of historical buildings of Petrozavodsk
A walk through the old quarter will allow travelers to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the 19th century and get away from the hustle and bustle of the modern city. Unique wooden buildings have been preserved here; employees of the Kizhi reserve-museum took part in their restoration. The most interesting buildings of the quarter are Kuchevsky's house, Lazarev's house, the chapel of the local hospital, the smithy. The historical and architectural complex is located near the Onega embankment.
Botanical Garden of PetrSU
It is located in the Petrozavodsk Bay. On an area of 367 hectares, more than 1000 plants of various types grow - fruit and berry, herbaceous, decorative, medicinal. The most interesting place for walking is the arboretum, where the natural landscape is harmoniously combined with elements of landscape and regular garden design. It is divided into three thematic zones - Asian, European and North American.
Kirov square
It is considered the main square of the city. City festive events are held here, an ice town is erected in winter and a Christmas tree is installed. The architectural appearance of the square has been preserved by buildings of the 19th and 18th centuries. The first buildings built on the square were churches - Svyatodukhovskaya and Peter and Paul. Now the ensemble of the square consists of buildings of a musical theater, a puppet theater, and former craft workshops.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The temple was built from 1826 to 1832. Funds for the construction of the temple were donated by local merchants and workers, a large amount was contributed by Alexander I. For the construction of a stone temple from Italy, they invited the architect Pietro Maderni. He completed the project of the cathedral in the classical style with five chapters. In 2010, a monument to Prince Nevsky was erected near the cathedral. The shrines of the cathedral are icons with particles of the relics of Paraskeva Friday and Anthony the Roman.
Lenin Avenue
The main highway of the city is 1.8 km long. Passes from Onega Bay to Gagarin Square. For tourists, the street is interesting with a large number of architectural monuments and interesting objects - the "Fullerene Molecule" fountain, a glass pyramid at the entrance to the shopping center, similar to the famous pyramid at the Louvre. The oldest hotel in the city "Severnaya" and the building of PetrSU decorated with stucco are located on Lenin Avenue.
Gardens and parks of Petrozavodsk
The city has beautiful parks and green areas where you can take a break from the bustle of the city, walk along the well-groomed alleys or sit on a bench.
Governor's Garden
One of the oldest parks in the city is a monument of landscape architecture. It is located in the historical part of the city between Herzen and Gogol streets. The park is adjacent to the architectural ensemble of the former governor's house. The paths in the park are paved with crimson quartzite, and antique-styled lanterns are installed. In 2003, a monument to the governor of the city Gabriel Derzhavin was erected in the garden.
Park of culture and rest
The first birch alleys of the park were planted by the order of Emperor Peter I. Therefore, the names of the parks "Birch Grove" and "Petrovsky Garden" are widely known. The park occupies 30 hectares of the coastal area of Lake Onega. It has walking paths, recreation areas with cafes and attractions. An excellent panoramic view opens up from the 30 meter high Ferris wheel. A monument to Peter I and several art objects have been erected.
Park of the 50th anniversary of the pioneer organization
The park was founded in 1972 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the pioneer movement. The landscaped park has preserved its natural natural landscape - steep slopes along the winding river bed, on which unusual humpbacked bridges have been laid. The green park area is located near Student Boulevard. Residents of nearby houses visit the park to enjoy the picturesque wildlife and fresh air.
Park of wooden sculptures on the embankment
The original open-air museum of wooden art is located in a beautiful place in a green park near Lake Onega. The sculptures were created by local wood carvers. They often work on sculptures right at the installation site, giving master classes to everyone. The subjects of the sculptures are diverse - fairy-tale characters, heroes of myths and folk epics, mystical animals.
Forest Park "Belichiy Island"
Located in a quiet residential area of Petrozavodsk Kukkovka. The territory of the forest park is 18 hectares. Some of the trees in it are up to 80 years old. The park is home to a large number of squirrels. They are accustomed to people and gladly accept treats from them. Raspberries and medicinal herbs can be collected in places far from footpaths. Children's playgrounds, sports simulators are installed.
The best museums in Petrozavodsk
The most interesting and visited museums in the city, which are definitely worth a visit.
National Museum of the Republic of Karelia
Founded in 1871. It is currently the largest museum in the city. It is located in a historic building of the 18th century, which once belonged to the governor. The museum's funds contain about 200,000 items that make up the exposition of various topics. Visitors will see archaeological, natural, ethnographic and geological collections. They will get acquainted with the culture and traditions of the Korels and Vepsians.
Museum of Fine Arts of Karelia
Has been working since 1960. Located on Karl Marx Street in the building of 1790, where the Olonets men's gymnasium was previously located. The museum contains several thousand objects of art in various directions. About 2500 exhibits are exhibited in the collection of ancient Russian art. These are mainly icons of Obonezhie and Western Primorye. There are halls of foreign and domestic art, halls dedicated to the Karelian-Finnish epic.
Museum of Industrial History of Petrozavodsk
The history of the museum began in 1838. Initially, it was a mining museum at a cannon foundry. The museum's expositions now tell about an important city-forming stage in the life of Petrozavodsk - the development of industry, the history of factories. Samples of the plants' products, archival documents and photos were exhibited, models of workshops were reconstructed. Several rooms have been given over to temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
Art Gallery "Doll House"
The gallery is based on a private collection of author's dolls by Tatyana Kalinina. The permanent exhibition of dolls is dedicated to the Kizhi brownies and the spirits of Karelia. Tatiana makes puppets for the performances of the puppet theater in Petrozavodsk, organizes master classes, and participates in charitable activities. The gallery also exhibits other works of art - graphics, sculpture, painting, photography.
The main theaters of Petrozavodsk
We recommend visiting interesting theaters with performances in indigenous languages. It is also worth noting the Kantele House, where you can hear national music, see performances in traditional costumes.
National Theater of Karelia
The drama theater plays in several languages - Karelian, Russian, Finnish, Vepsian. The international theater was founded in 1932, since 1955 it has been occupying a historic building on Marx Avenue. During the reconstruction in 2003, a Japanese stone garden appeared in the foyer of the building; a glass bay window was added to the Kuznetsov's bas-relief. The permanent repertoire of the theater includes about 30 performances for children and adults.
Musical Theater of the Republic of Karelia
Located in a luxurious building on Kirov Street. Columns at the main entrance add monumentality and grandeur to its appearance. The theater staff is 300 people. His repertoire includes large-scale performances of different genres of world modern and classical drama - ballet, operetta, musical, musical comedy, opera. There are performances for children. The theater's performances have been nominated for the Golden Mask many times.
Puppet Theater of the Republic of Karelia
Has been working since 1935. The repertoire of the puppet theater includes performances for both children and adults. For children, they stage fairy tales - Russian folk ones and based on works of art. Serious productions for adults - "Iron" and "A Dog's Life" were nominated for the prestigious Golden Mask award. The building of the puppet theater on Karl Marx Avenue with the building of the National Theater constitutes a single architectural ensemble.
Karelian State Philharmonic
The concert program of the Philharmonic is designed for audiences of different ages. The performances of the symphony orchestra and orchestras of Russian folk music "Onego" and "Expromt" are most loved by the audience. Every year on the stage of the Philharmonic, the XXI Century festival is held with the participation of the Ukrainian pianist Vadim Kholodenko. Philharmonic collectives take part in the festival on the territory of the Ruskeala mountain park “Ruskeala Symphony”.
House Kantele
A unique national ensemble that performs the music of the indigenous peoples of Karelia - Finns, Vepsians, Karelians, Russians, Ingrian. The ensemble includes musicians, vocalists and dancers. Performers in national costumes perform, for which a workshop was created with professional designers and artists. The band's concerts are held in a historic 19th century building on Karl Marx Street.
Architectural landmarks of Petrozavodsk
The city has iconic buildings and structures that have become business cards and recognizable visual symbols. This is the rotunda, the building of the railway station, the hotel "Severnaya"
Rotunda on the waterfront
The graceful snow-white rotunda is a real adornment of the shores of Lake Onega. A gazebo with a domed roof is a favorite place for romantic photo sessions not only among tourists and city residents, but also among newlyweds - after all, the registry office is located just a few dozen meters from the rotunda. It is believed that the rotunda was erected on the site of the source from which the Empress Catherine II drank water. The rotunda was built in 1994.
Railway station building
Located on Gagarin Square. The station was built in the 1950s. The building was erected by the architect Tsipulin in the neoclassical style. It is decorated with stucco and spire on the tower in the center of the building. The main entrance is solemnly decorated with four columns and a portico. The two levels of the station are connected by a grand staircase. Around the station there is all the infrastructure necessary for passengers - cafes, snack bars, hotels, lounges.
House of the mining chief
An architectural monument in the style of late classicism. This is one of the oldest wooden buildings in Petrozavodsk. It was built at the end of the 18th century. The estate consists of a main house, an outbuilding and a beautifully decorated garden. It was intended for the residence and work of the director of the Alexander plant, Charles Gyscon. Until our time, the architectural appearance of the estate in the style of a Scottish house has reached almost unchanged.
Matrimonial Palace
The building project was created in the 1940s as a dwelling house for the secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee Kupriyanov and other party leaders. The architect Kornev worked on the project of the building, and Gutin refined it. The construction of the Wedding Palace was completed in 1954. The beautiful neoclassical building looks like a small castle. The walls of the building are painted pink and the atmosphere is solemn inside.
Hotel "Severnaya"
The oldest hotel in Petrozavodsk is the central architectural element in the historical part of the city. The hotel was built in 1939. Its second opening after the destruction of the Second World War took place in 1948. After the reconstruction, the building of the hotel in the style of constructivism acquired the features of neoclassicism. The side cases acquired greater expressiveness, and stucco moldings appeared.
Churches and temples of Petrozavodsk
Beautiful small temples can be seen in different parts of the city. You can find temples of various religions and confessions.
Church of the Presentation of the Lord
The Orthodox church is located on the shores of the Logmozersky Strait in the Solomnoye District. The stone church was founded at the end of the 18th century. In 1913 it was rebuilt according to the project of Marushev after a severe fire. A chapel was built next to the two-headed church. Liturgies are held daily in the church. The shrines of the temple are the vestments made by the wife of Peter I's brother and the priests' chairs made by Peter I.
Holy Cross Cathedral
Formally located on the territory of the Zaretsky cemetery - the oldest cemetery in the city, now closed for burials. The cathedral was founded in 1848 on the site of a wooden chapel. It is interesting for its magnificent architectural design - it has four pillars, with five chapters. Its blue domes rise above the green tops of the trees. Inside the church, the original iconostasis has been preserved, several icons from which were brought from St. Petersburg.
Catherine church
Another church located on the territory of the cemetery. Catherine's Church is located behind the fence of the abolished Old Believer Neglinsky cemetery. The building of the church is made in the style of the provincial classics of the 19th century with one tower and one domed bell tower. It is an architectural monument. In 2012, the church was rebuilt after a fire. Now it hosts divine services and work with parishioners.
Church of Panteleimon the Healer on Drevlyanka
The temple is young - its construction began in 2005 and ended in 2010. It was given an original look, allowing it to combine under one roof a sacristy, a refectory, a book archive, a chapel and a bell tower. The church bells were made in Tutaev, they have different sizes - from 7 to 860 kg. The interior walls were painted by specialists from the city of Palekh. There is an icon shop on the territory of the temple.
Temple of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Roman Catholic Church located on Lenin Avenue. The temple was consecrated in 1904, and its construction began in 1898. In 1906, an organ was installed in the church. From 1927 to 1994, the building housed civil organizations, including the Composers' Union and the flying club. After a small restoration, the church again receives parishioners and conducts services. The temple is included in the list of cultural heritage sites.
Monuments and monuments of Petrozavodsk
The most famous historical and modern monuments and sculptures that adorn the streets and squares of the city.
Military Memorial Complex of the Karelian Front "Alley of Memory and Glory"
Dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Karelian Front. Located in the park Partizanskaya Polyana. The construction of the memorial began in 1984. The work was carried out for several years, the project of the complex was periodically changed. In 2003, V.V. Putin. The memorial complex includes a Monument to Soldiers, Partisans and Underground Fighters, a Monument to the Military Flotillas, and Commemorative Signs listing all front-line detachments.
Monument Tractor TDT-40
An unusual monument is located at the entrance of the former Onega Tractor Plant, where this tractor model was produced from 1957 to 1961. Until 1957, it was produced at one of the factories in Minsk. The plant itself dates back to the time of Peter I, and earlier it was an arms factory. The tractor was intended for transport and floatation work, it was distinguished by its increased cross-country ability and excellent maneuverability.
Monument to O. V. Kuusinen
The monument to the statesman is located on Sovetskaya Square. It is a cultural heritage site. The initiator of the erection of a monument to a student of Lenin was the Central Committee of the CPSU in 1964 after his death. The choice of the project from all the options presented lasted until 1968. The monument was opened only in 1973, on the day of celebration of the 270th anniversary of Petrozavodsk. The sculpture of Kuusinen is made of gray-pink granite.
Monument to Alexander Nevsky
Opened in 2010 near the cathedral in honor of the holy Grand Duke Nevsky. Funds for the installation of the monument were allocated from the city budget, the citizens of the city donated a lot. The sculptor is V.G. Kozenyuk. He portrayed the Grand Duke in military attire and in a helmet, in his hands he holds a sword. In the park around the monument, benches were installed, shrubs and beautiful flower beds were planted, paths were laid out. The monument was cast in St. Petersburg.
Monument to Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
The bronze monument was erected in 1960 on Kuibyshev Street. The opening took place on May 10 and was timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Karelian Labor Commune. The sculptures were made in Moscow according to sketches by Fridman, Belostotsky, Osipenko. They are installed on a pyramidal pedestal made of Shoksha porphyry. The founders of Marxism are depicted seated facing each other. The height of the monument is 3.7 meters.
Pyramid for the 300th anniversary of Petrozavodsk
An unusual monument was erected in 2003 on the embankment of Lake Onega. Especially for the installation of the monument, a pier was made, lined with decorative stone, which juts out into the lake. The granite pyramid is one and a half meters high. Despite its small size, it is perfectly visible from any point on the embankment. The pyramid has smooth edges, commemorative words dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the city are engraved on one of the sides.
Sculpture "Onego"
Another monument erected on the shores of Lake Onega for the 300th anniversary of Petrozavodsk. The second name of the sculpture is known - "The Birth of Petrozavodsk". Locals call the monument "Barefoot Boy". The sculpture depicts a young warrior preparing to disembark from a boat. Sculptors Manachinsky and architects Mikhailov and Kim worked on the monument. The height of the monument together with the pedestal is 11.5 meters.
Fountain "Molecule" on Student Boulevard
Located at the intersection of Lenin Avenue and Student Boulevard. The unusual design of the fountain was designed by the architect Taev. The fountain in the form of a polyhedron is made in the form of a fullerene molecule - a hydrocarbon compound that is found in shungite rocks. The waters of the mineral healing spring "Marcial Waters" pass through these rocks, the discovery of which is attributed to Peter I.
Where to go from Petrozavodsk?
Petrozavodsk is often the starting point or intermediate point when traveling across Karelia. Among the famous top places in the vicinity, it is worth noting the Kivach nature reserve and the Kizhi island.
Kivach waterfall
Located on the Suna River, 80 km from Petrozavodsk. One of the most popular tourist sites in the Kivach reserve. The name of the waterfall is translated as "powerful" or "impetuous". The waterfall has several steps on a 170-meter stretch. The total height of the fall of water is more than 10 meters, at the lower stage, the height of the vertical drop of water is 8 meters. There is a hiking trail to the waterfall.
Don't Miss: Top 20 Waterfalls in Karelia.
Architectural ensemble "Kizhi"
The unique ensemble of Russian wooden architecture on the Kizhi island attracts thousands of tourists. On the 5.5 km long island there are about 100 monuments of architecture and culture - churches, bell towers, mills. Under the protection of UNESCO are not only masterpieces of the carpenters of the Russian North, but also the natural landscape of the island. The earliest buildings of the museum date back to the 16th century. You can get to the island by boat or boat.
