Kizhi

Kizhi is one of Russia’s most picturesque religious destinations. An island in Lake Onega, it features a beautiful ensemble of wooden churches, chapels, and cottages. In the 16th century Kizhi was home to more than one hundred villages, but now stands as a giant museum. The jewel of Kizhi is the twenty-two-domed Transfiguration Church, built in 1714 without a single nail. In 1960 a number of other churches were transported to the island to create one of the most unique open air museums in the world.

Next to the Transfiguration Church is the smaller, nine-domed Church of Intercession. Its domes are beautiful but seem almost modest next to its extravagant neighbor. A bell tower stands between the two impressive churches, completing what is known as the Kizhsky Pogost. All the three structures are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Among other highlights of Kizhi is the Church of Resurrection of Lazarus, moved here from the Murom Monastery. It is by far the oldest building in the collection, dating to the 14th century, and is believed by monks to have healing powers. The Chapels of Archangel Mikhail, of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, of the Divine Savior, and many others complete the ensemble of this spiritual place.

Kizhi is especially beautiful during the long northern summer, when the church domes shine with a mysterious, phosphoric light. At sunset, when the sun is sinking below the horizon, everything is illuminated by a scarlet glimmer that gradually drops to leaden gray. And on fine winter mornings, the snow-covered churches dazzle like lost fairy palaces in the sun. It isn’t easy to get to the island at these special times - most people go on a brief summer day trip - but it is an experience well worth the trip.