Russia - Northwestern FD - Republic of Karelia

"The Valamo archipelago together with the surrounding waters of Lake Ladoga represents a cultural and ecological complex with more than 200 relicts of the past. The overwhelming majority of the architectural assemble are concentrated on Valamo island. The most considerable of them are as such: the Main Monastery with the main church of the Transfiguration -1887-1896- ; the Outer square of the main Monastery buildings (1807-1910) with the church of the Apostoles Peter and Paul above the Holy gate and some other memorials of the main monastery. The archaeological remains are also to be regarded as memorials which reflect both the history of archipelago and that of those tribes and generations who used to live on the North west of Russia." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Valamo Monastery is located on the island of Valaam in Lake Ladoga in Karelia, Russia. Thanks to Piotr of Russia.

Postcard 2

Valamo Archipelago, Russia. Thanks to Olga of Russia.

Postcard 3
Kizhi Pogost is an amazing architectural icon - a cathedral built without nails. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Republic of Karelia. Nice large stamps including a diamond shaped WWF stamp. Thanks so much to Alexandra of Moscow.

Postcard 4

The Chapel of Archangel Michael in the island of Kizhi in Lake Onega in Republic of Karelia, Russia. Thanks to Liza of Russia.