Valaam
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
Valaam is an archipelago in the northern portion of Lake Ladoga, lying within the Russian Federation's Republic of Karelia. the total area of its more than 50 islands is 36 square km. The largest island is also called Valaam. It is most known as the site of the Valaam Monastery, but also for its natural beauty.
In the 12th century the islands were a part of the Novgorod Republic. In the 17th cenrury they were captured by Sweden, in the beginning of 18th cenrury became a part of the Russian Empire. In 1918 they were captured by Finland, but in 1940 were returned to the USSR.
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