The Sloventsky Islands are located in the White Sea in northwestern Russia, less than 100 miles from the arctic circle. These islands are famous with their monastery there from 15th century. The monastery was restored and today the islands’ natural beauty, spiritual significance and weighty history draw tourists of all kinds to their shores.

The monastery’s several churches rise above the fortress that surrounds it and are mirrored in the calm waters of the White Sea. The sea is frozen most of the year, limiting the navigation season to three months over the summer.

The large Solovetsky Island, site of the Solovetsky monastery and village, is one of many in the archipelago. Some are so small they bear no human structures, others, such as Anzer, are the sites of minor monasteries maintained by Orthodox monks.

Full story: wayfaring.info