The Solovetsky Islands are an archipelago located in the Onega Bay of the Russia's White Sea. A seemingly inhospitable and sparsely populated land, it serves as a home to the Solovetsky Monastery complex, one of Russia's most prominent religious centers which in Soviet times served as a prison.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Trefilov / Go to the mediabankThe monastery was founded in 1436 by the monk Zosima.
The monastery was founded in 1436 by the monk Zosima.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Trefilov / Go to the mediabankMemorial cross in the Prosperity Bay of the Bolshoy (Big) Solovetsky Island.
Memorial cross in the Prosperity Bay of the Bolshoy (Big) Solovetsky Island.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Trefilov / Go to the mediabankThe monastery has served as a place of exile for opponents of Russia's secular and religious authorities since 16th century.
The monastery has served as a place of exile for opponents of Russia's secular and religious authorities since 16th century.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Trefilov / Go to the mediabankPilgrim taking photos of the Solovki Monastery environs.
Pilgrim taking photos of the Solovki Monastery environs.
Sunset over the Bolshoy(Big)Solovetsky Island.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Trefilov / Go to the mediabankDuring the Soviet period, many of the monastery buildings became incorporated into the Solovki prison camp.
During the Soviet period, many of the monastery buildings became incorporated into the Solovki prison camp.
© Sputnik / Konstantin Chalabov / Go to the mediabankGolgotha Crucifixion Hermitage,located on Anzer Island in the Arkhangelsk region.
Golgotha Crucifixion Hermitage,located on Anzer Island in the Arkhangelsk region.
© Sputnik / Konstantin Chalabov / Go to the mediabankThe Constantine Chapel on Solovetsky Island, Arkhangelsk Region.
The Constantine Chapel on Solovetsky Island, Arkhangelsk Region.
© Sputnik / Konstantin Chalabov / Go to the mediabankThe Transfiguration of the Savior Monastery on Solovetsky Island, Arkhangelsk Region.
The Transfiguration of the Savior Monastery on Solovetsky Island, Arkhangelsk Region.
© Sputnik / Sergey Ermokhin / Go to the mediabankThe monastery was one of the first Russian sites to become part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The monastery was one of the first Russian sites to become part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
© Sputnik / Konstantin Chalabov / Go to the mediabankThe boat Saint Peter on Solovetsky Island, Arkhangelsk Region.
The boat Saint Peter on Solovetsky Island, Arkhangelsk Region.
© Sputnik / Sergey Ermokhin / Go to the mediabankView of the Bolshoy(Big)Solovetsky Island and the Blagopoluchiya Harbor (the Harbor of Well-Being)from the Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery.
View of the Bolshoy(Big)Solovetsky Island and the Blagopoluchiya Harbor (the Harbor of Well-Being)from the Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery.
© Sputnik / Sergey Pyatakov / Go to the mediabankThe Spaso-Preobrazhensky(Transfiguration of the Savior) Monastery, located on the Solovki islands in the White Sea.
The Spaso-Preobrazhensky(Transfiguration of the Savior) Monastery, located on the Solovki islands in the White Sea.