Discover Pasha: Church, Water Tower and River Views

Pasha is home to the Church of St. Alexander of Svir and the water tower at the railway station. The church is built in the Vladimir-Suzdal style and crowned with a gilded, helmet-shaped dome; it was consecrated on November 4, 2015. The water tower dates from 1915–1916 and is registered as a cultural heritage site of regional significance. Other local places include a historic formal park overlooking the Pasha River and a memorial burial site beside a monument to naval infantrymen.

Two distinctive features come together at the Church of St. Alexander of Svir: its Vladimir-Suzdal style and its gilded, helmet-shaped dome. The consecration date, November 4, 2015, adds a specific historical reference to its architectural context. If you would like to see the church as part of an organized tour, it is included as a sightseeing stop on the “V nizovyakh Shirokoy reki” excursion. Check current availability with the tour operator.

The water tower also offers a clear historical point of reference: it dates from 1915–1916. A decision by the regional heritage preservation committee dated September 17, 2026, registers it as a cultural heritage site of regional significance. Thus, Pasha’s cultural highlights include both a church with a specified architectural style and a registered monument from the early 20th century.

The historic formal park in Pasha has a slope overlooking the Pasha River. Restoration work is planned for the park. If you would like to include it in your plans, check access in advance. Pasha is also home to a memorial burial site in a park beside a monument to naval infantrymen. Renovation work took place at the memorial site in 2025; here, too, it is advisable to check access before visiting.

As a distinct regional nature destination, the Vepsian Forest Nature Park lies in the far east of Leningrad Oblast. It comprises seven reserves with particularly strict conservation rules. The park has numerous lakes; the largest is Lake Lerinskoe, in the reserve of the same name. The old spruce and pine forests in the “Vepsskiy les” and “Ashchozyorskiy” reserves are important to many organisms that depend on forests undisturbed by economic activity.

Wildlife is also part of this regional natural landscape: brown bears are relatively numerous in the Vepsian Forest, and the wolverine, which is extremely rare in the region, has also been recorded. A sighting cannot be guaranteed. The Veps, a small people of Russia with their own culture and traditions, have traditionally lived in the park. Alongside lakes and forests, the nature park therefore also has a distinct cultural dimension.

Koporye Fortress is another destination for architecture enthusiasts. It is a museum and a monument to Old Russian stone architecture. Its present-day form has been preserved since the 16th century, while parts of the masonry date from the 13th century. For a visit without a guide, the multimedia guide “Koporskaya krepost 2.0” is available; check whether it is available for your date. Climbing the walls and towers is prohibited because they are in a state of disrepair. This restriction should be taken into account when planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Slanzy, Kutuzovskoye, Runovo, Volkhov, Nikolskoye, Sinyavino, Glubokoye, Kezoruchey.

When was the Church of St. Alexander of Svir consecrated?

The church in Pasha was consecrated on November 4, 2015. It is built in the Vladimir-Suzdal style and has a gilded, helmet-shaped dome.

Can I visit the church as part of an excursion?

The church is included as a sightseeing stop on the “V nizovyakh Shirokoy reki” excursion. Contact the tour operator to find out whether the excursion is available for your date.

What makes the Vepsian Forest Nature Park distinctive?

The nature park in Leningrad Oblast comprises seven reserves, numerous lakes, and old spruce and pine forests. The culture of the Veps, who have traditionally lived there, is also one of its regional highlights.

Are visitors allowed to climb the walls and towers of Koporye Fortress?

No. Climbing the walls and towers is prohibited because they are in a state of disrepair.

For the broader travel overview: Leningrad Oblast.