Svobodnoye: Kirvu and its history

• Svobodnoye was called Kirvu until 1948.
• Kirvu’s third church was built of wood in 1816, based on a design by architect Matti Salonen.
• The church had a cruciform floor plan and a detached bell tower.
• Kirvu became an independent parish in 1858.
• An organ with 16 stops was installed in the church in 1893.
• A foundation remains at the former church site.

The church was the third in Kirvu. Matti Salonen designed the wooden building, which was constructed in 1816. A cruciform floor plan describes the shape of the building; the bell tower stood detached beside the main structure. These are two distinct features of the historic architecture: the church’s basic shape and the position of the tower.

Kirvu became an independent parish in 1858, 42 years after the church was built. An organ with 16 stops was installed in the church in 1893. It also had an old altarpiece depicting Christ crucified; the artist is unknown.

During the Soviet period of 1940–41, the entire interior was destroyed. The building was used as a grain store during this period. A foundation remains at the former church site.

Near Svobodnoye, a memorial was unveiled at Military Burial Site No. 68 ahead of Victory Day.

A photograph from 2006 shows a memorial park and memorial cross at the former site of Kirvu’s church. Another photograph from 2006 shows a monument at the burial site of Finnish soldiers who died in 1918 and from 1939 to 1944. The photographs document these memorial sites in a historical context without implying that they can be visited today.

Within the broader destination of Leningrad Oblast, Vepsian Forest Nature Park lies in the far east of the oblast. It encompasses seven nature reserves with particularly strict protection rules. The park has numerous lakes; the largest is Lake Lerinskoe, in the reserve of the same name.

Among the park’s special features are old spruce and pine forests preserved within its nature reserves. They are important for many organisms that can survive only in forests undisturbed by economic activity. Brown bears are found in significant numbers in the nature park; the wolverine, which is extremely rare in the region, has also been recorded there. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

The Veps have traditionally lived in the nature park. They are a small people of Russia with their own culture and traditions. The landscape and cultural background thus offer two distinct perspectives on the nature park, alongside its protected areas and lakes.

A regional description dated December 24, 2019, mentions ecological routes in seven regionally significant protected areas. They were intended for independent visits and were equipped with information materials and various visitor facilities. Check current conditions before planning a specific route.

Koporye Fortress is also a cultural destination within the broader destination of Leningrad Oblast. It is a museum and a monument of ancient Russian stone architecture. Its present form has been preserved since the 16th century; parts of the masonry date from the 13th century. It is possible to visit without a guide using the “Koporskaya Krepost 2.0” multimedia guide; check its availability in advance. Climbing the walls and towers is prohibited because they are in a state of disrepair.

If regional destinations are important for your trip, compare their locations individually before choosing accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Sinyovo, Sredniye Krupeli, Kezoruchey, Podporozhye, Brigadnoye, Torfyanovka, Pasha, Shcheleyki.

What was Svobodnoye called until 1948?

The settlement was called Kirvu until 1948.

What is known about the former church?

Kirvu’s third church was built of wood in 1816, based on a design by Matti Salonen. It had a cruciform floor plan and a detached bell tower.

Which destinations are part of the broader regional area?

Vepsian Forest Nature Park and Koporye Fortress are destinations within the broader destination of Leningrad Oblast. They appeal to different interests: protected areas, lakes, and forests on the one hand, and a museum and stone architecture on the other.

View the broader travel overview: Leningrad Oblast.