Syargozero: History by the Lake

• The historic settlement was located by Lake Syargozero.
• There was a chapel in the historic village.
• A tradition from the former village links the name Chuzhak with the so-called “Litva.”

The historic settlement of Syargozero was located by the lake of the same name. The historic village also had a chapel.

A tradition from the former village tells that residents heard that the so-called “Litva” was approaching. They then dug pits or trenches, set up stakes, and gathered there to bury themselves alive. They believed this was preferable to falling into the enemy’s hands. The place was therefore called “Chuzhak.” This story should be understood as a tradition, not as a confirmed historical account.

Two distinct historical references therefore sit side by side: the location of the former settlement by the lake and the story associated with the name Chuzhak. Those interested in local history can take account of both the settlement’s location and local memory.

One regional nature topic is the Vepsian Forest Nature Park in the far east of Leningrad Oblast. It encompasses seven nature reserves with especially strict protection regulations. Numerous lakes shape the park’s landscape; the largest is Lake Lerinskoye, in the reserve of the same name.

Among the distinctive features of Vepsian Forest Nature Park are the well-preserved old spruce and pine forests in its reserves. They are important for numerous organisms that can survive only in forests undisturbed by economic activity. The natural area is therefore also of interest for its preserved forest ecosystems.

The Veps, a small people of Russia with their own culture and traditions, have traditionally lived in the nature park. Its wildlife includes brown bears, which are found there in greater numbers; the wolverine, extremely rare in the region, has also been recorded. These nature and cultural topics describe the park in Leningrad Oblast, not the local history of Syargozero.

Another regional topic is Koporye Fortress, a museum and monument of Old Russian stone architecture. Its present form has been preserved since the 16th century; parts of the masonry date from the 13th century. The two dates distinguish the preserved appearance of the fortress from its older masonry sections.

You can visit without a guide using the multimedia guide to Koporye Fortress. Check its availability before making plans. Climbing the walls and towers is prohibited because they are in a state of disrepair. The regional cultural perspective thus connects architectural history with a specific visiting restriction.

These are different considerations for your travel plans: the tradition of Chuzhak belongs to the history of the former village; Vepsian Forest and Koporye Fortress represent other nature and cultural topics within Leningrad Oblast. This makes it possible to distinguish the local history of Syargozero from the regional interests you may also wish to consider when planning your trip.

Where was the historic settlement of Syargozero located?

The historic settlement was located by Lake Syargozero.

What does the Chuzhak tradition tell?

It tells of residents who wanted to bury themselves alive in response to the announced arrival of the so-called “Litva.” According to the tradition, the place was called Chuzhak.

Are you allowed to climb the walls of Koporye Fortress?

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

For the broader travel overview: Tikhvinskiy rayon.