Pyalma: A Village Story by the River

Pyalma, Novinka, and Zarechye form a continuous group of three villages on both banks of the Pyal’ma River. The river divides the inhabited settlement into two areas, connected by the old wooden bridge in the center. Pyalma is also one kilometer from the shore of Lake Onega.

The Chapel of Elijah the Prophet stands in a cemetery between Pyalma and Novinka, at a bend in the road near a loop in the river. The cemetery is enclosed by a fence with a carved gate. The chapel dates from the second half of the 18th century and is built as a log structure from round pine logs.

The chapel’s construction and setting come together: its log structure is made of round pine logs, while the fence and carved gate enclose the cemetery. Its precise location between Pyalma and Novinka, near a loop in the river and at a bend in the road, connects the building with the village’s river and settlement landscape.

The historic building stock also includes three residential complexes in Pyalma. Their spatial layout is well preserved, and their decorative design is considered typical of the Pudozhsky District. The houses thus complement the chapel, offering a view of residential buildings and their design. These features give an impression of traditional architecture in Pyalma, though not all the buildings have the same function or form.

The village museum presents an exhibition of documents, household items, and tools relating to the history of the village and its residents. The collection complements the architectural heritage with objects and documents from village life. In Pyalma, then, the focus is not only on historic buildings but also on the history of its people.

With the support of the local cultural center, the tradition of the patronal festival Ilyin Day was revived. Participants included former residents of Pyalma, their friends, and many guests and tourists. The festival thus reflects the connection between the village and people who come from there or have ties to it. If you want to plan your trip around this occasion, check in advance whether a festival will take place and when.

A ten-kilometer dead-end road branches off the Medvezhyegorsk–Pudozh through road and leads to Pyalma. Check current road conditions before setting out.

The Pyal’ma River is a defining feature that helps you find your way around the village: it divides the inhabited part of the settlement, while the old wooden bridge connects the two areas in the center. The shore of Lake Onega is one kilometer from Pyalma. The riverside setting and the distance to the lake are therefore two distinct geographical reference points.

In the wider destination of the Republic of Karelia, the Kizhi Museum Reserve displays 89 monuments of traditional wooden architecture in the open air. These include old chapels and houses, mills, granaries, threshing barns, and drying racks. Visitors can also see the interiors of the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God and peasant houses, where traditional rural crafts are demonstrated.

How does the river shape Pyalma?

The Pyal’ma River divides the inhabited part of the settlement into two areas. An old wooden bridge connects them in the center.

Where is the Chapel of Elijah the Prophet?

It stands in a cemetery between Pyalma and Novinka, at a bend in the road near a loop in the river. The cemetery is enclosed by a fence with a carved gate.

How long is the road to Pyalma?

A ten-kilometer dead-end road leads from the Medvezhyegorsk–Pudozh through road to Pyalma. Check current road conditions before setting out.

To the wider travel overview: Pudozhskiy rayon.