Veshkelitsa: Lakes, History and Culture

• The place lies on the shores of seven small lakes, including Kirikiarvi, Matkajarvi and Koverajarvi.
• The settlement was founded no later than the 17th century.
• The Sorokin House is a traditional dwelling dating from the late 19th century.
• The Chapel of Saint George the Victorious is a monument of folk architecture from the 17th century.
• The mass grave is the burial place of 30 defenders of the Fatherland.

Its location on the shores of seven small lakes is a defining geographical feature of the place. Three of these lakes are Kirikiarvi, Matkajarvi and Koverajarvi. These names make the landscape more specific, without merging the lakes into a single body of water: Veshkelitsa lies on the shores of several small lakes. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider the landscape as a focus in its own right, alongside local history and culture.

The settlement was founded no later than the 17th century. Historical buildings include the Sorokin House, a traditional dwelling dating from the late 19th century. The Chapel of Saint George the Victorious dates from a different period: it is considered a monument of folk architecture from the 17th century. In the 1980s, the chapel was moved from the village of Kangozero to Veshkelitsa. The founding of the settlement, the chapel’s construction and its later relocation are distinct stages in its history.

The mass grave, where 30 defenders of the Fatherland are buried, is located in the center of Veshkelitsa. Together with the buildings, it offers another perspective on the history of the place. Visitors looking to understand the area will find both historic architecture and a memorial site as tangible points of interest.

A folklore group from Veshkelitsa performs songs in Karelian and Finnish. In addition, a museum room was established in Veshkelitsa through the efforts of local historian Pyotr Shamshin. The Veshkelitsa fair is held in the village every year at Pentecost. If you want to plan your trip around the fair, check the exact date for the year in question.

These cultural offerings take different forms: the folklore group represents songs in two languages, the fair is an annual event held at Pentecost, and the museum room reflects local efforts to preserve memories. When choosing a focus for your trip, you can distinguish between living culture and historical exhibits.

Further nature and culture experiences can be found across the wider destination of the Republic of Karelia. An overview excursion in Kivach Nature Reserve includes an outdoor walk to Kivach Waterfall, as well as visits to the arboretum and the nature museum. The waterfall is on the Suna River in central Karelia and has a drop of 10.7 meters. A 1,000-meter loop trail passes through a wooded area on the banks of the Suna near the excursion zone; the walk along the trail takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Check the conditions and booking arrangements with the operator in advance.

Another example in the Republic of Karelia is the Kizhi Museum Reserve. Its open-air collection features 89 monuments of traditional wooden architecture, including old chapels and houses, mills, granaries, threshing barns and drying racks. Visitors can also see the interior of the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God and peasant houses, where traditional rural crafts are demonstrated. Thus, the wider destination offers independent nature and museum experiences alongside the history of an individual place.

Discover more destinations: Shyoltozero, Tiurula, Kem, Sortavala, Kotkozero, Pitkjaranta, Uya, Chalna.

Which lakes are part of the Veshkelitsa landscape?

Veshkelitsa lies on the shores of seven small lakes. Kirikiarvi, Matkajarvi and Koverajarvi are three of them.

Which historic buildings are associated with Veshkelitsa?

The Sorokin House is a traditional dwelling dating from the late 19th century. The Chapel of Saint George the Victorious is a monument of folk architecture from the 17th century and was moved from the village of Kangozero to Veshkelitsa in the 1980s.

When is the Veshkelitsa fair held?

It is held in the village every year at Pentecost. If you want to plan your trip around the fair, check the exact date for the year of your visit.

In which languages does the folklore group perform songs?

The folklore group from Veshkelitsa performs songs in Karelian and Finnish.

For the wider travel overview: Republic of Karelia.