Historic fortresses

Our trip began with the fact that we went to the east and in the city of Kirovsk decided to make a stop to visit the museum-diorama Breakthrough of the blockade of Leningrad. Its exposition conveys in every detail the harsh life of those times, as well as in colorful detail tells us how and at what cost the breakthrough of the blockade was made.

There are quite a few ancient castles and fortresses in the Leningrad region. One of the closest to St. Petersburg is the Oreshek Fortress. It was founded almost seven centuries ago, served for a long time as an important defensive border, was destroyed and restored several times. And now there is a museum and fascinating excursions, during which you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Russia of the times of Peter the Great.

Noteburg is a spacious and cozy restaurant with a beautiful open veranda, where dishes of Russian and European cuisine are served. This is where we decided to have lunch. The menu included a lot of fish and meat dishes, of which we liked salmon tartar and chicken liver pate.

In a small village Staraya Ladoga near the banks of the Volkhov River there is a fortress of the same name. Many of its towers, as well as some parts of the walls have managed to collapse over the centuries, but thanks to large-scale restoration work it is not difficult to imagine its appearance today. There is a museum on its territory, which tells all the details about the history of the region and the fortress itself.

In the northern part of the village of Staraya Ladoga is presumably the grave of one of the founders of the Russian state of Prophetic Oleg. Among several mounds the highest and is named after this Old Russian prince. Walking here, you can admire the impressive view of the Volkhov river valley.

The atmospheric and cozy Calypso restaurant is perfect for spending the rest of the evening here. For dinner there is nothing better than a plate of traditional borscht, as well as a serving of shish kebab cooked on coals.

We've done a lot to date. After visiting several museums, as well as strolling through the most interesting historical sights, we were noticeably tired and went to rest in the hotel. Tomorrow we will have a long trip to Tikhvin.