Historical, Archeological and Architectural Conservation Area of Old Ladoga

The idea of creation of the museum in Old Ladoga was first expressed in 1901 at the provincial assembly. As it was said the museum was essential for “the preservation of some or other monument” (“Peterburgsky Vestnik”, 1904 No. 5 p. 77-79) This good intention was fulfilled 70 years later, in 1971 the Old Ladoga area study museum opened.

Owing to the research of the archeological expedition of the Institute of the artefactual history of the Russian Academy of Sciences and due to the efforts of its leader professor Kirpichnikov, the scientific community and the government paid their attention to the distressed monuments of Old Ladoga and the necessity of their preservation and restoration. In 1984 the provincial museum was given the status of the national historical, architectural and archeological conservation area. The territory of approximately 190 hectares was taken under the special preservation and the archeological monuments were saved from a total destruction. The creation of the conservation area has preserved the plan of the ancient city and pulled the restoration of the archeological monuments. Strong disquisitive potential of the research workers facilitates turning the conservation area of Old Ladoga to the biggest museum center in Northwest region. The museum holds seminars and scientific meetings participated by the scientists from Russia and other countries; the antiquities of Old Ladoga represent Russian culture abroad.

The conservation area of Old Ladoga is not only a cultural and scientific center but also is the center of tourism. The upcoming flow of tourists both Russian and foreign is growing year after year. The preparation for the celebration of the 1250th anniversary of Old Ladoga made it possible to restore the architectural monuments, advance the tourism infrastructure and the develop the village.


In the anniversary year the exhibitions presented Old Ladoga to the citizens of Moscow and St. Petersburg. In return the exhibition “Alexander Nevsky, the holy patron of St. Petersburg” from the reserve of the State Hermitage opened in Old Ladoga; the museum of archeology was founded in the restored house of merchant Kalyazin.


The architectural, historical, cultural and archeological monuments of Old Ladoga are worth seeing in order to learn about the unique cultural phenomena of this ancient city.