Shapki offers three distinct perspectives on the town: the cultural heritage ensemble dating from 1817, the Sabantuy tradition that has continued since 1998, and picnics at the quarries and walks in the surrounding forests. The town’s character therefore spans history and cultural tradition as well as time spent outdoors. The following nature and cultural experiences belong to the broader destination of Leningrad Oblast and provide a separate, wider context.

Cultural Heritage and Traditions in Shapki

Balashev Park (“Balashevskiy park”) in Shapki is a cultural heritage ensemble of regional significance dating from 1817. The ensemble includes the park, the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, and the foundation of a greenhouse. Its components therefore include a park as well as religious and architectural elements.

The tradition of celebrating Sabantuy in Shapki has been continued since 1998 by the Tosno Society for Tatar Culture “Izge yul.” The Tosnensky Sabantuy program includes a formal opening attended by official representatives. This is a different time reference from that of the park ensemble: the park dates from 1817, while the Sabantuy tradition has continued since 1998.

The quarries in Shapki offer another focus. They are a place for picnics and walks in the surrounding forests. These describe two different ways to spend time outdoors: a picnic as a stay, and a walk as an activity. Alongside cultural attractions, there are also simple outdoor activities to choose from.

More Nature and Culture in Leningrad Oblast

The Vepsian Forest Nature Park lies in the far east of the broader destination of Leningrad Oblast. It includes seven nature reserves with especially strict protection rules. Numerous lakes define the park; the largest, Lake Lerinskoye, is in the reserve of the same name. Among the park’s special features are well-preserved old spruce and pine forests in the “Vepsskiy les” and “Ashchozyorskiy” reserves.

These forests are important to numerous organisms that can survive only in forests undisturbed by economic activity. The Veps, a small people of Russia with their own culture and traditions, have also traditionally lived in the nature park. Forests, lakes, and cultural traditions shape a different theme there from the cultural heritage and activities in Shapki.

Another cultural attraction in Leningrad Oblast is Koporye Fortress. It is a museum and a monument to ancient Russian stone architecture. Its present form has survived since the 16th century; parts of the masonry date from the 13th century. These dates distinguish the surviving form from older sections of masonry. Climbing the walls and towers is prohibited because of their emergency condition. The fortress can be visited without a guide using the multimedia guide “Koporskaya krepost 2.0”; check availability when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Sosnovo, Vaganovo, Starosiverskaya, Korostel', Bugry, Vyborg, Simagino, Gorbunki

To the broader travel guide: Leningrad Oblast.