Ushaki can be explored through specific local stories: a memorial to Soviet soldiers from the village, the history of the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God of Kazan, and another church built between 1902 and 1908. A museum dedicated to Ushaki’s history complements these topics. This gives you a way to understand the village based on your interests in remembrance, church architecture and local history.
Remembrance and Reconstruction in Ushaki
On May 6, 1988, a memorial to Soviet soldiers from the village was ceremonially unveiled in Ushaki’s central square. Its dedication to soldiers from Ushaki roots the memorial in local history and gives it a distinct place alongside the churches.
The former Church of the Icon of the Mother of God of Kazan has a history of repurposing, loss and reconstruction. It was closed in 1925 and converted into a cultural center. In the 1970s, the building fell into disrepair and burned down completely; only the foundation remained. Reconstruction began in 2005 with the involvement of local residents and benefactors. The stone church was built on the old foundation, following the dimensions of the pre-revolutionary design.
Church Architecture and Local History
Another chapter in the history of local architecture is the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra in Ushaki. It was built between 1902 and 1908 as a wayside church, to a design by architect W. A. Schreter. The construction dates mark a different historical focus from that of the Kazan Church: here, the emphasis is on the building phase from 1902 to 1908, while the Kazan Church’s reconstruction began in 2005.
A museum dedicated to the village’s history is located in the Ushaki Center for Leisure and Folk Art. It adds Ushaki itself as a theme alongside the individual building histories, giving local history its own place alongside the memorial and churches.
Another Perspective on Leningrad Oblast
The wider travel destination of Leningrad Oblast offers other nature and culture highlights. Veps Forest Nature Park lies in the far east of Leningrad Oblast and includes seven nature reserves with particularly strict conservation rules. The park has numerous lakes; the largest is Lake Lerinskoye, in the reserve of the same name.
The nature park’s special features include old-growth spruce and pine forests preserved in the Veps Forest and Ashchozersky reserves. These forests are important to many organisms that can survive only in forests undisturbed by economic activity. Brown bears are found in considerable numbers in the nature park; the wolverine, which is extremely rare in the region, has also been recorded there. The Veps, a small people of Russia with their own culture and traditions, have also traditionally lived there.
Another cultural highlight of Leningrad Oblast is Koporye Fortress, a museum and monument of ancient Russian stone architecture. It has survived in its present form since the 16th century; parts of the masonry date back to the 13th century. You can visit without a guide using the “Koporskaya Krepost 2.0” multimedia guide; check availability when planning your visit. Climbing the walls and towers is prohibited because of their emergency condition.
Discover more destinations: Motornoye, Baranovo, Peski, Enkolovo, Zaborye, Somino, Markovo, Pulkovo.
Back to the wider travel guide: Leningrad Oblast.
