Kizhi Pogost

Lore & Background

The Kizhi Pogost was built on the southern part of Kizhi Island, on a hill 4 meters above Lake Onega. Its major structural unit is a round log of Scots Pine about 30 cm in diameter and 3 to 5 meters long. The pogost was constructed without using a single nail, and thousands of logs were brought from the mainland, a complex logistical task for the time. The Church of the Transfiguration, the most remarkable part, was built on the site of an older church burnt by lightning; its construction began in 1714, though the exact date of the altar laying is not recorded in reliable historical sources. A legend states that the main builder used one axe for the whole construction, which he threw into the lake upon completion, saying 'there was not and will be not another one to match it.'

Reader's Guide

Kizhi Pogost is a universally recognized masterpiece of world architecture, noted for the harmony of its dimensions and shapes and the artistic unity of its structures built at different times. The Transfiguration Church, with 22 domes and a height of 37 meters, is one of the tallest wooden buildings in Northern Europe. Its iconostasis has four levels and contains 102 icons from the late 17th to early 19th centuries. The Intercession Church, a heated winter church, was first built in 1694 and rebuilt into its present 9-dome design by 1764. Between 1999 and 2007, a major restoration project was implemented, involving phased dismantling, replacement of about 30% of the structure, and reassembly using traditional techniques. The restoration followed principles of minimal intervention, reversibility, distinguishability, and compatibility. The site's longevity and beauty, despite being built exclusively of wood, contribute to its significance as a cultural heritage site.

Did You Know?

• The Transfiguration Church has 22 domes and stands 37 meters tall, making it one of the tallest wooden buildings in Northern Europe.
• The pogost was built without using a single nail; the domes and roof shingles are covered with wooden shingles, but no authoritative source confirms a specific number of nails used.
• The Church of the Intercession is a heated winter church where services are held from October 1 until Easter.
• During restoration from 1999 to 2007, about 40% of the Transfiguration Church's structure was replaced with new pine wood harvested in Karelia.