Residential buildings of the Holy Trinity Skete on Anzer Island, Solovetsky Islands.

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Anzer Island

Northern European Russia


The second-largest island in the archipelago, Anzer Island has its share of stone labyrinths and burial mounds, as well as a scattering of monastic sketes, the oldest dating back to the 17th century. One of these was used as a typhoid hospital in the 1920s, and hundreds of prisoners died here.

Full-day visits to Anzer costs R1600 per person and can be arranged at the tourist office. Tours run from early May to October.