Solovetskh Islands

(also Solovetskie Islands), a group of islands in the White Sea, at the entrance to Onega Bay, Arkhange’sk Oblast, RSFSR. Area, 347 sq km. The group consists of six islands, the largest of which are Solovetskii, Anzer, Bol’shoi Muksalma, and Malyi Muksalma. The islands have jagged shorelines and are composed of granites and gneisses. The relief is hilly, with elevations to 107 m. Most of the islands are covered with pine and spruce forests, which are often marshy. Numerous lakes, some connected by canals, dot the islands. One of Russia’s largest monasteries was founded on Solovetskii Island in the 15th century (see). In 1974, the Solovetskii Islands were designated a state architectural, historical, and nature preserve. There is tourism on the islands.