Kizhi. The wooden wonder of Russia VR 360

In the north of Lake Onega lies the famous Kizhi Island, which is famous for its nature reserve protecting unique species of flora and fauna. However, its main pearl is the architectural ensemble - Kizhi State Historical, Architectural and Ethnographic Open Air Museum. The first inhabitants of this island - Slavs, Karelians and Veps - began to settle here in the X century. The etymology of the name “Kizhi” remains a mystery. According to one version, it comes from the Vepsian word “kidz”, which means “moss growing on the bottom”. There is also an opinion that the name may be connected with another Vepsian word “kizi”, translated as “a place for games and festivities”. In the XV century these lands became a part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow and are first mentioned in chronicles as Kizhi pogost, which meant the enclosure of villages. Copper and iron ore reserves were discovered here, which contributed to the industrial development of the region.