For centuries the archipelago of Valaam in Lake Ladoga has been accosiated with the revered Valaamsky Monastery located here. The monastery was closed during the Soviet era, but since being reopened it has gone from strength to strength, becoming a major site of tourism and pilgrimage and practically taking over the whole island, amid some controversy. In addition to the main monastery complex, monastic sketes are dotted all over the island. Valaam can be visited as part of a cruise from St Petersburg or via a ferry from Sortavala.