Now on air
21:30
The Farm of The Valaam Monastery
The chronicles don't tell us when the first cows appeared on the island of Valaam. We do know when the monastery's farm was built, however - 1881. Today, instead of kerosene lamps there is electricity, and the cows are milked by machines, rather than by hand. Prayers can be heard in the sheds, playing through loud speakers. Only one thing hasn't changed - the cows are cleaned, fed and milked by the monks and novices of the Valaam Monastery. In the 21st century, a cheesemaker also appeared here. How the Valaam Monastery's farm operates, in a film by RTG TV.
The nature of Karelia. The Kivach
The Kivach Nature Reserve, also called "mini Karelia," is relatively small — about 11,000 hectares overall of untouched, primitive nature with many species of flora, fauna and geology that can be found throughout the region. It is, however the reserve's impressive waterfall — which travellers have been visiting for 300 years — which has brought it the most fame. One of the first mentions of the waterfall is from the mid-16th century, although Kivach's history as a centre of ecological tourism did not begin until the 18th century with the visit of famous Russian poet Gavrila Derzhavin. He described the waterfall's beauty in his poetry, helping to spread recognition of this place all over Russia. Join RTG host Evgenia Altfeld and discover what natural treasures can be found in the Karelian nature reserve in the 21st century.
Now on air
21:30
The nature of Karelia. The Kivach
Russian cuisine — old-style jam and compote
National cuisine is a key component in the culture of any people. Recipes and culinary secrets are passed on from generation to generation in families, preserving the finest folk traditions. In Karelia and in the Russian North, favorite sweet dishes have long been jams and compot drinks made with local fruits and berries. As well as their wonderful taste, they were valued for their health benefits, and even used as medicines. Modern science has provided confirmation of the wisdom of ancient healers, demonstrating that the northern berries are richer in vitamins than southern fruits. Alexander Uvarov, traveling through Karelia, learns to create health-giving desserts in an unusual way — on the fire, just as they have been for generations in the north. He shares his experiences with RTG viewers.
Now on air
21:45