Published on: 2026-10-29
Source: Government of the Russian Federation –
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A meeting was held at the Government Coordination Center chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko to discuss the preservation and development of the Solovetsky Archipelago. The meeting addressed the implementation of Government directives related to the progress of work on preserving cultural heritage sites and constructing new ones, as well as the execution of measures for the development of the Solovetsky Archipelago.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture Vladimir Osintsev, Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region Alexander Tsybulsky, Head of the Republic of Karelia Artur Parfenchikov, Chairman of the Council of the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago Andrey Guts, the abbot of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Solovetsky Stavropegial Male Monastery, Bishop Porfiry of Ozersk, representatives of the Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Finance, and others.
“By the decree of President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, in 2029 we will celebrate the 600th anniversary of the founding of the first monastic settlement on the Solovetsky Archipelago. Currently, large-scale work is underway to restore cultural heritage sites and create infrastructure for the comfort and well-being of local residents and tourists. It is important not to fall behind schedule, to use financial resources efficiently, and to ensure a sufficient number of workers on site. Solovki is one of the main spiritual centers of Russia, and the preparation for the celebration is intended to strengthen its status as a pilgrimage center of the country,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region, Alexander Tsybulsky, reported that the government of the Arkhangelsk Region continues to implement measures for the preservation and development of the Solovetsky Archipelago.
“In particular, reconstruction work on the water supply networks is progressing ahead of schedule. Currently, the overall construction readiness of the site is 26.6%. This year, 70 wells have been installed against an annual plan of 43, and 8.4 km of networks laid against an annual plan of 5.5 km. Since the beginning of construction, a total of 9,650 meters of networks have been laid out of a total length of 16.5 km. Work continues on installing the fence around the water treatment facilities and restoring landscaping in the work areas. The site employs 16 people and 7 pieces of equipment,” noted Alexander Tsybulsky.
According to him, taking into account the advanced pace of work by the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Finance, funds from the federal budget have been allocated for ahead-of-schedule financing of the project. Increasing the prepayment will allow timely receipt of equipment and materials and maintain the established pace of work. In 2027, the contractor plans to fully complete the laying of networks and installation of manholes, assemble the water pumping stations of the first, second, and third lifts, and the water treatment station, as well as complete the reconstruction of the water purification facilities building.
The Government of the Republic of Karelia has prepared an application to participate in the 2027 All-Russian competition for the best projects to create a comfortable urban environment. It includes a project for the improvement of the area adjacent to the compound of the Transfiguration Solovetsky Monastery at the Assumption Cathedral in Kem.
Andrey Guts, Chairman of the Board of the Fund for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago, reported on the progress of 13 restoration projects involving 29 cultural heritage sites. Work has already been completed on the mill and the iconostasis of the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and restoration of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker churches as a whole is nearing completion. Work is also progressing on schedule on the cathedral bell tower, the fortress with towers, the icon painting chamber, the Transfiguration Cathedral, the hangar for seaplanes, and others.
In addition, the fund has signed contracts for the major renovation of 14 apartment buildings and the creation of an information and service center for the museum. Inspections of the buildings with control measurements and meetings of the owners have already been conducted. According to Andrey Guts, the major renovation of all 14 apartment buildings is planned to be completed by the end of 2027.
The General Director of JSC “MNRHU”, Alexey Pakhomov, reported that work is underway on the installation of engineering systems in the Cathedral Bell Tower according to schedule, restoration of its facades and interiors has been completed (the object’s readiness is about 90%). Work on the cladding of the seaplane hangar facades is nearing completion, restoration of the frame and floor coverings has been done (the object’s readiness is 80%). The iconostasis and icons of the central chapel are being restored in the Transfiguration Cathedral.
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