Old postcards Solovetsky Islands

Vintage postcards from the Solovetsky Islands are more than just landscapes or landmarks — they are visual testimonies of the complex and layered history of this unique place in northern Russia. They capture images of the Solovetsky Monastery, the harsh nature of the White Sea, harbors, towers, islands, and scenes from the daily life of locals and pilgrims in the early 20th century.

Early 20th-century postcards were often created from photographs or watercolor sketches and sent as keepsakes from trips to Solovki. Many carry captions in French or pre-revolutionary Russian, adding to their cultural and historical value.

One postcard features a panoramic view of the monastery reflected in the water; another shows a harbor with schooners and fishermen. These images convey not just architecture, but the spirit of that era.

Today, such postcards serve as valuable sources for historians, ethnographers, art historians, and collectors. They are used in academic research, museum exhibits, and visual memory projects.