Solovetski Islands

Group of islands in the White Sea, at the entrance to Onega Bay, between Karelia and Arkhangelsk oblast (region), in the northwestern Russian Federation. The islands cover a total area of 347 sq km/133 sq mi, and administratively form part of Arkhangelsk oblast.

A heavily fortified monastery was founded on the largest island, Solovetski, in the 15th century; salt mining provided the basis for its income. Under Stalin, the monastery became the site of an enforced labour camp (1924-39). Several 16th-century buildings remain, including the Kremlin (fortress), monastery refectory and the Cathedral of the Transfiguration.

The Solovetski Islands were bombarded by a squadron of British ships in 1854, during the Crimean War.