Country Russia Administrative district Olonetsky District Founded 1137 | Federal subject Republic of Karelia Administrative center of Olonetsky District Local time Friday 9:36 AM | |
 | ||
Municipal district Olonetsky Municipal District Urban settlement Olonetskoye Urban Settlement Weather 0°C, Wind W at 23 km/h, 72% Humidity | ||
Olonets (Russian: Оло́нец; Karelian: Aunus, Anuksenlinnu; Finnish: Aunus, Aunuksenlinna or Aunuksenkaupunki) is a town and the administrative center of Olonetsky District of the Republic of Karelia, Russia, located on the Olonka River to the east from Lake Ladoga. Population: 9,056 (2010 Census); 10,240 (2002 Census); 11,888 (1989 Census).
Contents
- Map of Olonets Republic of Karelia Russia 186000
- History
- Administrative and municipal status
- Notable people
- Twin towns and sister cities
- References
Map of Olonets, Republic of Karelia, Russia, 186000
History
Olonets is the oldest documented settlement in Karelia, mentioned by Novgorodian sources as early as 1137. Its history is obscure until 1649, when a fortress was built there to protect the Grand Duchy of Moscow against the Swedes. The same year it was granted town privileges. Until the Great Northern War, Olonets developed as a principal market for Russian trade with Sweden. To the south from the town, there sprawled a belt of fortified abbeys, of which the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery was the most important.
In the 18th century, Olonets' importance shifted from trade to ironworking industries. In 1773, it was made the seat of Olonets Governorate. Eleven years later, however, the seat was moved to Petrozavodsk and Olonets started to decline.
Modern Olonets is classified as a historical town of the Republic of Karelia and is the only town in the republic where Karelians are in majority (over 60% as of 2005).
Administrative and municipal status
Within the framework of administrative divisions, Olonets serves as the administrative center of Olonetsky District, to which it is directly subordinated. As a municipal division, the town of Olonets, together with eight rural localities, is incorporated within Olonetsky Municipal District as Olonetskoye Urban Settlement.
Notable people
Twin towns and sister cities
Olonets is twinned with: