Solovki (Solovetsky Islands)

Solovki are an archipelago located in the White Sea, Arkhangelsk Region, Russia. The administrative center is Bolshoy Solovetsky Island. The archipelago has a total area of 347 square kilometers (134 sq mi) and consists of six big and about 70 small islands. Historically the islands have been the setting of the famous Russian Orthodox Solovetsky Monastery complex. In 1974, the Solovetsky Islands were designated a historical and architectural museum and a natural reserve. After the October Revolution, the islands attained notoriety as the site of the first Soviet prison camp.