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 Muscovy against the Swedes. The same year it was granted municipal rights. 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's importance shifted from trade to ironworking industries. In 1773, it was made capital of Olonets Governorate. Eleven years later, however, the regional capital was moved to Petrozavodsk, and Olonets started to decline.
Modern Olonets is ranked among historical towns of Karelia, and it is the only city in the republic where Karelians are in majority (over 60% as of 2004).
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