The Solovetsk Islands (Solovki) are an archipelago situated on the point of entering the White Sea Onega inlet in the Archangel region. Their area takes up 347 sq. km. The archipelago consists of 6 comparatively large (Bolshoi, Anzer, Bolshaya and Malaya Muksalma, Bolshoi and Maliye Zayats) islands and scores of smaller ones. It's been established that the settlement of these islands began in the early and mid-third millenium BC. Although the islands are only 160 kms from the Polar Circle, the sun is so bright and warm that it is even possible to harvest water melons here. The monks created a botanical garden where they present all the vegetation on this holy place. More than 5 thousand years ago, man lived on these islands. Some traces of their existence can still be found. On one of the islands a labyrinth can be found. It is reconstructed on the main island.