Cultural tourism in Russia > Veliky Novgorod

Veliky Novgorod

Novgorod, also known as Veliky Novgorod ("Novgorod the Great"), is one of the oldest Russian cities. The chronicles mention Novgorod for the first time in the year 859. During the Middle Ages Novgorod was an important commercial center and an independent city-state with a democratic rule advanced for Its time, Today Novgorod is a unique open-air museum Its Kremlin, built in the 11th century, is Russia's oldest surviving structure of its kind. Novgorod's 11 th century Cathedral of St. Sofia is the of the earliest stone churches in Russia. A monument commemorating the 1000-year annivesary of the Russian State was built within Novgorod Kremlin in the mid-19th century.

It is no surprise that Veliky Novgorod is called the museum-city of the ancient Russia; no other city in Russia managed to L , -v» preserve such a great number of unique monuments of architecture and monumental paintings.

It is a pleasure to stroll around the city at any time of year. Its full beauty, however, comes through in spring and in summer, especially in the season of white nights. The city is also marvelous in the fall. Still, in the winter season, particularly when it gets really cold, the city takes on a wonderful, mysterious air: the ancient temples appear to be fairytale structures, surrounded by trees that stand dressed in the delicate lace of frost. Perfect blue sky and bright sun complete the glorious picture.

An introduction to the city usually starts with a look at the walls of the Kremlin (it is also sometimes called Detinets). After that visitors usually go to St. Sophia Square by bus, however, as we have men-tioned, taking a walk there is also great.

From the square you can easily get inside the Kremlin, the heart of Novgorod, which is home to the St. Sophia Cathedral (11'h century), to the Monument to the Millennium of Russia and to many other attractions. Take in the grand view of the Kremlin's walls and towers and of the impressive onion domes of the St. Sophia Cathedral! See the Volkhov River flow! You can get a great view of the river valley from a pedestrian bridge. The river divides Novgorod into two parts; Tor- govaya (Trade) and Sophiyskaya (St. Sophia).

Looking at the Torgovaya side, you will note the architectural ensem-ble of Yaroslav's Courtyard. To the right, in a distance, you will notice the shining dome of the bell tower of St. George Monastery. The palace was built in 1771. Still further to the left, past the Alexander Nevsky Bridge, you can see the theatre dedicated to Fyodor Dostoevsky, the church of Sts.

Veliky Novgorod is serene and inviting. Its population is just over 200 thousand. A traveler will find a good variety of places to stay, from luxury to economy, along with restaurants, cafes and parking garages. Most of the hotels are within a 10 minute drive from the historical center of the city.

Every year one of the Hanseatic cities holds a festival. The member cities present their cultures and traditions: a medieval-style market combines various crafts and different types of cuisine with performances of traditional shows from the participating regions. Veliky Novgorod will host the Hansa Days in the summer of 2009, when the city will celebrate its 1150”' birthday.

Lord Veliky Novgorod, so the city was titled by the Russian people many centuries ago, is ready for his guests!