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!
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