To find out how mighty Russia was born, you must definitely visit Veliky Novgorod, whose history goes back centuries. Scientists cannot yet accurately name the date of its foundation, but the fact that a magnificent polis already existed at the turn of the 8th-9th centuries, when no one knew about Moscow, Yaroslavl or Vladimir, is beyond doubt. It was here, on the banks of the Volkhov, that Russian statehood was born, it was from here that Rurik was called to reign, and it was the Novgorod veche republic that was the first Slavic analogue of ancient democracies. The sights of Veliky Novgorod are unique. The city was not plundered by the armies of the Golden Horde, so many monuments of ancient Russian religious architecture remained here.
What to see in Veliky Novgorod in 1 day
The sights of Veliky Novgorod, photos and descriptions of which are presented in this section, are known to many Russians from illustrations in history textbooks. Getting acquainted with the city should begin with their inspection.
Saint Sophia Cathedral
- Opening hours: daily, from 8:00 to 20:00.
- Telephone.
- Address: Novgorod Kremlin, 15. Transport stop "Victory Square-Sofia".
The Novgorod St. Sophia Cathedral, slightly smaller in size than the Kyiv church, is magnificent and austere. Since 1050, services have been held within the walls of the church, and the ringing of its bells on Christian holidays can be heard far beyond the Kremlin. The exterior of the snow-white cathedral amazes with its impeccable proportions. The five-domed temple looks ascetic and festive at the same time. Having walked inside the church through the bronze Korsun Gate, covered with beautiful reliefs, visitors find themselves in a hall painted with marvelous frescoes. Some of them have survived from the 12th century. Among the many ancient relics of Sofia, there are several shrines that thousands of pilgrims are eager to worship. These are the miraculous images of the Mother of God “The Sign” and “Theotokos of Tikhvin”, the relics of St. Anna, princes Mstislav, Fyodor, Vladimir.
Novgorod child
- Opening hours: daily, from 6:00 to 24:00.
- Address: Transport stop “Ploshchad Pobedy-Sofyskaya”.
By the beginning of the 11th century. Veliky Novgorod turned into a prosperous trading city, whose wealth was envied by many neighbors. That is why Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich ordered to build a fortress with oak walls on the hill, where the townspeople could hide from enemy attacks. After Novgorod became part of the Moscow Principality, the Kremlin was reconstructed. The new brick walls, erected towards the end of the 15th century, have a thickness of 3.5 m to 6.5 m with a height in some places reaching 15 m. Their total length is almost 1.5 km. Nine powerful towers have survived to this day. On the territory of Detinets there are 4 churches, several ancient buildings, historical and architectural monuments.
Monument to the 1000th anniversary of Russia
- Address: Transport stop “Ploshchad Pobedy-Sofyskaya”.
To celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the emergence of Russian statehood, the imperial authorities decided to erect a grandiose monument in Novgorod, where Rurik and his retinue were called to reign in 862. The announced competition was won by the project of M. Mikeshin, the creator of the monument to Catherine II in St. Petersburg. Work on the bronze sculpture was completed in 1862. The monument turned out to be majestic and incredibly expressive. It has the shape of a bell, crowned with an orb on which beautiful Russia knelt before an angel holding a cross in her hands. The middle part of the monument is surrounded by 6 sculptural groups, symbolizing the most important milestones in the history of Rus' - from the arrival of Rurik in Novgorod to the creation of the great empire by Peter I. The frieze is covered with stunning high reliefs depicting the great Russian rulers, generals, public figures, scientists, and writers.
Yaroslav's yard
- Address: Transport stop “Ulitsa Ilyina”.
Yaroslav the Wise reigned in Novgorod for about 10 years, and, judging by the chronicles, he lived in a luxurious palace, which has not survived to this day. In the 11th century The shopping arcades and the famous bell, which called the townspeople to the veche square, were moved to the territory of the princely courtyard. He was here until the conquest of the city by Ivan III. Walking around the courtyard, tourists can admire the arcade of the Gostiny Dvor, the St. Nicholas Cathedral, delightful ancient churches, historical buildings, monuments, and visit the sacred place where the Novgorod veche gathered for centuries.
Rurik's Settlement
- Address: Gorodishche, 2.
The settlement is one of the archaeological monuments and dates back to 862. At that time, the residence of the first prince of this famous dynasty was located here. The ancient city has long been the center of the political history of the principality. Alexander Nevsky spent his entire childhood here, Vasily Temny, Dmitry Donskoy, Ivan the Terrible stayed more than once. In its center are the ruins of the Annunciation Church, which have survived to this day, which was erected in 1103 on the orders of Mstislav the Great. It was rebuilt only once - in the 14th century.
Don't miss: Beautiful Novgorod region
Motor ship excursions along the Volkhov to Lake Ilmen
Near the Kremlin, on the banks of the Volkhov River, there is a pier from which an excursion boat departs to Lake Ilmen. In one hour you will sail past the place where Russian statehood was born - the Rurik settlement and the Yuryev Monastery.
The pier is located on the left immediately after exiting the Kremlin gate (opposite to the one you entered). There is no need to cross the bridge over the river.
The ticket price is 500 rubles per adult, and if with an exit in the Rurik settlement, then 700 rubles (these are prices for 2022. We will publish the cost for navigation 2022 closer to the season). Tickets can be purchased directly on the ship or at the tourist office at Veliky Novgorod, Sennaya Square, building 5. There is no need to book them, and there is nowhere to book them.
The ship moves calmly, without rocking anyone along the way. You can take seats both on the deck, where the breeze blows, and in the covered part, where there is a dining room with inexpensive pies and drinks.
Navigation usually opens on May 1 and lasts until the end of September.
Architectural places and beauties of Novgorod
The ancient city is famous not only for its temples. Over its long history, it has acquired many architectural landmarks. In this section you will learn about what you should definitely see in Veliky Novgorod.
Arcade of the Gostiny Dvor
- Address: Territory of Yaroslav's courtyard. Transport stop "Ulitsa Ilyina".
Already by the beginning of the 10th century. Novgorod has become the largest shopping center in northwestern Russia. It was actively visited by merchants from overseas countries, who needed to be warmly received. Therefore, even under Yaroslav the Wise, the shopping arcades were moved from the settlement of the same name to the princely courtyard. At the turn of the 17th-18th centuries, a stone square-shaped guest courtyard and a Gate Tower grew in their place. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, many buildings of the princely court were seriously damaged. Then the city authorities showed vandalism, ordering the Gostiny Dvor building and several churches to be dismantled into bricks. This barbarity stopped only in 1956 after the intervention of the USSR Academy of Sciences. Subsequently, only part of the delightful arcade of the gallery was restored from the ruins, which can be admired today.
Belfry of St. Sophia Cathedral
- Address: Novgorod Kremlin, 5. Transport stop "Victory Square-Sofia".
A unique architectural monument of the 15th century. amazes with its grace. It is a stone wall 22.5 m long and 3.4 m wide, divided by five elegant arches in which bells are suspended. Medieval architects often used this technique to place several large bells in space at once, which was impossible to do in the limited space of an ordinary bell tower. Here tourists will be able not only to admire the amazing structure, but also to view an exhibition of bells cast in the 16th-20th centuries. The largest of them weighs 1614 pounds. Those who wish will be able to admire the panoramic views from the belfry in the summer by paying 50 rubles.
Clock ringing
- Address: Novgorod Kremlin, 12.
We are talking about a tower on the territory of the Kremlin, in which a clock is mounted. It is its tallest building today. The clock ring is especially interesting to tourists because it has a fairly noticeable slope to the northwest.
Previously, it was the bell tower of the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh, which was once located here. During the Second World War the tower received a lot of damage. It was completely restored only in the 1980s.
Today it consists of kokoshniks in several tiers, as well as an onion dome. Now it has an electric clock built into it, which, however, is set in such a way that it continues to strike a bell, which dates back to 1647, every 30 minutes.
Victory Monument
- Address: Ekaterininskaya Gorka. Transport stop "Trinity Street".
To coincide with the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Novgorod from the Nazis, the authorities timed the opening of a monument glorifying the great Victory and the feat of the people who secured it. The architectural composition consists of two elements. The 23.5 m high brick stele is crowned by a Novgorod boat with shields on its sides, bristling with spears. There is an equestrian sculpture on the pedestal in front of the stele. A horseman with a sword in his hand tames a rearing horse, trampling a swastika with its hooves.
Monument to the militia of 1812
- Address: st. Great. Transport stop "Ulitsa Chudovskaya".
During the Patriotic War of 1812, the Novgorod militia covered itself with military glory, causing significant damage to Napoleon's armies. In memory of the heroes, in the summer of 1840, an obelisk topped with a gilded double-headed eagle was installed in the center of Detinets. Bronze bas-reliefs depicting shields, armor, and other attributes of military glory were attached to the sides of the pedestal, and a commemorative inscription was carved on its front side. Unfortunately, after the revolution, the monument was destroyed for “ideological reasons.” However, in 2012, the obelisk was restored based on the surviving images.
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Dear guests!
Please note that from October 12, 2022, admission of visitors to museum premises (except for persons under 18 years of age) is carried out only upon presentation of a QR code.
Currently, visiting museums and excursions is only possible if you wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least one and a half meters between people.
It is no coincidence that Veliky Novgorod is called the city-museum of Ancient Rus'. Not a single city in Russia has preserved so many beautiful monuments of architecture and monumental painting.
Here it is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to determine where the city ends and the museum begins. About 50 most valuable monuments of ancient Russian architecture of the 11th-17th centuries have become part of the living structure of the modern urban world. And the history of these ancient Novgorod churches, monasteries, and defensive structures has many beautiful and tragic pages.
Operating churches and monasteries of Veliky Novgorod
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Veliky Novgorod
Opening hours of museum facilities
A complete list of attractions of Veliky Novgorod, information about the opening hours of museums and exhibitions and the cost of entrance tickets.
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Excursions around the city and surrounding area
Here you will find all the information on group and individual excursions, as well as offers for organized tourist groups.
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Audio tours of Veliky Novgorod
A great opportunity to get to know the rich history and unique sights of Veliky Novgorod on your own!
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Routes around Veliky Novgorod and the Novgorod region
We bring to your attention options for independent walks around Veliky Novgorod and the Novgorod region.
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Guide “Modern monuments of Veliky Novgorod”
We have compiled four unusual routes to explore the modern monuments of Veliky Novgorod.
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Tourist route No. 1. Novgorod Kremlin
Walk along the walls of the Kremlin and count the ancient towers that have survived to this day.
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Novgorod Kremlin
The Novgorod Kremlin, founded by Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich in the 11th century, is the oldest surviving Kremlin in Russia!
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Fortress buildings
The length of the walls of the Novgorod Kremlin is 1350 m, the thickness reaches four. Of the twelve towers, nine have survived.
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Monument to the Millennium of Russian Statehood
They decided to install the monument in Novgorod, thereby recognizing its key role in the creation of the Russian state.
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Hagia Sophia of the Wisdom of God
One of the oldest stone buildings in Rus'. The grandiose Cathedral, dedicated to Sophia the Wisdom of God, was founded in 1040.
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Belfry of St. Sophia Cathedral
This type of structure was invented under the Novgorod Archbishop Euthymius II in the 15th century. and was repeated in Rus' only twice.
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The Kremlin's military move
Walk the path of the defenders of Novgorod! From the height of the Kremlin wall there is a magnificent view of the Trade Side, the Volkhov River, and the belfry of the Yuryev Monastery.
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Sovereign Faceted Chamber
A unique monument of the 15th century, the only German Gothic civil building in Russia, where all the most important events took place.
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Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh and the Ring of the Hours
The church, built in 1463, is the only gate temple in the north-west of Russia that has survived to this day.
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Museum of Writing
Exposition of monuments of ancient Russian writing and literature.
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Federal State Budgetary Institution "Novgorod State United Museum-Reserve"
The museum-reserve includes expositions, exhibition halls, monuments-museums in Veliky Novgorod and other cities of the Novgorod region.
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Kokui Tower
The tallest tower of the Kremlin is the Kokuy watchtower (41 meters), built in the 18th century. From its top there is a wonderful view of the Novgorod lands - for many kilometers around.
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Children's Museum Center
The center organizes excursions for children to exhibitions and, as part of the “Weekend Club” for children with their parents, master classes in various crafts that reveal the creative potential of children.
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Church of St. Andrew Stratelates
The church appeared at the end of the 15th century. on the foundation of the staircase tower of the formerly gigantic Cathedral of Boris and Gleb, built by the merchant Sotko Sytnich, the prototype of the Novgorod epic hero Sadko.
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Interactive exhibition "Falcon Yard"
The exhibition introduces visitors to the history of falconry as a traditional activity in Rus' and gives an idea of the feathered predators living in the Novgorod region.
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Tourist route No. 2. Yaroslav's Court and Ancient Trade
Here, as they used to say in the old days, “churches stand like bushes.” Currently, Yaroslavovo Dvorishche is one of the most beautiful places in Veliky Novgorod.
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Yaroslav's Courtyard. Ancient Bargain
On the compact territory of Yaroslav's Court there are many monuments of religious and civil architecture of the 12th-18th centuries.
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Gate tower of Gostiny Dvor
Gridnitsa or “Yaroslav’s Tower” was part of the Gostiny Dvor complex and is the only surviving building from the late 17th century.
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Hanseatic Fountain
Along the perimeter of the circle are inlaid with colored mosaic images of the coats of arms of 16 countries that are part of the Hanseatic League of the New Age.
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Church of the Myrrh-Bearing Women
It was founded in 1508 by order of the Moscow merchant Ivan Syrkov, who founded a merchant dynasty in Novgorod.
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Church of Procopius. Yaroslavovo Dvorishche
The laconic, elegant church with elements of Moscow decor on the facades was built in 1529 by order of Dmitry Syrkov, the son of Ivan Syrkov.
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St. Nicholas Cathedral
St. Nicholas Cathedral (XII century) is the most ancient temple on the territory of Yaroslav's courtyard and on the Trade Side in general.
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Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Church
The church, built in 1207 with funds from “overseas” merchants, was dedicated to St. Paraskeva Friday, since St. Paraskeva also patronizes trade.
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Church of the Assumption in Torg
Founded by Prince Vsevolod in 1135 after the defeat from the Suzdalians at Zhdana Mountain. This is the last princely building on the territory of the city.
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Church of St. George the Victorious at Torg
It was built on the site of an older wooden church in 1356 by “Lubyantsy”, that is, residents of Lubyanitsa, a street passing through Torg.
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John's Church on Opoki
At the church, built in 1127 - 1130, there was a merchant court, where all litigation in trade matters was dealt with. Control standards of measures were also stored here.
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Tourist route No. 3: Sofia side
On the way you will find a perfectly preserved rampart of the “roundabout city”, monuments of ancient architecture of Novgorod, as well as its heroic history!
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White (Alekseevskaya) Tower
The White Tower of the Okolny Town is the only surviving stone tower of the outer defensive belt of the city from the late 16th - 17th centuries.
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Victory Monument
A monument erected in memory of the victory of the Soviet Union over the fascist invaders.
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Tithe Nativity of the Virgin Monastery
The year 1327 is considered to be the origin of the monastery, when Archbishop Moses built the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary “on Tithes,” which he then “decorated with icons and books.”
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State Museum of Artistic Culture of the Novgorod Land
The museum is located in the sister building of the Desyatinny Monastery. The exhibition presents works of art by Novgorod artists of the late 20th - early 21st centuries.
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Exhibition “Museum Porcelain Workshop”
The interior is made in the shape of a forge and gives you the opportunity to be transported to the atmosphere of a porcelain factory - burnt brick, a feeling of heat and fire, and sparkling porcelain products nearby.
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Hall of Military Glory
The exhibition illustrates the thousand-year history of the participation of citizens of Veliky Novgorod in the defense of the city and the Fatherland. Visitors are also presented with wax figures of warriors from four eras.
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Stele "City of Military Glory"
The 10-meter granite stele was unveiled on the eve of the 65th anniversary of the Victory. On four mini-steles you can see images of four historical periods of the military glory of Veliky Novgorod.
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Art Museum
The exhibition allows you to get acquainted with the rich collection of Russian painting of the 18th – 20th centuries, graphics and sculpture; the collection of portrait miniatures is presented in all its diversity.
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“Musical Monument” to Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninov
S.V. Rachmaninov is one of the greatest musicians of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, whose life and work are closely connected with the Novgorod land.
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Church of Fyodor Stratilates on Shchirkov Street
The Church of Fyodor Stratilates on Shchirkov Street was built in 1292-1294. on the site of an ancient temple of the same name, erected in the last decades of the 12th century.
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Tourist route No. 4. Sights of the Trade Side
The Church of the Transfiguration on Ilyin is one of the pearls of Veliky Novgorod. But on the Trade side of Veliky Novgorod there are others that are less interesting.
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Churches of the Apostle Philip and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
The temple was built in 1526 on the site of a dismantled 14th century church. The church is unusual in the number of chapters - there are four of them: two small, two large.
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Znamensky Cathedral
The cathedral was built on the site of an ancient church built for the icon of the Sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which defended Novgorod from the Suzdal people in 1170.
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Church of the Transfiguration on Ilyin
Built in 1374, the church fascinates with its variety of decorative motifs and slender proportions. The temple became famous worldwide thanks to the paintings of the famous Theophanes the Greek.
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Film Museum of Valery Rubtsov
The museum shows the history of cinema of the 20th century in unique exhibits and rare newsreels of Soviet Novgorod.
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Church of Fyodor Stratilates on the Stream
An outstanding monument of Novgorod architecture for a long time became a classic model for subsequent generations of builders.
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Anthony's Monastery
The monastery was founded by Anthony the Roman in the 12th century, according to legend, who sailed here from Italy on a stone, making a wonderful journey around Europe in 3 days.
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Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary of St. Anthony's Monastery
The monumental paintings, which appeared in 1125, represent the most significant in volume and unique in style ensemble of Novgorod frescoes of the 12th century.
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Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian on Vitka
The current Old Believer temple of the 4th century stands on a small hill, on the banks of the Volkhov River, not far from the medieval rampart.
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Tourist route No. 5. At the source of the Volkhov River
Visit the unique museum of wooden architecture “Vitoslavlitsy”. Feel the power of the southern outpost of Veliky Novgorod - St. George's Monastery.
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Church of the Annunciation in Arkazhi
Built by order of Archbishop Elijah of Novgorod in 70 days. The temple did not belong to the Arkazhsky monastery that arose later. The addition to the name was due to the nearby village of Arkazhi.
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Perynsky monastery
Not far from the Yuryev Monastery, at the very source of the Volkhov, there is the ancient Peryn tract. There was one of the largest pagan sanctuaries of the Eastern Slavs - the temple of the thunder god Perun.
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St. George's Monastery
The active monastery of the 12th century, located at the source of the Volkhov, near Lake Ilmen, is part of a grandiose natural panorama. This is the southern outpost of Veliky Novgorod.
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Museum of Folk Wooden Architecture "Vitoslavlitsy"
In a picturesque area washed by the waters of Lake Myachino and the Volkhov River, near the Yuryev Monastery, on the site of the village of Vitoslavlitsy, an open-air museum of the same name has been built.
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Iron Museum in Vitoslavlitsy
A unique collection of irons from two hundred and fifty exhibits of the 18th-20th centuries. produced in Russia, Germany, France, Italy, USA, Thailand, England, Czech Republic, Spain, Poland, Scandinavian countries.
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Trinity Church on Redyatin Street
The construction of the stone church dates back to 1365. Despite the fact that the temple building is not so large and rich compared to other monasteries, the church was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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Archaeological Trinity Excavation
Here you can travel back in time, descend from the 21st century to the early Middle Ages, see with your own eyes the city’s past frozen in the cultural layer and become spectators at the Theater of Time.
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Pedestrian route “Novgorod birch bark and monuments of the Nerevsky end”
The purpose of the route is to expand the historical center of the city for tourists and offer a new thematic destination for independent travel.
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Holy Spirit Monastery
One of the oldest, largest and richest monasteries in Novgorod. It was first mentioned in chronicles as already existing in 1162.
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Church of Peter and Paul in Kozhevniki
An amazing building, distinguished by maturity and completeness, an excellent example of architecture of the early 15th century.
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Church of St. Nicholas the Bely of the St. Nicholas White Monastery
An architectural monument of federal significance, one of the most popular and visited objects of the House of Folk Art.
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Intercession Cathedral and Zverin Monastery
The name of the monastery came from the Menagerie, a reserved forest where the princes hunted. The monastery was first mentioned in chronicles in 1148.
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Church of Simeon the God-Receiver of the Animal Monastery
The two-story miniature Church of Simeon the God-Receiver is located on the territory of the former Zverin Monastery of the 12th century.
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Tourist route No. 6. To the origins of the Russian state
Take a trip along the Volkhov River to Rurik's Settlement. Visit ancient temples that have preserved unique fresco paintings.
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Church of the Nativity on Red Field
Characteristic of the 14th century. example of a monastery church. In the monastery cemetery, among the graves of famous people, there is the grave of Lyubov Petrovna Rachmaninova.
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Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Volotovo Field
The temple gained worldwide fame not only due to its architectural merits, but also due to its unique fresco painting, completed in 1363.
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Church of the Transfiguration on Kovalevo Pole
Built in 1345, the church was for a long time the main temple of the Spaso-Kovalev Monastery.
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Church of the Transfiguration on Nereditsa
The world-famous church (1198) is the only building remaining from the small Nereditsky monastery.
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Rurik settlement
Here was the residence of Prince Rurik, the founder of the first Russian ruling dynasty, called by the Novgorodians to rule in 862.
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Tourist route No. 7. Orthodox monasteries
The walls of the praying churches of Novgorod breathe the wisdom of centuries, and the miraculous icons that still protect the city exude grace.
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Varlaamo-Khutyn Spaso-Preobrazhensky Convent
The monastery is located 10 km north of the city and is an architectural complex of the 16th–19th centuries.
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Nikolo-Vyazhishchi Convent
12 kilometers northwest of Veliky Novgorod there is an amazingly beautiful ensemble of the Vyazhishchi Monastery.
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Holy Trinity Michael-Klopsky Monastery
The monastery is located in a picturesque place on the Veryazh River, 23 km southwest of Veliky Novgorod.
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“Memory Route” to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War
After 883 days of occupation, the soldiers of the Red Army hoisted a banner on the ancient Kremlin wall. We invite you to walk through memorable places in Veliky Novgorod.
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Pedestrian route “Modern monuments of the Sofia side”
Along the route you will find monuments to great people and inventors, legendary heroes, funny sculptures and friendly characters!
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Pedestrian route “Modern monuments of the Trade Side”
On the way you will meet the forged merchant Sadko, a good-natured bear, a snow-white elk, and even protective dragons!
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Tourist route “Pages of History”
We invite you to stroll along the city streets and admire the bright murals on the facades of houses.
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3 day program
The program will become your faithful guide through the rich history and colossal cultural heritage of Veliky Novgorod, one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Russia!
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Videos about Veliky Novgorod: Welcome to the Motherland of Russia!
Enjoy the Motherland of Russia in all its charm: ancient unique architecture, picturesque landscapes, fun holidays in Russian traditions!
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Online guide to Veliky Novgorod
Useful information for travelers. Maps of the city and surrounding areas.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Veliky Novgorod
Veliky Novgorod has 37 UNESCO monuments.
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13 centuries of history of Veliky Novgorod
Veliky Novgorod, like no other city in Russia, has preserved the unique heritage of different eras of Russian culture. We have collected all the most interesting things for you!
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Audio guide "Veliky Novgorod - the Homeland of Russian geniuses." Sergei Rachmaninov.
Veliky Novgorod became a special, most expensive and unique city for the great musician Sergei Rachmaninoff.
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"People's Guide" to Veliky Novgorod
An audio guide created by Novgorodians will allow travelers to turn away from the busy tourist paths and see the city in all its charm.
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Exhibition “History of Novgorod and Novgorod land from ancient times to the 17th century.”
Tools, household utensils, handicrafts, military equipment, and birch bark letters introduce the visitor to the world of Ancient Rus'.
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Exhibition “Russian icon of the XI-XIX centuries. in the collection of the Novgorod Museum"
One of the world's largest exhibitions of Russian icon painting. About 260 magnificent works are presented.
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Exhibition “Old Russian carved wood”
Ancient works of Novgorod masters became exhibits of one of the best exhibitions of the museum, which also includes rare sculptural images of saints.
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Exhibition “Jewelry and Decorative Arts of the V–XIX Centuries”
The exhibition allows you to plunge into the history of Veliky Novgorod, read the dramatic moments of its fate in complex jewelry patterns, and admire the skill of ancient Russian jewelers.
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Exhibition “Christian Antiquities. Artistic metal of the 11th–19th centuries.”
The unique exhibition, located in the halls of three tiers of the Gate Tower, displays over 300 monuments of artistic metal.
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Exposition “Cultural Heritage of Novgorod Monasteries”
The exhibition will allow you to get acquainted with the history and culture of the Novgorod Land, as well as take a virtual trip through the territory of ancient monasteries.
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Derevyanitsky Monastery
Three surviving buildings of the former monastery complex from the turn of the 17th - 18th centuries are located in the northern microdistrict of Veliky Novgorod, on the right bank of the Volkhov.
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St. Nicholas Church on the island. Lipno
The church was built in 1292 on the site of the miraculous discovery of the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, according to legend, in the 12th century. who healed Prince Mstislav.
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Route “Veliky Novgorod – the resort town of Staraya Russa – Lake Seliger”
Seliger is one of the most beautiful lakes on the planet!
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Museum of the Tesovo Narrow Gauge Railway
You have the opportunity to ride in a retro carriage, experience all the beauty of Russian nature, find out where and how peat is mined, and also become a handcar driver yourself!
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Museum "Bronnitskaya Land"
The museum is located in the ancient village of Bronnitsa, located at the foot of Bron-mountain - the most mysterious settlement of the Ilmen region.
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Route “Veliky Novgorod – Valdai Lake – A.V. Suvorov – “Gornaya Msta” – “Slavic village of the 10th century”
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Route “Veliky Novgorod – I. E. Kuznetsov Plant on Volkhov – Ski complex “Lyubogorye” – rest in the “Land of Divas”
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Route “Veliky Novgorod – the resort town of Staraya Russa – Rdeisky Monastery”
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Route “Rurik settlement – “Noise Mountain” – “Slavic village of the 10th century”
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Route "Veliky Novgorod - Korostyn (Shimsky district) - Staraya Russa"
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Route "Veliky Novgorod - Valdai - Iversky Monastery"
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Water route “Rafting on the Msta River”
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Sculptural compositions and monuments of Veliky Novgorod
There are a lot of sculptures and various memorable compositions in Novgorod; as a rule, they become objects against which excellent photos are obtained. Let's look at the best of them.
Monument to Car Mechanic
- Address: Studencheskaya st., 31.
It is located near the central entrance of the city taxi park. It is a structure 5 meters high, created from things that car mechanics most often work with. In it you can see fragments of engines, old wheels, gearboxes and more. Its shape is similar to another city monument, which is dedicated to the 1000th anniversary of Russia.
Monument to the Girl-Tourist
- Address: Kremlin Bridge.
Located near the pedestrian bridge. Today there are two versions of who it is dedicated to: a tourist or a resident of Veliky Novgorod. Nowadays this is one of the most favorite places among tourists for selfies and photos. There was also a tradition of throwing a coin into a girl’s shoe to attract happiness and good luck. Dmitry Medvedev, who participated in the festivities dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of the city, also took photos near the landmark.
Monument Bear on a bench
- Address: Trade side, Alexander Nevsky embankment.
Installed near a shopping mall. The legend at the monument is that the beast came to the city to look at the local residents and stayed here, since the townspeople really liked him and in the end he decided to stay here. You can admire it not only while walking along the Nevsky embankment. Pleasure boats also sail near the memorial sign. If you want, you can just sit nearby and dream.
Monument to the Moidodyrov family
- Address: Alexander Korsunova Ave., 30.
A monument dedicated to the famous hero Chukovsky is found near the City Bath No. 7. His composition consists not only of the main character, but also of his wife and child. The baby's stroller also plays the role of a bench. The author of the sculptural composition was a master from Veliky Novgorod - Kornilov. And iron was chosen as the material for it, so as not to give amateurs a reason to steal non-ferrous metal.
Monument to Monter
- Address: Builders Square.
The sculptural composition is located in a park near the Polytechnic College. Its author at one time was the sculptor Borovykh, who cast it by order of businessman Sumarokov. The monument represents a worker-fitter in the process of work. It was as if he had climbed onto the pole to remove the cat from it.
Video about the city
Excellent video about Novgorod and the Novgorod region - Russia, Genius loci:
Interesting routes with Veliky Novgorod:
- Veliky Novgorod is an interesting tourist point on the route St. Petersburg - Moscow. The fast Lastochka goes here from St. Petersburg and from Chudovo (1 hour), one of the rare stops of Sapsan. Therefore, visiting it can be combined with a trip to Tver and Torzhok.
- From Veliky Novgorod it is convenient to travel to Pskov (from 3.5 hours by train) and see the sights of the Pskov region.
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Where to go with a child in Veliky Novgorod
Young travelers who come to Novgorod with their parents will definitely not be bored. There is a lot of entertainment for children of any age. Vivid impressions and a great mood for your beloved child are guaranteed.
Trinity excavation
- Opening hours: daily, from 9:30 to 19:00.
- Ticket price: 50 rub. for all.
- Address: st. Trinity. Transport stop "Trinity Street".
Visitors to an excavation site operating right within the city have an excellent opportunity to feel like real archaeologists. Work here has been ongoing continuously for almost 40 years. During this time, scientists were able to discover the remains of about 20 different buildings dating from the 10th-15th centuries. Over 400 birch bark documents and many unique artifacts were found on the excavation site, the most valuable of which is the Novgorod Codex of the 11th century. Many experts consider it the oldest Russian book. In the pavilion you can view an exhibition telling about the object, the history of its research, and the main findings. Those who wish are invited to go down into the excavation site and be transported to the 11th century, because archaeologists are now working with the cultural layer of this period. A teenager will definitely enjoy the excursion.
Children's Museum Center
- Address: Studio Town 3.
The center has become a venue for all kinds of personal exhibitions of local artists, mainly those dedicated to children. For this purpose, three exhibition halls are constantly open here.
The center organizes educational excursions for children every week. There is also a club here, which hosts numerous master classes on various types of crafts. The best local artisans are invited to carry them out.
The complex has also become a place where all kinds of folklore programs are held. As a rule, they are timed to coincide with various national holidays. During festivities, they often practice educational and entertaining games.
Kokui Tower
- Working hours: five days a week, except Monday and Thursday, from 12:00 to 20:00.
- Ticket price: adult 150 rubles, children 100 rubles.
- Website: https://novgorodmuseum.ru/muzej-zapovednik/velikij-novgorod
- Address: Novgorod Kremlin, 8. Transport stop “Victory Square-Sofia”.
Children and parents will enjoy an excursion to the Kokuy Tower. The five-tiered structure, topped with a 10-meter tent dome, rises 38.5 meters above the ground. For centuries its thick walls reliably protected the shooters, who showered bullets and arrows on their enemies from the loopholes. In peacetime, on the top floor of the tower there was a post from which sentinels inspected the city and the immediate surroundings. Today this can be done using telescopes with 60x magnification. The tower houses a colorful exhibition telling about the eventful history of the Novgorod citadel.
Novgorod Kudesy
- Ticket prices and event schedules should be confirmed by phone.
- Telephone.
- Website: https://www.kudesynov.ru
- Address: Voskresensky Boulevard, 9.
If you are traveling as a family, be sure to take your child to a colorful performance performed by the youth folk group "Kudesy", known far beyond the borders of Novgorod. Colorful performances performed by young artists help you get acquainted with the original culture of the north-west of Rus', learn a lot of interesting things about the customs of the Slavs who settled on the banks of the Volkhov since ancient times. The center’s team successfully tours the cities of the country and is invited to the most authoritative folklore festivals.
Read about interesting places:
- Vologda, Pskov, Naryan-Mar, Syktyvkar,
- Arkhangelsk, Petrozavodsk, Murmansk, Staraya Russa,
- Veliky Ustyug, Borovichi, Kaliningrad, Valdai.
If you are interested in Russian history and know how to appreciate beauty in its natural and man-made manifestations, be sure to visit Veliky Novgorod. A vacation spent at the origins of Russian culture and statehood will be remembered for a very long time.
Museums
Center for Musical Antiquities of V. I. Povetkin
Address: Ilyina st., 9B Opening hours: 14.00-16.00, closed on Monday Ticket price: 200 rubles Telephone:
The museum displays a collection of musical instruments from the 10th to the 15th centuries. Many copies were found and restored by V.I. Povetkin. He was the initiator of the opening of the museum, which took place in 1990.
Here you can not only see harps, whistles, nozzles, etc., but also hear how they sound. The museum works to popularize Novgorod musical culture.
Employees are restoring ancient musical instruments based on preserved written sources and found fragments. A tour of the museum is conducted by musicians who master the art of playing rare instruments.
Novgorod State United Museum-Reserve
Administration address: ter. Kremlina, 11 Information service: Website: https://novgorodmuseum.ru/
This museum is located in the building of the Kremlin Government Offices. The museum received its first visitors in 1865. Under the patronage of the museum-reserve there are hundreds of buildings, among them architectural monuments of the 12th-19th centuries.
The museum exhibits icons of Novgorod masters. Archaeological finds dating from the 9th to the 19th centuries are demonstrated. The history of Novgorod architecture is told. The museum has a collection of decorative and applied arts by local craftsmen. Also on display are original documents that reflect the most significant events in the history of the Novgorod land.
Art Museum
Address: Sofiyskaya square, 2 Opening hours: 10.00-18.00, Thu 13.00-21.00, closed on Friday Ticket price: 120 rubles
The exhibition is based on works by Russian painters of the 17th-20th centuries. In addition to paintings, the museum exhibits sculptures, miniatures, and drawings. Most of the collection was formed as a result of confiscation from noble houses after the 1917 revolution.
The pride of the museum is the paintings of I. Shishkin, I. Levitan, K. Bryullov, large majolica by M. Vrubel, etc.
A separate composition is dedicated to Soviet fine art. Temporary exhibitions are held at the museum site, works from museum collections are exhibited.
Museum of Artistic Culture of the Novgorod Land
Address: Desyatinny lane, 3 Telephone: Ticket price: 100 rubles Website: https://artmus.natm.ru/
The first exhibition took place in 1994. The main task of the museum is to position contemporary Novgorod art (late 19th -21st centuries).
The museum presents an exhibition of “Kuznetsk porcelain” and reveals the secrets of its production. Museum visitors are immersed in the production atmosphere of creating porcelain products. Master classes are held.
Iron Museum
Address: Yuryevskoe highway, Vitoslavlitsy Telephone: Ticket price: 100 rubles
The museum has 200 exhibits. The collection features irons dating back to the 17th century.
Not only antique Russian irons are demonstrated, but also those made in Germany, America, and Thailand. The size and appearance of irons are significantly different from modern ones.
