I propose to travel back in time to Veliky Novgorod - one of the first capitals of the ancient Russian state. Learn the legends about Rurik and Sadko. See the sights of Veliky Novgorod, imagine yourself as a participant in the Novgorod veche on the square near the St. Sophia Cathedral. View Novgorod Detinets. This is the first red brick Kremlin in Russia. Try purely Novgorod, old Russian food. I’ll tell you when it’s best to go to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of historical events and what souvenirs you should pay attention to.
Sights of Veliky Novgorod
This section presents the main attractions of Veliky Novgorod with photos and descriptions, addresses on the map.
The guide lists historical monuments, interesting parks, museums and theaters for children, and attractions in the surrounding area; what to see in 1–3 days and where to go on the weekend. Veliky Novgorod is one of the oldest Russian cities, famous for its Orthodox churches, monuments and monasteries, historical civil buildings - UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The concentration of architectural attractions in the center of Veliky Novgorod is so high that one shot can capture a whole complex of ancient churches and buildings.
The historical core of the city is the Novgorod Detinets, a medieval Kremlin on the left bank of the Volkhov River, the total area of the complex-reserve is about 12.1 hectares, it is worth devoting several hours to a detailed acquaintance with its historical and more modern objects.
The image of the city is organically complemented by monuments to the military history of Russia: the militia of 1812, the “City of Military Glory” stele on Marx Square, the Victory Monument in the Great Patriotic War and the “Eternal Flame of Glory” memorial.
The state museums of Veliky Novgorod are dedicated to the emergence and formation of the city, its role in the history of Rus', existing and not preserved monuments. The exhibitions demonstrate unique artifacts and are often located in monument buildings along the main walking route.
The cultural life of Veliky Novgorod is unthinkable without the city philharmonic and central theaters, which are constantly preparing new projects for the public.
Interesting sightseeing tours extend beyond the city center. One of the most memorable routes is a trip to the Vitoslavlitsa wooden architecture reserve, a cozy corner of the past, where the traditions of folk holidays are still observed.
Most of the attractions of Veliky Novgorod are accessible to visitors all year round; in winter, festive events are prepared for children.
What to see in Veliky Novgorod in 1 day
You can really see many sights in a day in Veliky Novgorod.
In the first place for tourists is the architectural complex of the Novgorod Kremlin with nine surviving towers and attractions on its territory: the ancient St. Sophia Cathedral - one of the symbols of the city; The faceted chamber with a jewelry exhibition, the inclined tower of the Chasokvonya - the tallest building in Detinets, the grandiose monument “Millennium of Russia”.
You should definitely continue your walk around the city on the opposite bank of the Volkhov River, to which the pedestrian Kremlin bridge leads. This bridge offers a picturesque view of the river, Sofia and Trade sides - it’s worth stopping for a while and taking panoramic photos of the sights of Veliky Novgorod.
On the Trade Side, pedestrians are symbolically greeted by the sculpture “Tired Tourist”, sitting on the stone parapet of the embankment. However, it is still too early to rest: ahead you can see the Yaroslavovo Dvorishche complex, which contains several famous churches: the snow-white Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the museum object - the Church of Paraskeva-Pyatnitsa, the majestic ancient St. Nicholas Cathedral, the three-story Church of Procopius, the elegant Myronositskaya Church, as well as the nearby church John the Baptist and the Church of St. George.
The list of temples in the historical part of the city is much wider: you can visit them in one day, but you need to keep in mind that some of them have museums, which are worth spending extra time visiting. If the program is exclusively sightseeing, by car, it will be possible to cover monastery complexes: Anthony's Monastery, more distant Spaso-Yuryev, Varlaamo-Khutynsky and other monasteries.
Ready-made one-day and more intense routes to the sights of Veliky Novgorod can be found in reviews and photo albums of tourists.
Where to go in Veliky Novgorod with a child
At first glance, it is almost impossible to organize an entertainment program for children in Veliky Novgorod. The city is known as a historical and cultural center and is interesting in terms of excursion tourism. You can make the route more accessible for children by choosing special excursions, devoting more time to relaxing in parks and visiting children's exhibitions and shows.
Novgorod theaters offer interesting cultural recreation programs. The puppet shows of the Roger Theater are designed for the youngest spectators, an audience from 3 to 7 years old, which are held in a playful, interactive format and certainly have a developmental, educational part.
The permanent repertoire of the Maly Theater includes productions of world classics for teenagers; Bright performances and puppet shows based on fairy tales and original works are performed for children and primary schoolchildren. More literary productions for high school students and adults can be found in the repertoire of the Novgorod Drama Theater.
Exhibitions and events for young visitors are held by the Novgorod State Museum-Reserve, and the organization of such events is carried out by the Children's Museum Center operating there.
In good weather with children in Veliky Novgorod, it is worth staying at least an hour in the Kremlin Park. This is a convenient place for contemplative and active recreation: there are fountains and sculptures on the territory, and in the summer there are children's attractions - classic carousels and cars, trampolines and other entertainment. In winter, an ice skating rink is built for children and adults
With small children, you can take a break from long walks around the city at one of the children's entertainment and playgrounds in the city's shopping centers.
Sights of Veliky Novgorod in one day
During the May holidays, our road trip to the sights took place, including the chain: St. Petersburg - Veliky Novgorod - Pskov - Ostrov - St. Petersburg .
Today we will talk about the first part of the photo story, about Novgorod sights. I'll tell you what we managed to see in one day.
If you decide to spend a day in Veliky Novgorod, spend the night at a hotel and move on, then book your accommodation in advance. Don't repeat my mistakes.
