Old Government Office, Velikiy Novgorod Detinets

The Old Government Office in the Novgorod Kremlin is a solid brick structure displaying classical Russian proportions and careful architectural planning. The building features multiple floors with rows of windows and thick walls designed to serve administrative functions and withstand the northern climate.

Built in 1783, this structure was created as a modern administrative center for the region under Catherine the Great's rule. Its construction marked a shift away from medieval fortress design toward practical institutional architecture that reflected contemporary European standards.

The building shows how administration worked in this region and what kind of decisions were made within its walls. Walking through the rooms, visitors can sense the daily routines of officials and understand the local government's role in the city.

The building is accessible year-round as part of the Kremlin complex and can be visited during regular opening hours. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the corridors and staircases in this historic structure are uneven and narrow in places.

The building served not only as an administrative center but also as a visible symbol of Novgorod's transformation into a modern European-influenced city. This shift was notable because the city had maintained its medieval character for centuries before adopting these new institutional forms.