Veliky Novgorod, Medieval fortress settlement in northwestern Russia
Description
Veliky Novgorod is a city in northwestern Russia along the Volkhov River, known for its kremlin that includes stone walls, towers, and the Saint Sophia Cathedral. The settlement spreads across both banks of the river, with the fortified center on the western side and older neighborhoods scattered beyond.
History
The settlement began in the 9th century and grew into a republic governed by a public assembly that made decisions about laws and leadership. This independence ended when Moscow absorbed the city in 1478, bringing it under centralized rule.
Culture
Visitors can see religious icons displayed in galleries and churches throughout the settlement, some dating back to the 11th century and showing how Orthodox painting styles changed over time. These artworks give a sense of what worship looked like for people who lived here centuries ago and how sacred images were made.
Practical
The settlement lies on the M10 federal highway between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, making it a convenient stop for travelers moving along that route. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for walking between the kremlin, churches, and monasteries, as paths can be uneven or unpaved.
Did you know?
The bronze doors at the entrance of Saint Sophia Cathedral display 48 relief panels showing biblical scenes, made by German craftsmen in the 12th century. This blend of Russian imagery and Western European metalwork is rare in the region and reflects the trade connections the settlement maintained across long distances.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Novgorod Oblast).
Millennium of Russia
33 m
Novgorod Kremlin
63 m
Saint Sophia Cathedral
147 m
Church of the Transfiguration on Ilyina Street
1.2 km
Rurikovo Gorodische
3.2 km
Saviour Church on Nereditsa
3.3 km
Yuriev Monastery
3.9 km
Church of Saint George
3.8 km
Vitoslavlicy
3.4 km
Płock Door
78 m
Church of Saint Theodore Stratelates on the Brook, Veliky Novgorod
1 km
Khutyn Monastery
10.1 km
Annunciation Church on Market Place, Veliky Novgorod
798 m
Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Novgorod
657 m
Peryn Skete
5.3 km
Yaroslav's Court
497 m
Vladychnaya Palata
203 m
Katholikon of the Antoniev Monastery
2.3 km
Antoniev Monastery
2.2 km
Church of St. Paraskevi, Novgorod
640 m
Peryn
5.3 km
Annunciation Church, Gorodishche
3.3 km
Novgorodskiĭ gosudarstvennyĭ obʺedinennyĭ muzeĭ-zapovednik
69 m
The cathedral of The Icon of Our Lady of the Sign in Veliky Novgorod
1.2 km
Victory monument, Veliky Novgorod
466 m
Zverin Monastery
1.7 km
Volotovo Church
5 km
Transfiguration Church in Kovalyovo
4.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes