Desyatinny Monastery

Desyatinny Monastery is an Orthodox monastery in Veliky Novgorod featuring two main churches, including the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady. A bell tower stands at the entrance to the complex.

The monastery was founded in 1327 when Archbishop Moses built the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady. Soviet authorities closed it in 1918, ending its nearly 600 years of operation as an active religious community.

The monastery now houses the Union of Artists and a museum showing regional artworks from late 20th century creators. Visitors can see how local artists have kept their traditions alive within these historic spaces.

A museum within the complex displays paintings, watercolors, and traditional crafts from Novgorod artists during daily hours. Visitors should expect signage primarily in Russian within the exhibition spaces.

The name 'Desyatina' refers to a medieval practice in Novgorod when churches received one-tenth of local income as support. This funding method helped the institution grow and endure for centuries.

Location: Veliky Novgorod

Inception: 1902

Website: http://artmus.natm.ru

GPS coordinates: 58.51792,31.26453

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04