Troitsky dugout

Troitsky dugout is an archaeological excavation site in Veliky Novgorod containing seven meters of cultural layers with medieval residential structures, streets, and everyday objects. The layers display consecutive phases of urban development and offer a detailed record of life at this location.

Excavations uncovered over 1000 birch bark letters and the oldest Slavic book made of waxed tablets from the early 11th century. These discoveries demonstrate the extent of written communication and literacy in medieval Novgorod.

The site reveals residential buildings from multiple periods, showing how medieval urban life developed and changed across centuries. Visitors can observe the layers that represent different eras of the city's past.

The excavation area is open to visitors during warmer months, where you can observe ongoing work and use designated photography areas. Archaeological souvenirs and merchandise are available at the site.

Each layer of the seven-meter-deep excavation represents a different century of urban life, revealing material culture from the modern surface down to medieval streets below. This vertical journey through time allows visitors to trace changes in construction, craftsmanship, and daily activities.

Location: Veliky Novgorod

GPS coordinates: 58.51632,31.27264

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06