Holy Myrrhbearers Church

The Holy Myrrhbearers Church sits within Yaroslav's Court and displays the typical features of 16th-century Russian Orthodox architecture with its solid stonework and cubic form. The building is modest in scale, topped with a simple dome and constructed entirely of stone typical of the era.

A Moscow merchant named Ivan Syrkov commissioned the church in 1508 as a mark of his commercial success in the city. The construction occurred during Novgorod's peak as a trading power, when wealthy merchants built stone churches to display their prosperity.

The church takes its name from the myrrhbearers, the women in Christian tradition who came to Jesus's tomb. It reflects the religious beliefs that shaped daily life in Novgorod's merchant quarter.

The church is located within Yaroslav's Court, accessible through the main entrance of the compound and easily reached on foot from the city center. Since it is a protected historical site, visiting conditions may vary seasonally or require planning ahead.

The church was built by a Moscow merchant rather than by local rulers, highlighting its role as a symbol of private wealth and power. This makes it a rare example of how trading merchants could commission major religious buildings in medieval Novgorod.

Location: Veliky Novgorod

Inception: 1510

Part of: Yaroslav's Court

GPS coordinates: 58.51750,31.28444

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:24