Church of John the Apostle on Vitka, Veliky Novgorod

The Church of John the Apostle on Vitka is a stone building on a hill overlooking the Volkhov River, featuring white walls and a cupola in Eastern Orthodox style. The structure includes a small entrance chamber and a main prayer hall built from cut stone, its walls and foundation still original to its age.

Built in 1383, this church ranks among the oldest Orthodox buildings still standing in the Novgorod region. It has served continuously as a place of worship and became a center for the Old Believer community, which has maintained its presence through different periods.

The interior icons and painted walls reflect the painting traditions of medieval northern Russia, with styles specific to the Novgorod school. Believers who come here maintain customs rooted in the Old Believer faith that has shaped this place for centuries.

The site is reachable from the old town center by following paths along the medieval ramparts, a walk of about 20 to 30 minutes. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground, particularly during wet weather.

For a period, the building served as a storage facility and was closed to visitors, but later underwent restoration and reopened as an active place of worship. This shift in use reveals how religious sites in Russia faced changing circumstances over time.

Location: Veliky Novgorod

Inception: 1383

GPS coordinates: 58.53264,31.29171

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:21