Saint John the Baptist Church at Opoki, Eastern Orthodox church in Veliky Novgorod, Russia

Saint John the Baptist Church at Opoki is a stone structure with domed roofs and traditional Russian ecclesiastical architectural features dating to the 12th century. The building displays the characteristic form with several cupolas rising above the walls and traditional decorative details across its facades.

Prince Vsevolod Mstislavich founded the church in 1127. In 1135 a charter transferred it to the Ivanovo guild of wax and honey merchants, whose members had each paid 50 grivnas of silver. Archbishop Evfimy II had the old building demolished in 1453 and replaced it with a new one on the old foundations, keeping a single dome. The bell tower was demolished in 1934, and the church was restored in the mid-1950s after wartime damage.

Merchants gathered here regularly to conduct their business and settle disputes among themselves. The space functioned as a social hub where traders from different parts of the city met and discussed commercial matters.

The church stands on the Yaroslavovo Dvorishche, west of the Church of St George at the Market, on the Trade Side of Veliky Novgorod. It is a disused Orthodox church, not an active parish, so access is not guaranteed; check locally before planning a visit. The bell tower was demolished in 1934, and the building was restored in the mid-1950s after wartime damage.

In medieval times this building served as the keeper of weights and measures that merchants needed for trading. Official measuring tools were stored and monitored here to ensure fair commerce throughout the city.