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Main page / Museums and sightseeing in Veliky Novgorod
Museums and sightseeing in Veliky Novgorod

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Veliky Novgorod is not accidently called a city-museum of Old Russia - no other place has preserved that number of great monuments of architecture and monumental painting.

Here it is hard and sometimes impossible to define where the city ends the musium begins. About 50 valuable monuments became a part of a modern city living structure. And the history of these churches, monasteries, fortifications is full of both amazing and tradgic pages.

Online City Guide of Veliky Novgorod: maps, tourist routs, practical information.

Functioning cathedrals and churches of Veliky Novgorod

UNESCO World Heritage sites in Veliky Novgorod

Bring your friends and relatieves tasty and useful souvenirs from Veliky Novgorod: ginger bread, honey, kvas (bread drink)!

Working hours of Novgorod museums
Here you can find the information on working hours of Veliky Novgorod museums and other places of interest.
Audio Guide around Veliky Novgorod
Audio guide offers an excellent possibility to learn about the rich history and the unique sights of Veliky Novgorod!
A List of City and Region routes
We call your attention to the ideas for your independent routes around Veliky Novgorod and Novgorod region.
Modern Monuments & Sculptures in Veliky Novgorod

We invite you to take a walk down the streets of Veliky Novgorod to find luck! Cheerful mood and fulfilment of wishes is guaranteed!

Tourist Route №1. The Novgorod Kremlin

Walk along the Kremlin walls and count the ancient towers, reserved to our days! Walk up the Kokuy - the watch tower. Visit the oldest Russian temple - the St. Sophia cathedral in Veliky Novgorod.

The Novgorod Kremlin
The heart of Veliky Novgorod has always been the Kremlin, or Detinets, as they called it in old times.  It was founded by Prince Vladimir in the 11th century.
Stronghold Fortifications
During the 11th – 12th centuries the Kremlin expanded and reached today’s size. Since that time we have giant ramparts, on which at the end of 15th century were built stone walls and towers of Italian standard.
Monument to the Millennium of the Russian Statehood
It was decided to erect the monument in Novgorod, thus recognizing its key role in establishing the Russian state.
Novgorod State United Museum
The museum includes expositions, exhibition halls, and museum monuments of Veliky Novgorod and towns of Novgorod region.
Fine Arts Museum
The exposition helps to follow the history of Russian Arts of 18th - 20th centuries.
Faceted Archbishop Chamber
The oldest (1433) gothic building and also the first stone secular building in Russia where the most important events were held.
Clock Tower and Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh
The church (1463) is the only building in the Russian northwest constructed over a gateway that was preserved till these days.
Museum of Writing
The museum presents the history of the emergence and spread of writing and books in Veliky Novgorod that was the largest center of chronicles, education and literacy in Ancient Rus.
Cathedral of St. Sophia the Wisdom of God
The St. Sophia is one of Russia's oldest stone buildings. It was erected by Prince Vladimir, the eldest son of Yaroslav the Wise, and his mother Anna in 1045 – 1050.
Bell Tower of St. Sophia Cathedral
At the foot of the 15th century tower there are five ancient monumental bells and the belfry itself houses bells of modern casting.
The Battle Course of the Kremlin

Follow the path of the defenders of Novgorod! Enjoy a magnificent view of the Yaroslav's Court, the river Volkhov and the belfry of the St. George Monastery.

Kokui Tower

The tallest Kremlin tower was built in the 17th century. From its top opens a great view on Novgorod lands.

Children's Museum Center
Today the museum hosts three types of exhibitions: works by the greatest Novgorod artists, themed collections and works by local children.
Church of St. Andrew Stratilates
Built in the south-eastern part of the Kremlin in the late 15th century, the church was erected replacing the stair tower of former gigantic Sts. Boris and Gleb Church.
Falconry Interactive Exhibition
The exposition tells visitors about the history of falconry as a traditional activity in Russia and gives an insight into the most common species of birds of prey, living on the territory of Novgorod region.
Tourist Route №2. Yaroslav’s Court and the Ancient Market
The Trade Side offers a lot of sightseeing and interesting monuments! It is famous for its merchant history and goods trade.
Yaroslav's Court. The Former Marketplace
This is an ensemble of valuable 12th – 17th century architectural monuments located on the right bank of the Volkhov River, right opposite the Kremlin.
Gate Tower of the Former Marketplace
The Marketplace and the Gate Tower for it were designed and built in the late 17th century by a stone mason Gury Vakhromeev.
Hanseatic Fountain
On the dark granite there are 16 emblems of Hanseatic States mosaicing a colored panel. 
Myrrhbearers Church
The church was commissioned by a Moscow merchant Ivan Syrkov in 1508, who founded a successful merchant dynasty in Novgorod. 
Church of St. Procopius
Stylized, yet graceful architecture of this building includes a distinctly Moscovite decorative pattern on its facade.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
St Nicholas’ Cathedral of the 12th century is the oldest cathedral in Russia among those devoted to St. Nicholas.
Church of St. Parasceva the Friday on the Marketplace
The church was built in 1207 with the money of foreign merchants in the name of St. Parasceva, who was believed to be the patron saint of trade.
Church of the Dormition in the Marketplace
Founded by Prince Vsevolod in 1135 after Novgorod troops were defeated by the warriors of Suzdal. It was the city's last building commissioned by the prince.
The Church of St George on the Marketplace
This church was built in 1356 replacing a wooden church with the same name. The lower part dates back to the 14th century.
The Church of St. John the Baptist on Opoki
The church included a Merchant Court that heard litigation on various commercial issues. The standards of weights and measures were also kept there.
Tourist Route №3. Sophia Side Sightseeing
The Volkhov River divides Veliky Novgorod in 2 sides - the Sophia Side and the Trade Side, both of which have different history. Find out more about sightseeing at the Sophia Side!
White (Alekseevskaya) Tower
The White Tower is the only survived stone tower of the city external defensive belt of the late 16th - 17th cc.
The Victory Monument
Erected on the Catherine’s hill in remembrance of the victory of the Soviet Union over the fascist invaders.
St. Blaise Church
The stone church was constructed in 1407The Christian cult of St. Blaise, the patron of cattle, is the evolution of the ancient pagan cult of god Volos or Veles.
Desyatinny Convent of the Nativity of Our Lady
The early history of Desyatinny Convent is shrouded in a haze of mystery, there are a lot of guesses and assumptions in it. It is considered that the convent was founded in 1327.
The State Museum of Arts and Culture of Novgorod Land
The museum was founded in 2002. It is located on site of the Desyatinny Convent. The exhibition presents works of art by Novgorod artists of the late 20th - early 21st century.
Porcelain Museum
The interior has a shape of a furnace and lets you move into the atmosphere of a porcelain workshop; there are burnt bricks, feeling of heat and fire alongside with sparkling porcelain ware.
The Hall of Military Glory
Four basic eras of heroic glory of novgorodians are reflected in permanent exposition and represented in wax figures of uniformed warriors of different centuries.
City of Military Glory Stele
The Stele was opened just before the 65th anniversary of the Victory Day. It represents a granite ten-meter column and four mini steles.
Musical Statue of S. Rachmaninoff
S. Rachmaninoff was one of the greatest musicians of the 19th – 20th cc., whose life was closely connected with the land of Novgorod.
Church of St. Theodore Stratilates on Schirkova Street
This marvellous church has a distinctive mature architectural design. It is a fine example of the architecture of the early 15th century.
Tourist Route №4. Trade Side Sightseeing
Trade side is constructed with elements of the past and present. Here you will find churches which preserved the frescoes by Theophanes the Greek and modern sculptures of city art.
Churches of St. Philip the Apostle and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
The two churches were built in 1526 on Noutnaya Street by Novgorod and Moscow merchants on the site of an older, 14th century church.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign
This church was built on the site of the old Church of the Holy Sign, which was erected for keeping the icon “Our Lady of the Sign” that protected Novgorod from an attack by a host from city of Suzdal in 1170.
Church of Saviour's Transfiguration on Ilyina St.
It is the only church in the world that has managed to preserve the frescoes by Theophanes the Greek who painted about 40 churches.
Cinema museum of Valery Rubtsov
The history of cinema of the XX century in unique exhibits and rare newsreels of Soviet Novgorod.
Church of St. Theodore Stratilates on the Brook
This remarkable monument of Novgorod architecture served as a model and inspiration for the next generations of architects.
St Anthony's Monastery
A seminary was established at the monastery in 1740 – it was one of Russia's first learning institutions. Now the building houses one of the departments of Novgorod State University named after Yaroslav the Wise.
Cathedral of the Nativity of our Lady in St. Anthony's Monastery
According to a legend, the monastery was founded by St. Anthony from Rome who made a miraculous journey around Europe in three days and finally arrived to Novgorod on a floating stone.
Church of St. John the Divine on Vitka
The church was erected in the 14th centuru on a hill at the Volkhov River, close to the Middle-age rampart. Sunset’s dying glow reflects in the water and flames the church walls thus reviving the past time when the church was erected.
Tourist Route №5. At the Source of The Volkhov

Visit Vitoslavlitsy, the unique wooden architecture museum. Feel the greatness of St. George monastery which was founded by Prince Yaroslav and dive into atmosphere of the Peryn skete. 

Church of Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin
Built in 70 days, by order of Novgorod Archbishop Ilya. The church didn’t belong to Arkazhsky monastery that arose later. The name appeared due to the nearby village Arkazhi.
Peryn Skete
Not far from St. George Cathedral, right next to the source of the Volkhov River, is the place of an ancient settlement of Peryn.
St. George Monastery
Located at the source of the Volkhov River and Lake Ilmen, this functioning 12th century monastery is a part of a magnificent natural panorama.
Vitoslavlitsy Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture
In a picturesque place washed by the waters of Lake Myachino and the Volkhov River, at St. George Monastery, replacing the former village of Vitoslavlitsy, there is the open-air museum of wooden architecture.
Museum of Iron in Vitoslavlitsy
A unique collection of irons composed of two hundred and fifty pieces of XVIII-XX centuries from Russia, Germany, France, Italy, USA, Thailand, England, Czech Republic, Spain, Poland and Scandinavia.
Trinity Church in Yamskaya Sloboda
The stone church was built in 1365. Despite the fact that the church building is not that large and rich, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Theatre of Time: Troitsky Archeological Dig
Theatrical displays of history run through the seven meter deep cultural archeological excavations. It was there that unique items of high archaeological value were found perfectly preserved.
А walking route Novgorodian Birchbark and the Monuments of the Nerevsky End

The aim of the route is to broaden the historical city centre for tourists and to offer a new theme route for an individual journey.

Holy Spirit Cloister
Nowadays, the refectory church of the Holy Trinity (1557) and the church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (1892) are the only buildings that have survived in the cloister.
Sts. Peter And Paul Church In Kozhevniki
This is a marvellous church which is distinctive for the mature architectural design, a fine example of the architecture of the early 15th century.
The Church of Nikola Bely
The Church of Nikola Bely (Nicholas Wonderworker) is an architectural monument of federal significance located in the ancient Nerevsky End of medieval Novgorod.
Cathedral of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin and Zverin Monastery
The name Zverin comes from the word "Zverinets" - game preserve for princely hunting that existed here in 11th c. The Monastery is first mentioned in the chronicles in 1148.
Church of St. Simeon the God-Receiver At Zverin Convent
The two-tier miniature Church of St. Simeon the God-Receiver (1467) is located on the territory of the former 12th century Zverin cloister.
Tourist Route №6. A Journey to the Roots of Russian Government

Travel down the Volkhov river to the Rurik’s Hill Fort, to the Birthplace of Russian government. Visit ancient temples that preserve the unique murals.

Church of the Nativity of Our Savoir at Red Field
The monastic church of the construction typical in the 14th c. The original look of the church and unique frescos of the 14th c. have been preserved till these days.
Church of the Dormition of Our Lady on Volotovo field
The church got world-wide renown not only for its architectural merits, but also for the unique frescos of 1363.
Church of Saviour's Transfiguration on Kovalevo Field
The church was built in 1345 and for a long time it was the main temple of the Cloister of the Transfiguration of Our Savior in Kovalevo. 
Church of Saviour's Transfiguration on Nereditsa Hill
This world famous church (1198) is the only extant building of the former small Nereditsky cloister, where there is the village of Nereditsa today.
Rurikovo Gorodische (Rurik's Fort)
As a fortified settlement of the Viking Age it has been located at the source of the Volkhov River right on the trade route “From the Varangians to the Greeks”. There was a residence of Rurik the Prince who started the first Russian ruling dynasty.
Tourist Route №7. Orthodox Monasteries

Orthodox pilgrims from all over of Russia visit Veliky Novgorod to see the Christian relics which have been worshipped since the old times.

St. Varlaam Convent of the Transfiguration of Our Savior in the village of Khutyn
This convent was founded in the 12th century by St. Varlaam, one of the most hallowed saints in the North of Russia.
St. Nicholas Convent in the village of Vyazhishchi
The marvellous architectural ensemble of the cloister is situated 12 kilometres (7 miles) north-west of Veliky Novgorod.
St. Michael Klopsky Monastery of the Holy Trinity
Located 23 km away to the south-west from Veliky Novgorod, at the Veryazha River. The monastery was glorified with a number of miracles by the Reverend Michael Klopsky.
St. Nicholas church on the Island of Lipno
The church was built in 1292 on the site of the miraculous acquisition of the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. According to the legend, in the XII century it healed Prince Mstislav.
Derevyanitskiy monastery
First mentioned in the Novgorod chronicles in 1335 due to the construction of a stone church in honor of the Resurrection of Christ.
Route in Memory of the 75th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War
75 years ago one of the most tragic periods in the history of Russia — the Great Patriotic War — was finished. It took away lives of more than 20 million Soviet citizens. We offer to take a walk to the memorable War places.
Walking Route "Modern Monuments of the Sophia Side"
On your way you will see monuments to famous people as well as amusing sculptures of the cheerful and friendly characters!
Walking Route "Modern Monuments of the Trade Side"

Walk down the streets of Veliky Novgorod to look for interesting modern sculptures of the Trade side of the city.

Walking tourist route: the Pages of History
Have a walk through the city streets to find all the drawings.
3 days in Veliky Novgorod
The 3 days programme will be your indispensable guide in rich history and immense cultural heritage of Veliky Novgorod, one of the most beautiful cities in Russia.
Video guides around Veliky Novgorod — the Birthplace of Russia!
Fall in love with Veliky Novgorod after watching the films about the Birthplace of Russia.
Online City Guide of Veliky Novgorod
Information on sightseeing, events, cafes and restaurants in the city. Useful information for travellers. City and vicinities maps.
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Veliky Novgorod
There are 37 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Veliky Novgorod and its surroundings.
13 centuries of Veliky Novgorod history
Veliky Novgorod like no other Russian city has preserved a unique heritage of different eras of Russian culture. We have compiled for you the most interesting facts!
The History of Veliky Novgorod and Novgorod Land from Ancient Times till 17th c.
Implements, home utensils, handicraft items, military equipment, and birch-bark letters introduce ancient Russia.
Russian Icon of 11th - 19th Centuries in the Collection of Novgorod State Museum
Being one of the world’s largest expositions of Russian icon painting, it displays about 260 marvellous works.
Exposition Old Russian Woodcarving
Woodcarving was one of the most popular artistic handicrafts in ancient Novgorod. Wooden items are both handy, and beautiful.
Exhibition Treasury of Veliky Novgorod. Jeweler's Art of the 5th – 19th centuries
This exposition of decorative and applied arts and of jeweller’s arts displays more than 200 exhibits, made of precious metals, tin, porcelain, glass, wood and other materials by Russian, Byzantine and European craftsmen.
Exhibition Christian antiquities. Artistic metal of the 11th – 19th centuries
Located in the halls of the three tiers Gate Tower, the unique exhibition displays over 300 masterpieces of “artistic metal”.
Exposition Cultural Heritage of Novgorod Cloisters
The monasteries of Veliky Novgorod are introduced in 100 modern pictures and those taken in the beginning of 20th century, 60 copies of official documents and various electronic materials.
Route: Veliky Novgorod – Staraya Russa resort town – Seliger Lake
Seliger is one of the most beautiful lakes on our planet!
Tesovo Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum
The museum represents a narrow-gauge railway that passes through the conservation areas of the former peat field once famous for its high production output in the whole of the Soviet Union.
Route: Veliky Novgorod – Valdayskoe Lake – Suvorov’s Estate – Gornaya Msta – Slavic village of the 10th century
Route: Veliky Novgorod – I.E. Kuznetsov’s Factory on the river Volkhov – Skiing Complex Mstinskie Gorki – Recreation in the Land of Wonders
Route: Veliky Novgorod – Staraya Russa Resort Town – Rdeiskiy Monastery
Route: Rurikov's Hill Fort – Shum-Hill – Slavic Village of the 10th century
Route: Veliky Novgorod – Korostyn (Shimsky district) – Staraya Russa
Route: Veliky Novgorod – Valday – Iversky Monastery
Water route: Rafting down the Msta river
The route “Rafting down the river Msta” contains elements of both active and cognitive tourism. Suitable for younger generations, family, children, corporate groups.
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