Veliky Novgorod

The oldest city of Russia, the cradle of Russian democracy, the medieval center of trade and craft, the biggest partner of Hanseatic League in 12th-17th centuries, the link between medieval Europe and Rus’ and the border between two civilizations – Veliky Novgorod is all of that.

Rurik's Hill Fort

The fortified village of the Viking era, located at the rise of river Volkhov, used the ancient trade routes: the Volga trade route and “Varangian-Greek” route. Here was the residency of knyaz Rurik, the founder of the first Russian dynasty, who was summoned to rule Novgorod in 862.

Batetsky District of Novgorod Region

Formed by the VTsIK act on August 1st 1927, the district became a part of Luzhsky district of Leningrad region.

Places of interest:

• Shum-Hill, Rurik’s assumed resting place

One of the biggest medieval barrows in Europe. It’s the only known hill that has a two-level form – a terrace at midpoint. It’s 14 meters high, with a 70-75 meters diameter.

Lyubitino village

Lyubitino is one of the oldest centers of the Novgorod land, more than a thousand years old. Its unique feature is the high amount of archeological monuments on a moderately-sized area (3 per 10 km).

Places of interest:

• The Slavic Village of the 10th century living history museum

There are many unique archeological monuments to be seen at Lyubitinsky District. Resting places of the nobles, the hill forts and the monumental embankments of the hills – all of them have been preserved. As part of the “Rus’ Glubinnaya” project in Lyubitino local museum, a stationary exposition had been created, consisting of both houses and household outbuildings (barns, cellars, thrashing floors and bread ovens), based on the materials unearthed from the archeological digs. It’s located at an authentic ancient settlement with the burial mound and the “stone circle”.

• Goremykin’s Family Estate

The estate is located in the center of Lyubitino village, on the right shore of Msta river, where it meets the Belaya river. Six structures of late 19th century were preserved, including an estate park and a family crypt.

• Ryokon Pustyn’ of the Holy Trinity

Among the swamps and forests, in the north of Lyubitinsky district, lie the remnants of Ryokon Pustyn’ of the Holy Trinity – a male monastery in the Tikhvin district of Novgorod Governorate.

• Museum of Local Lore

The museum is working on a project to create a historical and cultural tourist center “Rus’ Glubinnaya” in Lyubitino village.

• Nikandrova Pustyn’. Church of the Holy Trinity in Nikandrovo village

In the ancient times, instead of the church, there was a male monastery there – Nikandrova Pustyn’, attached to the Krupetsky monastery in Borovichsky district of Novgorod eparchy.

• Generalissimo Suvorov’s Family Estate

The estate is 18 kilometers away from Lyubitino village, located on shore of the beautiful Kamenskoe Lake.

• Archeological Preserve

It contains 250 burial monuments, many of which are 6-9 meters high, as well as settlements from 6th-16th centuries. It’s located in the valley of the Belaya river – the right tributary of the Msta river.

• Rafting down Gornaya Msta