Velikiy Novgorod

The first city in Russia, Veliky Novgorod is where you begin if you want to trace Russia's medieval origins. Veliky Novgorod dates back so far that historians can't be certain of its age. They do know that it is over 1,000 years old and was the birthplace of the modern state of Russia.

Russia was united in 988 by the prince of Kievan Rus. Prince Vladimir and his son, Yaroslav the Wise, reigned in Novgorod until Yaroslav the Wise granted Novgorod the right to choose its own princes. This freedom developed into the first democracy in Russia: the Novgorod Republic. Veliky Novgorod became the center of this republic.

The Novgorod State United Museum boasts unique artifacts collected over the centuries due to Novgorod's status as a safe haven. It holds the earliest Christian icon painting in Russia, The Apostles Peter and Paul, dating back to the 11th century. Novgorod is also considered the Florence of Russia due to its many frescoes and wall murals.

Novgorod is an archeological mecca. Some of the items found - including the famous birch bark scrolls - give insight into Novgorod's political history and medieval lifestyle. Even though many relics survived the centuries, many were also destroyed during World War II. There were over 2,500 stone buildings in Novgorod in the early 20th century, but only 40 after the Nazi invasion. It has still managed to preserve some beautiful monuments and buildings and holds significantly more medieval history than any other Russian or Ukrainian city.

Today one of the most attractive features in the city is its Kremlin. The oldest citadel in Russia, it was originally used to mark the territory of the city. It holds the oldest palace in Russia, the Chamber of Facets, and the oldest Cathedral in Russia, the St. Sophia. The Cathedral of St. Sophia was built by Yaroslav the Wise's son more than a thousand years ago and is sometimes called the Cathedral of Holy Wisdom. It is the oldest surviving stone monument in Russia and was one of the first churches to have Russia's distinct architectural style, such as the well-known cupolas.

The Kremlin also holds many other tourist attractions, such as the philharmonic concert hall, the public library, the college of music and arts, the National Museum, and many fantastic shops, restaurants, and cafes. You will also find a large bronze monument in the square called the Millennium of Russia. Built in 1862, it was dedicated to the important leaders and innovators that aided Russia's historical and cultural development.

This beautiful ancient city has survived for 1100 years and is still a thriving metropolis. If the expansive history of Novgorod does not impress you, you will at least be awed by the beauty of the city's landscape, best seen by river tour.