What to see in Veliky Novgorod? This is a city that the Tatar-Mongols did not reach, getting stuck in the mud. The city where democracy came from and which was the center of the northern lands, a city where after the Second World War only 1000 people remained! The city has history and a lot to see.
Veliky Novgorod is an absolutely unique city. I especially like the history of its origin. The textbooks say: “Formed on the trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks.” In life, everything was a little simpler:
Trade caravans stopped for the winter in Lake Ilmen, then bearded men with clubs came out of the forest and asked to pay for the parking. Later, these bandits retrained as merchants and politicians, and also founded the richest and most influential city of ancient Rus'.
Of course, the city has something to boast about: This is Alexander Nevsky, who deceived and drowned the Swedish army at the age of 21; this is the first democracy, when Novgorodians decided everything at a general meeting (veche); This is also the first writing in Rus' on birch bark letters.
In general, Veliky Novgorod is an absolute concentration of gold, power, knowledge and freedom! All this happened before 1569, when Ivan the Terrible decided that the Novgorodians had gotten too greedy and went to war against them.
The war turned out so-so. Along the way, Tver, Klin and Torzhok were plundered. And when they approached Novgorod, the local nobility themselves went to a meeting with Ivan the Terrible to find out “what exactly was the matter.” Ivan the Terrible was not at a loss and tied everyone up there, accusing them of treason.
Then terrible things happened in the city: Officials and clergy were executed in batches, people were beaten to death in the streets with sticks, burned alive and tortured in every possible way. The Novgorod chronicler says that there were days when the number of those killed reached one and a half thousand; days in which 500 - 600 people were beaten were considered happy!
In Novgorod, everyone knows the legend: During these executions, a dove sat on the dome of the St. Sophia Cathedral, it looked down and could not withstand all the horror that was happening there. The dove was simply petrified with horror! He still sits on the upper cross.
By the way, the second legend is connected with this. They say that if the dove flies, Novgorod will be taken by the enemy. This is the honest truth, because... Since then, Novgorod has been taken only once: by the Germans in World War II. Then a bomb hit the dome of the cathedral and the dove fell down (well, it left its place).
After the raid of Ivan the Terrible, Novgorod fades into the background, it stops developing so actively and does not show itself in any way until the Second World War. Today it is a nice small city with a rich history.
What to see in Veliky Novgorod
So, you've arrived in town for the weekend. What to see in Veliky Novgorod in 1-2 days. Of course, you need to start from the historical center, because all the most interesting things are concentrated there. I will not describe all the sights for you and make some kind of TOP. This will be my personal recommendation of what is worth seeing and visiting in Veliky Novgorod.
Route in Veliky Novgorod for 1 or 2 days. Print it out and take it with you.
What can you see in 1-2 days?
If you come to Novgorod the Great for a few days, then after the historical center you can continue the tour of the holy places of the city and visit the surrounding area.
Victory Monument
The Victory Monument is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Veliky Novgorod from the fascist invaders. The main figure of the monument is a rider on a horse with a ball in his hand.
Alekseevskaya Tower
The White or Alekseevskaya Tower is a fragment of the fortifications of the Okolny Town of the 16th century, which consisted of wooden walls, log houses covered with earth and stone towers. Alekseevskaya Tower is all that has survived to this day from fortifications.
Desyatinny Monastery
The building of the Desyatinny Convent, built in 1327, today houses the State Museum of Artistic Culture of the Novgorod Land. The museum houses paintings by Novgorod artists of the 20th-21st centuries, porcelain and glass items.
St. George's Monastery
St. George's Monastery was founded by Yaroslav the Wise in 1030. For many centuries, the monastery was considered the first among the Novgorod monasteries, called the Yuryev Lavra.
The main temple of the St. George's Monastery is St. George's Cathedral. This is a monumental structure with three domes and three altar projections. The height of the temple is 32 meters. On the facade of the cathedral, sections of ancient masonry were specially exposed so that you can imagine what it looked like originally.
Holy Cross Cathedral in Yuryev Monastery
The complex of the St. Yuryevsky Monastery also includes: the Spassky Cathedral, the archimandrite building, the Holy Cross Cathedral, the bell tower, the Church of the Burning Bush and the Church of the Archangel Michael. St. George's Monastery is active. Admission is free from 10.00 to 18.00.
Sculpture of Alexander Nevsky
The monument to Alexander Nevsky was erected in 1985. The figure of the prince is depicted in motion, he holds a helmet in his hand, and behind him is a cloak that flutters with the wind.
Where to go in Vitoslavice on the weekend?
Four kilometers from Novgorod, in a picturesque place, there is the Vitoslavitsa Museum of Folk Wooden Architecture.
The museum began to be created in 1964 and wooden buildings were brought here from all over the Novgorod region. Now on the territory of the museum there are more than 20 interesting buildings: churches, chapels, village huts, outbuildings and a mill. The life of local peasants is recreated inside.
The oldest wooden structure is the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary from the village of Peredki, Borovichi district. The inscription on one of its bells indicates that it was cast in 1539. Find out the museum's opening hours and ticket prices here.
St. George's Monastery and Vitoslavitsa are located next to each other, I recommend combining visits to these two places.
You can visit Vitoslavitsy, St. George’s Monastery and the Peryn monastery on an individual excursion “Acquaintance with the architecture of Ancient Rus'”.
You can view the train schedule here:
Sadko
In 2009, on the eve of the celebration of the 1150th anniversary of the city, a monument to the hero of ancient epics Sadko was erected. Initially, it was installed near the Yaroslav settlement, but then it was moved opposite the hotel of the same name. By the way, the city also has the Sadko Fountain, which is located in the northern part of the Kremlin Park.
Rurik settlement: how to get there?
Novgorod was first mentioned in documents in 859 as a city founded by the Slovenes. The name itself is Novgorod, that is, a new city suggests the existence of a historical predecessor.
The Rurik settlement is located two kilometers south of the modern city on the right bank of the Volkhov River. During the excavations, which have been going on here for more than twenty years, it was possible to establish the time of construction - the 9th century. This is the first residence of the Novgorod princes, to which the Scandinavian prince Rurik arrived in 862. On the territory of the Rurik settlement there are the ruins of the Annunciation Church. You can visit the settlement from 10.00 to 17.00, except Thursday and Friday. See the location of the settlement on the map.
Monument to Peter and Fevronia
In the park opposite the Intercession Cathedral there is a monument to the Orthodox patron saints of family, love and fidelity to Peter and Fevronia of Murom.
The most ancient Church of the Savior on Nereditsa
Not far from the settlement is the Church of the Savior on Nereditsa, built in the 12th century by Yaroslav Vladimirovich in memory of his deceased sons.
The unique painting inside the cathedral, which unfortunately was lost during the Second World War, brought world fame to the church. The church was restored in the 60s of the last century. Work to restore the fresco painting is still ongoing. Open to the public from 11.00 to 14.00, except Thursday and Friday. When there is precipitation, the church is closed.
Anthony's Monastery
Closer to the Kremlin, on the right bank of the Volkhov River, stands the ensemble of the famous Anthony's Monastery, founded at the beginning of the 12th century by the Monk Anthony the Roman.
Having bought a small plot of land, he first erected a wooden and then a stone Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, which has survived to this day. Anthony's Church is a slender, skyward structure with three domes. In 1740, the Novgorod Theological Seminary was established here - one of the oldest educational institutions in Russia.
cat scientist
Near the “Read-Gorod” library center on Kochetov Street there is an unusual sculpture of a scientist cat. A sad cat is depicted on the stump of a cut down tree and talks about the eternal.
Kokuy Tower in the Kremlin
In the Novgorod Kremlin you can climb a real battle tower. Firstly, there is a good observation deck on the top floor, and secondly, it is the highest tower of the Kremlin. Well, in conclusion, this is the only tower so far where something interesting has been done inside. There are exhibitions of how Ivan the Terrible executed the Novgorodians. Many people praise, they say directly and the music and tests are perfectly chosen. You get immersed in the atmosphere.
For me it's just like an adventure! You are in a real tower, without tourist beauties and reconstructions. You can imagine yourself as an archer and understand what they could see from the loopholes; you can imagine yourself as a boyar and understand how life was generally lived in such conditions.
But the only problem is the opening hours.
Kokui Tower opening hours: From May 1: 12:00 – 20:00, break: 14:30 – 15:30, weekends: Mon, Thu, last Wednesday of the month, from November 5 closed for the autumn-winter period.
It would be written simply: open during the parade of planets, the passage of a comet or the arrival of V.V. Putin.
This is Kokui Tower. It is written on the tower that it is open only in the summer, but we also came in the summer - it was closed. You can see this tower in cross-section, as well as see a detailed map of the Kremlin with all the attractions in a separate article
Independent walk through the Kremlin at night
I really liked the night illumination of the Kremlin and the fact that it is open until late. Of course, this is actually not a tourist site, but the only illuminated passage to the bridge over the river. In the evenings there are almost no people there and there are no large groups at all, so you can calmly walk in silence and enjoy not the tourist city, but the grandeur of the ancient Kremlin, its beautiful and beautiful view.
It’s a pity that the shopping side (where there are many churches and a wall with arches) is not illuminated at all. Therefore, it will take you a maximum of 40 minutes to walk around and inside the Kremlin.
Opening hours of the Novgorod Kremlin: from 6.00 to 24.00, admission is free and it is very pleasant to walk around it
There are several interesting subjects on the monument, so I recommend a separate article on this monument to the Millennium of Russia
Self-guided walk along the shopping side (Yaroslavo Dvorishche)
Novgorod is divided by the Volkhov River into 2 parts: the one where the Kremlin is the Sofia side, and the second is the trade side. Those. If you cross the bridge from the Kremlin, you will find yourself on an ancient trading square. There is a lot of interesting things there, because in a small area there are a large number of churches that have stood for more than 900 years! Immediately behind them were the ancient trading yards: German, Dutch and others.
But this walk will be much less enjoyable if you don’t know what’s what. And there are many interesting stories associated with this place. Therefore, I highly recommend visiting the interactive panorama in the St. Nicholas Church (I’ll tell you a little lower), after which you will walk differently, understanding that the whole of Novgorod collected for one church in memory of the war with the Scythians, one was built by a merchant, atonement for sins, and the third not a church at all, but a princely palace. By the way, many are still looking for a secret passage leading under the river from the Kremlin to one of these churches.
One of the most ancient churches - St. Nicholas Cathedral
Trade Square (Yaroslavo Dvorishche), churches can already be seen behind it.
The first day
From Moscow to Torzhok it is approximately 230 km, but along the way there will be many pleasant reasons to linger. To see all the points on the route, rent a car on OneTwoTrip, rental cost per day starts from 2900 rubles*.
Car for rent
Moscow region
In the Moscow region there is the romantic Serednikovo, where the poet Mikhail Lermontov spent time in his youth, the cozy Shakhmatovo, where the family of Alexander Blok lived, and the chamber house-museum of the composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky in Klin. And next to Serednikovo there are still the scenery of the film city Piligrim Porto. You can read more about these locations by following the link.
In total, this part of the route will take three to four hours.
Tver
From Klin to Tver is approximately 80 km. The road here is narrow, with speed limits, but you can drive around using a toll section.
Tver is a small city on the banks of the Volga. There are several sculptures on the picturesque embankment: young Alexander Pushkin leaning on the parapet and a nameless successful fisherman whose fishing rod is sometimes stolen. On the other side of the river one can see the Assumption Cathedral and a monument to Afanasy Nikitin, who decisively steps on the richly decorated bow of the boat. From the embankment we go out onto Cathedral Square and find ourselves in front of the Imperial Travel Palace of the 18th century. An elegant yellow building, built in the classicism and baroque styles, is occupied by an art gallery. Not far from the entrance you can find an unusual bust of Karl Marx. Without a neck, he looks like an ancient Greek god. We end our walk around the city on Radishcheva Boulevard, sitting next to the monument to Mikhail Krug, the legendary chansonnier of the 1990s, whose name is closely connected with the history of Tver.
Walk: hour.
Torzhok
From Tver to Torzhok - about 65 km. The road will lead to the provincial town closer to night.
Where to stay:
Torzhok Hotel - from 2500 rubles* per night per person; Hotel and Spa "Staroyamskaya" - from 2500 rubles* per night per person.
Multimedia panorama “The Great Court and the Princely Bargain” in St. Nicholas Cathedral
Among the churches on the Trade Side there is one most outstanding one, which deserves special attention: St. Nicholas Cathedral. It is the oldest of all and the most well restored. In fact, there’s not much to do inside without a tour, but if it weren’t for the panorama.
What is the multimedia panorama “Great Courtyard”? They take you into a room, well, like a room - a tent, inside there are ordinary chairs. And the projector tells the story and shows it all around you. The presentation was made very clumsily, there are no effects, no staged or specially filmed moments. If I did this, then I would be very ashamed of such visual work, because... it is 10 years out of date.
But there is one big plus - it tells really fun facts and interesting events that you are unlikely to find. It is also here that it tells about all the churches around. This part turned out well, because... these churches are really all around and you feel as if you are looking through transparent walls.
I highly recommend the multimedia panorama; it briefly but interestingly tells about all the churches around, about this ancient area through which you are walking, about the customs of ancient Novgorod.
Another interesting fact: I was very glad that churches are slowly being restored and opened, interesting exhibitions are being created for tourists, but then I read that St. Nicholas Cathedral is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and they were allocated $1,000,000 for restoration! Since then, several restorers have already sat down, but for such money, very little has been done and completely wrong.
The cathedral is open from 10.00 to 18.00, every day except Monday and Tuesday. Panorama time: 13 minutes, held at any time when you arrive and at least for you alone. The cost is 150 rubles per adult and 80 per student. Children under 16 years old - 50 rubles.
St. Nicholas Cathedral, and in the background the ancient trading yards begin (they talk about this in the panorama). Nowadays residential buildings and shops
This is a multimedia panorama
Without a panorama and a tour, the cathedral is not so interesting; for the most part, restoration and photographs of all the churches in Novgorod are underway
Large article about Yaroslav's Dvorishche with all prices
Historical buildings and monuments
The city resembles an open-air museum; each street has its own history. Children find it interesting to travel through time, especially when adults are able to captivate them with a story.
Novgorod child
The fortress located on the left bank of the river is included in the UNESCO list of architectural monuments and has federal significance as an example of architecture. The wooden structure was founded in the 10th century, and the Kremlin gradually grew around it. The complex is considered a part of history.
Clock ringing
The clock tower is located in the northwestern side of the Kremlin. Similar buildings no longer survive. It is the tallest of the buildings in the complex and is one of the sloping buildings, tilting slightly to the side. It was damaged during the war, the pommel was restored, and the ancient mechanism was restored, marking every 30 minutes by striking a bell.
Kokuy Tower in the Kremlin
The solid quadrangular structure reaches a height of 38.5 meters and is the highest building of the complex. The wide base gradually becomes thinner towards the upper tiers, turning into a polyhedron. It had a defensive function; at the last levels there was an observation post. Now there is an observation deck, the entrance to which runs through one of the through galleries.
Yaroslav's yard
The complex is located on the right bank opposite Detinets, closer to the southern part. It has historical significance, since once upon a time a council gathered at that place, there was brisk trade with overseas merchants, and the berths received merchant ships. In warehouses, accounting, labeling, and preparation of goods for shipment were carried out. Later, Gostiny Dvor appeared on the territory.
Gate tower of Gostiny Dvor
Wooden city buildings often burned down in fires, and fires in shopping arcades were especially devastating. By decree of Peter I, their replacement with stone buildings began. By the 18th century, almost all buildings were made of brick. Arches marked the entrance to the Courtyard. A two-story building with a mezzanine was erected in the center.
It was intended to house security guards, trading offices, and warehouses. Later, a museum of religious objects, antiquities, and artistic forging settled in it.
Alekseevskaya Tower
The city's southern defense line has almost disappeared. Only one tower remained from it, which is often called the White Tower. The round base is 17 meters in diameter, the lower tiers are made of large cobblestones and lined with brick. Thick walls and loophole windows demonstrate power and inaccessibility. Most recently, the tower opened to visitors and operates as a museum of ancient Russian weapons.
Belfry
The ringing of bells spreads everywhere, the ancient bell tower still regularly carries out its service, towering over the streets and squares since the 13th century. It was rebuilt several times, restored after the fall, restored without changing its original outline and only becoming taller. The Sofia belfry is considered the largest and oldest bell structure.
Faceted or Sovereign Chamber
Of the entire complex of the Vladychny Court, only this one has survived. The architectural monument belongs to the brick Gothic style of the 15th century and is included in the UNESCO lists as one of the oldest civil buildings. It is very interesting to look at the surviving frescoes, in which the interweaving of Byzantine and Russian painting styles is clearly visible. On the third floor there is a bright hall where trials, divine services, and the selection of priests took place.
Now within its walls there is an exhibition of objects of decorative and applied art, including samples of gold and silver jewelry by ancient masters, temple utensils, and artifacts.
Monument "Millennium of Russia"
The date of formation of the Russian state is considered to be the proclamation of Rurik as Prince of Rus'. The opening of the monument took place in 1862. It is located in the center. The authors of the monument were M. Mikeshin, I. Schroeder, W. Hartmann. It is made in the form of a bell, on which 128 figures are located in 3 tiers:
- the upper tier symbolizes the church, country and autocracy;
- middle - 6 main historical eras;
- on the lower one are carved high reliefs of 109 famous people, including educators, statesmen, military leaders, heroes, artists and writers.
Victory Monument
The monument was opened in 1974, on the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Novgorod from the fascist invaders, and is classified as a cultural heritage site. The central figure of the composition was an equestrian sculpture, behind it a high tower topped with a boat with military attributes. Bas-reliefs on the walls depict the main stages of the war and the battles for Novgorod.
Faceted Chamber
Another thing to see in Veliky Novgorod: The Chamber of Facets is a place where several people sit with machine guns and guard the royal treasures in ancient chambers. I didn’t regret for a second that we went there! These are not just some gold jewelry, but objects that we watched films about and read about in books. Metropolitan hats that are 400 years old! Rich, uncomfortable, tough! Huge golden crosses with which all the processions took place! Giant prayer books decorated with precious stones! Golden basins hollowed out with hammers.
In ordinary museums, everyday objects of ordinary people are exhibited, and in the Chamber of Facets, what kings were proud of 500-600 years ago!
Admission for adults is 150 rubles, for children 100. Excursions on weekdays at 12.00, on weekends at 12.00 and 14.00, unfortunately I did not write down the opening hours.
The yellow building is the entrance to the faceted chamber Big Golden Books
Very large golden books
Look at the censer on the left, it's just a work of art
I thought the crosses were made of pure gold. In fact, the inside is wood and only the outside is wrapped in gold.
What was worn 600 years ago What was worn 400 years ago
What was worn 200 years ago Large frames for icons
VERY large frames for icons
Belfry
Amazing belfry! During the Second World War, the Novgorodians removed the bells from it and drowned them in Volkhov so that the enemy would not get the iron. And after the war they were lifted with the help of tanks, simply hooked to the tank’s gun and pulled out. These bells stand next to the belfry and the top of the largest one is torn off; in fact, this happened precisely during such a rise. It is located in the Kremlin, where there is a lot to see in Veliky Novgorod.
You don’t have to climb the belfry itself, it costs 350 rubles and it seems that there is a good view from there, but in reality this is not the case. The view is very ordinary; from the bridge you will see no less.
Walks with mayor Sbyslav
This is really really cool! This is a great theatrical tour. It is hosted by a good actor and he talks specifically about a certain period of Novgorod history! He does all this in the spirit of the times and his character, and since this is the most intense period of Novgorod history, it is very interesting to listen and watch! I definitely recommend going to see it.
Not to be confused with “Walk with the State Councilor”. It tells the story of the 19th century, but nothing happened there at all! Therefore, if there are a lot of positive reviews about the mayor, then everyone dissuades the adviser.
Znamensky Cathedral and Church of the Transfiguration
If you walk further along Ilyina Street (starting from the pedestrian bridge), you will see the Znamensky Cathedral and the Church of the Transfiguration.
Church of the Transfiguration
Built with money from the residents of Ilinaya Street in 1374, the Church of the Transfiguration is considered the pearl of Novgorod architecture. A distinctive feature of the Church of the Savior is the many decorative elements on the walls and built-in stone crosses of bizarre shapes. Inside the church there are unique frescoes by the outstanding Byzantine artist Theophanes the Greek.
Znamensky Cathedral
Next to the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior there is a large Znamensky Cathedral with a separate bell tower. The cathedral was built in the style of Moscow architecture of the 17th century and differs from typical Novgorod buildings. The Cathedral houses a museum.
Folk rock musical "Sadko"
Recently, someone from the staff of this musical wrote to me. I wrote with all the grace of Russian business - without introducing myself. Therefore, I don’t even know who it was, but they said that an open-air theater had appeared. I contacted a director I knew in Novgorod and asked for his recommendation, he said that the show was worthy and you could go see it. They have a regular schedule, and I really like the idea itself - a modern show in old scenery.
The schedule and tickets can be viewed here: https://sadko.pro/ru-page.html
Yaroslav's yard
This landmark of the city is inseparable from the Ancient Market. It received its name in honor of that same Prince Yaroslav, deservedly nicknamed the Wise. Yes, and it was moved to its current location thanks to this eminent ruler from the Rurik settlement at the very beginning of the 10th century. They always say and write about the ancient settlement that here, without even taking a step, you will find yourself close to the church.
In the necklace of curiosities of Yaroslav's Court, this is exactly the case. Among the ancient rarities on the territory are several creations of masters of architecture of the 10th-19th centuries. The “grandfather” of this constellation is St. Nicholas Cathedral, built back in 1113. Here you can admire the wonderful frescoes and openwork iconostases.
Another miracle is the Church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, for the construction of which overseas merchants forked out at the beginning of the 19th century. The third masterpiece is the Church of St. George at Torg, made in the format of an “octagon on a quadrangle”, and even fortified with a sub-church.
What else can you see in Veliky Novgorod
- In the Kremlin there is a “Combat move”, this is when you can climb the wall and walk along it as a defender of Novgorod. Unfortunately, they don’t praise, maybe. you can see little from the loopholes, the wall is empty and you just walk along it for 500 meters, and then 500 meters back. They promise to soon make installations there, like in Kokuy. Then it's worth going
- Of course, just take a walk around the Kremlin; in any case, you will not miss the St. Sophia Cathedral, the monument to the millennium of Rus' and much more.
- Go to the Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Wooden Architecture
- Go to the main museum of Novgorod in the Kremlin. There's nothing outstanding there though. Perhaps the Round Novgorod Icons, they are only here
- Novgorod boasts a lot about the Hanseatic League, but no one knows what it is. Previously, it was a powerful trade association of cities, which they have now decided to revive. In the city, on this occasion, they built a fountain, made some kind of scary tree and put up a couple of statues. If someone tells you about excursions to Hanseatic places, send them to the forest. You will see all this at Yaroslav's courtyard. And there’s nothing to talk about this at all. You will find something to see in Veliky Novgorod, besides this.
- There are many interesting places in the city from the Station to the Trade Side, this is a walking route for 1.5 - 4 hours (if you go to museums). it has a defense museum, where armor from different eras is collected, and a monument with various heroic deeds, and a monument to partisans, and many other small but funny things.
- Victory Monument in the Park. This is a huge man on a horse who is crushing a swastika with a saber! Under it there are cannons, anti-aircraft guns, a tank and a memorial to the soldiers. Novgorodians treat the memorial with great respect - which is correct; children play with guns and tanks - which is also correct. But everyone treats a man on a horse differently. Because he breaks people’s minds, because if he’s on a horse near the Kremlin, it’s probably in honor of some ancient history. But then what does the swastika have to do with it? In general, don’t worry about it. There is a good view from this monument =)
Rachmaninov in the Park. His music is always playing from the speakers around him.
Day four
If you managed to leave for Moscow very early, then on the road near Kresttsy you can turn off to Borovichi and drive 100 km to see a unique wooden station, and another 30 km to the museum-reserve of the great Russian commander Alexander Suvorov. True, we must take into account that the road towards Borovichi is bumpy, and this long journey will have to be made back to the highway. On the way to Moscow, you can make a stop at an Italian cheese farm in the village of Mednoye, Tver Region. She is kept by an Italian who fell in love with a Russian girl and remained in Russia to produce cheese.
*Prices valid at time of publication
Where can I find information about excursions in Veliky Novgorod?
As I have already described, the times and dates of work of all Novgorod sights are very blurry and are most often explained by astrologers than by other factors.
On Monday everything in Novgorod is closed, and on Friday the park is full of drunk people!
Therefore, going for a weekend + 1 day is quite difficult. In the very center of the city there is an Information Center, it is called that because it is located in a Red hut =). This is a tourist’s best friend in Novgorod, because... They come up with all the excursions, and it is there that you can find out what to see in Veliky Novgorod and get a free map of the city. It is best to call there in advance and find out what excursions will be during your trip. because many interesting excursions take place once a day and at 11 am. To find out about it and not miss it, call, check and sign up. This will help make your vacation much more interesting. And this is not someone’s mobile phone, but an official phone from the official website: https://visitnovgorod.ru/novgorod/history.html. This is also a bit of a shock for me.
This is the same Red Hut where you can get all the information
Varlaamo-Khutyn Monastery
You can also add the Varlaamo-Khutyn Monastery to the list of places worth visiting in Novgorod. This is a working women's monastery. To get there, you need to drive 7 km from Veliky Novgorod towards the village of Khutyn. The monastery was founded in the 12th century by the monk Varlaam. The relics of the Saint are kept here to this day and are the reason for large-scale pilgrimages. With the Bolsheviks coming to power, the corps were adapted to public needs, first - military, then - civilian, medical, the final decline came during the Second World War. Reconstruction was completed only in the mid-90s through the efforts of the sisters. A related attraction is the burial place of the poet Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin.
And for starters, a beautiful video of Veliky Novgorod ↓
You have already voted
Where to eat
This is difficult. The fact is that until recently the Bandits were very strong in the city. When everyone in Russia was building market relations, Novgorod still remained under the rule of crime. For example, there were no chain stores here. When Eldorado tried to come here, the store was burned down and the director was killed. Now everything is more or less calm, but there are still problems with the networks. To eat in the center, you will have to try, because all the good places first belonged to bandits, then to policemen, then to officials. Now I don’t know to whom, but definitely not to normal businessmen. But the problem is this: they make pretentious renovations, call their dishes pretentious names and hire idiots who don’t know how to cook it. This is the problem of any cafe in, “Berg House”, “Yuryevskoye Podvorye”, etc. in each of them you will be served “Merchant Borscht” for 400 rubles, which will be inferior in taste to canteen food for 85, they will make mulled wine from cheap wine, and pampushki will be made with rich sweet dough. In general, it will be tasteless/expensive/pretentious.
But I’ll tell you a life hack where to eat inexpensively and deliciously in Veliky Novgorod . For a very, very long time there has been a cafe “Kolobok”, it is more than 20 years old and they bake amazing buns there. People from all surrounding offices come here for lunch, and many come specifically to buy delicious pastries for home. They are located in the very center, you can eat there for 200 rubles for two and it will be very tasty. But I’ll warn you right away that this is not a cafe or a restaurant, but rather a St. Petersburg crumpet shop, where people come to quickly eat, perhaps even standing.
Cafe Kolobok on the Torgovaya side. The most delicious buns in Novgorod
The White Tower opened in 2022. One of the few surviving defensive towers around Novgorod. They received a grand and, according to the contract, were supposed to open this year. And they opened, but it was still completely empty inside. Therefore there is nothing to do there. Only on the top floor they have now brought some kind of exhibition of Russian armor.
