We are going to explore the place of the Vikings’ vocation, one of the oldest cities in Russia (the first mention in the Tale of Bygone Years is 862) and the birthplace of the handsome Sadko. Welcome, Mr. Veliky Novgorod!
Content
- How to get there
- Where to stay
- What to see
- What to do
- Where and what to eat
How to get there
Veliky Novgorod is located just 190 km from St. Petersburg and 580 km from Moscow, so getting here is not difficult.
By car. The journey from Moscow without traffic jams will take about 6 hours along the M-11 highway. It takes less than 3 hours to get from St. Petersburg via the same highway. There are toll roads on both sections.
By train. Lastochka regularly departs from St. Petersburg to Veliky Novgorod, the journey time depends on the train and takes from two hours, tickets cost from 696 rubles. It is convenient to get from Moscow on the night flight of the Legendary Maresiev train, which will take you to your destination in 9 hours, tickets from 1903 rubles.
By bus. In St. Petersburg, intercity buses regularly depart from the bus station on the Obvodny Canal: 3 hours on the way, tickets starting from 500 rubles
In St. Petersburg, intercity buses regularly depart from the bus station on the Obvodny Canal. It takes 3 hours to get to Novgorod. Photo: shushonok/Shutterstock.com
Where to stay
- Bianchi Hotel — from 7567 rubles per night for two guests. The four-star mansion hotel on the Shopping Side is just a 20-minute walk from the Kremlin.
- Boutique hotel Truvor — from 5359 rub. A stylish hotel in the historical center, the guests praise the delicious breakfasts.
- Razvaga apartments — from 4301 rub. Spacious, bright apartment near the main attractions.
- Greenfeel Novgorod — from 2,819 rubles. “Three stars” within walking distance from the Kremlin. The rooms are equipped with a TV, air conditioning and a kitchenette.
- Guest house “Yurievo Home” — from 6295 rub. Located outside the city, it consists of a common building and separate houses. You feel comfortable here thanks to the hospitable hosts and the chalet-style design.
The working scheme on how to save on accommodation is to join the loyalty program of the GURU Island: you will receive discounts of 10% on hotels and apartments (it is enough to register for this) and free bonuses during your stay starting from the third booking.
The Bianchi Hotel.
What to see
The Novgorod Kremlin
The main location in Veliky Novgorod is, of course, the Kremlin. It was not only protected by UNESCO, but even named one of the most beautiful castles in the world. The Kremlin, also known as the Novgorod detinets, is located on the banks of the Volkhov River and proudly preserves the spirit of history, because the first mention of it in the chronicles dates back to 1044.
The wooden detinets were laid during the reign of Prince Vladimir, son of Yaroslav the Wise, but wood was an impractical material, so by the 15th century the Kremlin was rebuilt from stone. Detinets not only performed a defensive function, but was also the spiritual center where the residence of the Novgorod archbishops and metropolitans (now the Bishop’s Chamber) was located. Now the Novgorod Museum-Reserve is located here.
The main location in Veliky Novgorod is, of course, the Kremlin. Photo: Stanislav Samoylik/Shutterstock.com
Fortress walls. First of all, pay attention to the majestic towers around the perimeter: not only from the inside, but also from the outside — this is the only way to understand the scale, and the Kremlin Park is very nice. Take a walk along the top of the wide fortress walls — from here you can enjoy a view of the city, the Commercial Side, the river and the humpback bridge. It’s not for nothing that the view from the Kokui Tower is depicted on a 1997 five—ruble bill, and a panorama of the Kremlin is depicted on a 2009 200-ruble silver coin.
St. Sophia Cathedral.The relics of Prince Vladimir and other saints are kept here, as well as one of the most revered icons in Orthodoxy — the Mother of God “The Sign”. The cathedral has three iconostases, the faces of saints, the cross of the main dome with a lead dove (symbol of the Holy Spirit), a fresco of Sofia of Novgorod, an ancient painting and the Magdeburg Gates made of 48 bronze plates with subjects from the Old and New Testaments (now open only on holidays).
Monument “The Millennium of Russia”.After that, go to the monument “The Millennium of Russia”, where 128 of the most significant historical figures of the Russian state are gathered. Don’t forget to take a look at the ancient birch bark letters in the Museum of writing to find out how people transmitted messages long before the invention of circles in Telegram.
Entrance to the Kremlin is free, visiting museums will cost 650-1300 rubles.
Monument “The Millennium of Russia”. Photo: Viktor Karasev/Shutterstock.com
UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites in Russia
Every place on the list is in Oh!The blog is a man—made masterpiece. Detinets and St. Sophia Cathedral are also among the internationally recognized creations of architects.
Trade and Sofia sides
The Volkhov River divides Veliky Novgorod into two parts.: Trade and Sofia. They are separated by a pedestrian bridge, which is nicknamed the humpback because of its shape. Locals refer to the sides as “this” and “that”, but do not try to understand the logic, it is better to just remember them by their names.
The trading side is located on the right bank of the river, once an economic center, torg, was located here. Merchant ships docked here, and brisk trade was conducted here. Successful merchants built numerous churches, which Novgorodians are proud of today. Nowadays, instead of a marina, there is an embankment and the 30 Let Oktyabrya park with a city beach and attractions, and instead of merchant rows there are restaurants, shops, coffee shops, parks and hotels.
The left bank Sofia side got its name from the already mentioned St. Sophia Cathedral. The main identification point here is the Kremlin. On this side there is a brand-new Sofia embankment with equipped recreation areas, bike paths and fountains.
On this side there is a brand-new Sofia embankment with equipped recreation areas, bike paths and fountains. Photo: Synthetic Messiah/Shutterstock.com
Yaroslavovo dvorishche
Yaroslavovo dvorishche is a place no less important than the Kremlin. According to legend, Yaroslav the Wise built a palace here at the beginning of the XI century, surpassing all similar structures in Europe in its splendor. Later, the princely court gave way to bargaining, and the Novgorod veche was also noisy here — in Ancient Russia, this was the name given to a meeting of citizens to discuss important public affairs, including the expulsion of princes and other state issues.
Since 1992, Yaroslavovo Dvorishche has become a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Must-see here:
- Gostiny Dvor arcade on the site of a large market;
- the most ancient one of the extant stone structures on the Trading Side is St. Nicholas Cathedral;
- the church of Paraskeva Friday, built in 1207 by “overseas merchants”, is especially revered by merchants.
Gostiny Dvor Arcade on the site of a large market. Photo: Yulia_B/Shutterstock.com
Ilyinka and the frescoes of Theophanes the Greek in the Church of the SaviorTransformations
After Yaroslav’s courtyard, we suggest turning onto Ilyina Street. It was important and connected the center with the outskirts of the city, and now it is a favorite place for meetings and walks. The goal is to reach the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior and see rare frescoes by the iconographer and Byzantine artist Theophanes the Greek. This church of the 14th century is the only ancient Russian temple in which these amazing images have been preserved.
Theophan settled in Novgorod in 1370 and painted the interior of the temple in the period from 1378 to 1381. Theophanes the Greek’s style is striking in its expressiveness and expression, so you should definitely take a look at his work with your own eyes. If you’re not tired of going to churches yet, then take a look at the nearby cozy Cathedral of the Sign.
Feofan settled in Novgorod in 1370 and painted the interior of the temple in the period from 1378 to 1381. Photo: Synthetic Messiah/Shutterstock.com
Rurikovo settlement
It was here, according to the Old Russian chronicles, that the Scandinavian Prince Rurik arrived in 862 and founded a new settlement here. Since the end of the XI century, the settlement was known as the residence of the Novgorod princes, and the local Annunciation Church represented the power of the Russian state in the first centuries of its existence. Only ruins of the former temple remain, but it is interesting to see places of such historical importance.
Museum of Wooden Architecture “Vitoslavlitsy”
You can not just leave Veliky Novgorod without watching “Vitoslavlitsy”. Just 10 minutes drive from the city — and you will find yourself in a huge open–air museum, where samples of Russian wooden architecture of the XVI – early XX century are collected.
On the territory you will find peasant huts, churches, chapels, and a farmyard. There are 38 monuments and 18 expositions in total, where you can get acquainted with the life of Novgorod peasants, traditional occupations and crafts.
A single ticket to visit all the zones will cost 550-800 rubles. for an adult and 150-550 rubles. for the child.
On the territory you will find peasant huts, churches, chapels, and a farmyard. Photo: Gorshkov Igor/Shutterstock.com
St. George Monastery
Perynsky skete
A little way from the Yuriev Monastery there is another shrine dating back to the 13th century — the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the peninsula with another active monastery called Perynsky Skete. A hermitage was previously called a small secluded dwelling for hermit monks or an Old Believer monastery in a remote desert area. Once there was one of the largest pagan sanctuaries of the Eastern Slavs, the temple of the thunder god Perun. And after the baptism of Novgorod, in 991, a Christian temple was built on this site, and after that a monastery. The buildings are located in a picturesque pine forest.
A little way from the Yuriev Monastery there is another shrine dating back to the 13th century — the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Photo: pdeminhiker/Shutterstock.com
Sights of the Novgorod region
Things to do
Get to know modern Sadko (from June to October)
Sadko is currently the main influencer of Veliky Novgorod. The famous hero of the epics was a Novgorod guslar who managed to become a rich merchant. Veliky Novgorod does not forget its heroes, so one of the best ideas when visiting the city is to visit the street folk—rock musical “Sadko”. This is the best theatrical performance in Russia in 2021-2023 according to the National Award Russian Event Awards.
The festival is taking place in the Sadko street theater right outside the walls of the Kremlin. Here you can immerse yourself in the medieval Russian flavor and see unique productions. However, the theater season usually begins in June and ends in October. In addition to the performances, there is an opportunity to visit the Artisanal Sloboda quarter and try your hand at medieval crafts at master classes. There is also tannery, blacksmithing, traditional painting, and sculpting on circles. The cost of master classes depends on the type of craft and starts from 200 rubles.
There is an opportunity to visit the Artisanal Sloboda quarter and try your hand at medieval crafts at master classes. Photo: sadko.pro
Take a boat ride on the Volkhov River
Motor ships run from May to September from the city pier to Lake Ilmen and back. In an hour and a half, you have time to enjoy the picturesque views and join the history and culture during the tour. The ticket price depends on the day of the week and the time of the ride, the benchmark is 500-1000 rubles per person.
Sign up for an excursion
On Tripster you can choose sightseeing tours of the city or something unusual – a trip to a bakery, a weaving workshop, a quest or an immersive performance:
Where and what to eat
What you should definitely try in Veliky Novgorod is grey cabbage soup, a soup according to an old Russian recipe. It uses crumbs and meat stewed in the oven, and cabbage soup is prepared exclusively with bone broth. You can try the dish in the restaurants of the city, and sometimes even on the streets in special tents. In addition to the soup, you can also taste Novgorod game sausages or sbiten with honey and herbs.
A separate and important point of the program is the Novgorod mead. You can try it in different places, but the locals claim that there is no real mead in Novgorod now. The most traditional was brewed and served at the Detinets restaurant, but now the restaurant is closed. Real mead should be light, cloudy, with a taste of bread and berries. If you find one, let us know!
A separate and important point of the program is the Novgorod mead. Photo: Teodor Costachioiu/Shutterstock.com
From sweets, pay attention to Novgorod printed gingerbread and honey.
And here is the list of verified establishments:
- The Zavod bar. We advise you to go here for dishes from the oven and interesting tinctures produced right behind the wall at the Alkon distillery. By the way, it would be a great idea to bring tinctures and balms here as a gift.
- Another drinking establishment that should not be missed: the Enchantress bar. Russian cuisine, dishes made from local products and craft tinctures.
- The Geografiya restaurant is worth a visit for the wonderful terrace, the boat on the ceiling and the view of the Kremlin. The menu includes Russian and European cuisine.
- The Monocle has a stylish design, vinyl sounds and delicious coffee.
- You can find the best desserts in the city at My Cake, Khochutort, the cozy Fairy Tale and the authentic Koritsa Sad cafe with crystal chandeliers, a tapestry and classical music.
- You can have a delicious and quick breakfast in the stylish bakery “Khlebnik”.
- It would be nice to stop by the aristocrat’s sparkling breakfast at the Nafiga koze Bayan gastropub!? They serve radish dumplings, grey cabbage soup and “important fish”.
- “Sated Goose” and “Yuryevskoe Podvorye” with their own cheese factory are two restaurants where it is definitely worth trying traditional Russian cuisine. Combine a trip here with a visit to the Museum of folk wooden architecture “Vitoslavlitsy”.
The Monocle has a stylish design, vinyl sounds and delicious coffee. Photo: MONOCLE BREW BAR
That’s how he is, Mr. Veliky Novgorod: carefully preserving history, rich in ancient Russian temples and architecture, tasty, cheerful and always hospitable. It seems like he’s just waiting for you!
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Cover photo: Tatiana Bralnina/Shutterstock.com
