Novgorod

10 reasons to IN'JOY Novgorod the Great (Velikiy Novgorod): 

1. THE ORIGINS OF RUSSIAN STATEHOOD: the Birthplace of the Russian State and Democracy. Velikiy Novgorod is one of the most ancient cities of Russia appeared as a political center of Slavic and Fino-Ugric tribes in the middle of 9th century. In 2009 Novgorod the Great celebrated its 1150th anniversary.

2. TREASURE OF THE MILLENNIAL RUSSIAN CULTURE:  Medieval Novgorod was developing as one of the greatest art centers of Europe.

3.  WORLD FAMOUS CENTER OF ORTHODOX ICON-PAINTING, JEWELER AND DECORATIVE APPLIED ART.

4.  THE CENTER OF TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OF ANCIENT RUSSIA: in the 14th century, Novgorod became a member of the largest trade union in Europe - the HANSA, constituted of trading guilds from North European countries. In 1993 Novgorod became the first Russian member of the Hanseatic League of Modern Age and annually since then it has presented its medieval traditions at the International Hanseatic Days

5. THE KREMLIN OF NOVGOROD (DETINETS): the central point of the city and the oldest architectural ensemble in Russia.

6. ST. SOPHIA'S CATHEDRAL:  the earliest stone construction of the northern Russia, a senior contemporary of Notre Dame in Paris

7. YAROSLAV'S COURTYARD: with its famous the Cathedral of St Nicholas, the Gate-Tower of the Gostiny Dvor, the Church of the Holy Women and the Church of St Procopius and many others ancient structures. Read more...