Veliky Novgorod

Novgorod – one of the most ancient cities of Russia located in its North-West, near the site where the Volkhov River takes its waters from Lake Ilmen. As a town it was formed in the middle of the 10th century. The history of Novgorod is closely linked with all major stages in the life of Russian state. The adoption of Christianity at the close of the 10th century turned Novgorod into a powerful ecclesiastical center.

Throughout many centuries, Novgorod was a political center of vast territories stretching up from Baltic lands and Finland in the West to northern Urals in the East. It was also one of the greatest international trade centers on the Baltic-Volga commercial route that tied northern Europe with Asia as early as in the mid of 8th century.

Novgorod is the cradle of Russian republican and democratic traditions. In the course of over 600 years, up till 1478, all vital decisions on its life and foreign policy were taken by the "Veche" – ancient parliament comprising the representatives of the town aristocratic families. At crucial times of Novgorod history, all people took part in the Veche.

Medieval Novgorod was one of the greatest art centers of Europe. Its architectural traditions, school of icon-painting, jeweler's and decorative applied art became famous all over the world: St. Sophia Cathedral, the Holy Wisdom of God is the oldest survived Russian stone monument which was built in 1045.