Among the ancient cities of Russia, there is one that is rightly called the Great. It was with him that the Russian land began. This is Novgorod. There are a lot of tales and legends about him. And the first mention dates back to the 9th century. The names of the great Russian princes are associated with this city: Rurik, Oleg, Vladimir Krasnoye Solnyshko and Yaroslav the Wise.
How old is Novgorod? What secrets does this Russian city hold in itself? What interesting things can tourists learn and see here?
Interesting facts about Novgorod
- Our distant ancestors the Slavs built it as a fortress, which protected the Russian lands from the raids of nomads and the Mongol-Tatar tribes.
- Novgorod later became the center of the Russian state. Much attention was paid to teaching literacy of all classes, which is confirmed by numerous finds of historians.
- The first Russian book was written in Novgorod. It was called the Ostromir Gospel.
- The first school was opened here in the 11th century.
- The Russian Republic arose in Novgorod. The rulers were elected by popular vote.
How old is Novgorod
There are many ancient cities in Russia. But there are those without which it is impossible to imagine our country; they are its visiting card. Moscow, Saint Petersburg. Novgorod can be put on a par with these cities. It is no coincidence that he is called the Great. How old is the city of Novgorod?
There are several versions about when it arose. But according to the official it is believed that Novgorod in 2016 turned 1157 years old. This date was celebrated by residents and tourists from all over the world who came here.
The celebration program included performances by folk groups, festivities, master classes, various sales exhibitions and, of course, fireworks. It was fun, noisy and joyful. Vacationers on a city holiday to the question of how old Novgorod is, answered mostly correctly. If someone could not give the right answer, then there were immediately those who wanted to help.
How old is Nizhny Novgorod
Some tourists have a misconception about one of the Russian cities. There are two Novgorod. One of them is called Great, and the second - Lower. This city was founded much later than the great brother. In 2016, he turned 795 years old. Residents of the city are called Nizhny Novgorod. About how old Veliky Novgorod was mentioned above.
Cities are located at the same distance from Moscow. Nizhny Novgorod in the mid-20th century was renamed Gorky. After several decades, his historical name was returned to him.
The most popular sights of Novgorod
Among the large number of historical and cultural monuments of the city there are those that I want to highlight especially. They are the hallmark of Novgorod. If you have little time to get acquainted with this ancient Russian city, then first of all you need to see the following monuments that can give you an idea of how old Novgorod is.
- Novgorod Kremlin, or, as it is also called, Detinets. The grandiose structure was created as a watch fortress, which was surrounded by a moat filled with water. Unfortunately, some of the towers of the Kremlin have not survived to this day. Of those that remained, the most interesting is Kokuy. Its height is equal to a seven-story building.
- Monument "Millennium of Russia". Its height is more than 15 meters and its weight is about 100 tons. The grandiose monument captures more than 120 historical persons.
- Saint Sophia Cathedral is one of the ancient temples of Russia. Here is one of the famous icons "The Sign of the Mother of God."
- Faceted Chamber. Along with the Russian masters, the German worked on its construction.
- Rurikovo settlement. Here was a settlement of ancient Vikings and Kiev princes, starting with Rurik. The guests of the city will be very interested in historical reconstructions, which take place several times a year.
- Perynsky monastery. Here once worshiped the god Perun.
- Museum of wooden architecture "Vitoslavlitsy". Under the open sky there are huts, churches, outbuildings.
No matter how old Veliky Novgorod may be, it will always be a place where old legends and legends about the Russian land come to life. Here, the air seems to be saturated with history itself.
If you walk the streets of the city, get acquainted with its sights, communicate with hospitable and polite residents, you will certainly understand why Novgorod was the center of all the events taking place in Russia.