"Father of the Russian Cities", "His Majesty the Great Novgorod" or plain and simple Novgorod is a really ancient town, founded on the banks of the Volkhov River way back in 859AD. An important commercial and business centre on all the major trade routes between the Europe and Asia, Novgorod Republic prospered and grew richer and richer with each passing caravan.  

Situated on the cross roads of diverse cultures and influences, its people developed a strong independent streak – they were finally subjugated by the military might of Imperial Russia in the 15th century, when Tsar Ivan III conquered them.

UNESCO incorporated Novgorod on its list of World Heritage Sites partly because of its ancient architecture and partly due to its wealth of frescoes, murals and richly gilded and embellished artwork in the churches and monasteries. The city is almost a living, breathing museum with ancient churches, monasteries and magnificent architecture. For many years, culture in medieval Russia took its cue from Novgorod - and even today the city remains the repository of the cultural and architectural heritage of 16-18th century Russia. Archaeological digs in the region have revealed well preserved ancient buildings of stone and wood, birchbark manuscripts and articles of daily use from the medieval period including some from the pre-Mongolian era.

 Visitors to Novgorod will appreciate the beautiful setting of one of Russia’s oldest monasteries – the Yuriev Monastery. Another interesting place is Vitoslavitsy, a museum of wooden architecture from churches to peasants’ cottages.

Within the city limits, tourist attractions are the Novgorod Kremlin and a whole plethora of churches including the Byzantine Cathedral of St Sophia, the Millennium of Russia Monument, the icon-filled Chamber of Facets and the research-based Museum of History & Art. Across from the Kremlin, Yaroslav's Court includes medieval markets, churches, arcades and palace ruins. The Church of Our Saviour-at-Ilino is arguably one of Russia's most charming, with playful ornamentation and gables, and an interior boasting of Byzantine frescoes. Other churches here are the Church of Peter and Paul, Church of St Theodore Stratelates, the Trinity Church, Church of Our Saviour at Nereditsa. Set in the windswept riverbank is the 12th century dilapidated monastery where the Cathedral of St. George has been reconstructed. One attraction in this city is the river trip in the Volkhov. There is a small beach for swimming and the route is dotted with churches.  

Novgorod has a tiny airport but as flights to it were suspended, it may be easier to take a train or bus from Moscow (3 1/2hrs by fast train ) or St Petersburg ( 3 1/2hrs by bus ) to Novgorod.  Direct bus connections link Novgorod to Smolensk and Pskov. In the city, buses and cabs are both available.  Accommodation stretches the gamut from old decaying Soviet era hotels whose only plus point is that they are not very expensive to hotels with omfortable, bright cheery rooms. In Rusia, it is always advisable to preiew a hotel room before registering - so check out  before checking in. As far as dining goes all time Russian favourites are available in most restaurants. Coffee and ice cream (a favourite with Russians!) are available at all restaurants

Currency exchange is conveniently done at the Sberbanks or at the money changer counters in the city hotels. The main telegraph and telephone office is on the ulitsa Lyudogoshchaya. The post office offers the use the email facility. Tourist information can be obtained at the travel agencies on the ulitsa Slavnaya.