Veliky Novgorod is a city with an ancient history, dark secrets, a witness to the great hardships and exploits of the Russian people. Veliky Novgorod is a proud, unconquered city. Stronghold of the fatherland, which repulsed the onslaught of the Teutons, not conquered by the Tatars-Mongols. Every street, every house in the city is steeped in history. But even against the background of all the sights and museums, the Novgorod Kremlin stands apart.
The Novgorod Kremlin is an object of the national treasure of Russia. The fortress is located on the banks of the Volkhov River. The history of the Novgorod Kremlin began during the reign of Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich (son of Yaroslav the Wise). Initially, the Kremlin was built to protect women and children from possible raids. The second name of the Novgorod Kremlin is Children. By order of Vladimir Yaroslavich, St. Sophia Cathedral was built in the center of the fortress, which later became the burial place of the prince. The Novgorod Kremlin also had terrible days. In 1065 the fortress was burned down by the Cumans. This helped rebuild the Kremlin. In the 12th century, Novgorod became a free city. The city is ruled by an elected popular Veche. Veche holds his meetings in the Kremlin of the prince's residence, but the prince himself was demoted and moved to Gorodishche. The Novgorod Kremlin owes its existence to Archbishop Vasily (Kalika). He begins a massive reconstruction of the Kremlin. Wooden buildings are replaced with stone ones. Fearing an attack by the Swedes, on his order, stone walls are erected along the perimeter of Detinets. The reconstruction began in 1333 and ended in 1437. Vasily's fears were not in vain, the Swedes invaded in 1348, and this prevented the reconstruction from being completed on time. In the 15th century, Novgorod became part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. At the same time, the Kremlin was rebuilt in order to adapt the walls, loopholes for the use of artillery. Prince Ivan III of Moscow with the support of Archbishop Gennady for 12 years, the Novgorod Kremlin was completely rebuilt. The walls were expanded and reinforced. Bastion redoubts were created. It is in this form that it has survived to this day. The construction was done conscientiously, the Kremlin even survived the German occupation and full-scale battles.
It is under the protection of the state as a national treasure. With the development of the tourism industry, the Kremlin and the museums located on its territory have turned into a tourist Mecca. There are many museum excursions, and experienced guides gladly accept tourists. The excursion routes are designed for every taste, for a variety of tourists. In the Building of Public Places (the main building of the museum), exhibitions of the exposition are held. Walking routes constantly pass through the territory of the reserve museum, with a visit to St. Sophia Cathedral. Everyone can visit this miracle of Russian history.
From 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Tuesday and the last Thursday of each month are days off. you can be part of a wonderful journey into the past. You can also order tickets in advance or an individual excursion remotely on the official website of the museum.
Novgorod is a great city! The Novgorod Kremlin is a match for it. You cannot assume that you have seen everything without visiting the Fortress of Veliky Novgorod!