Photo Tour with RIA Novosti: Veliky Novgorod

The realization that you are looking at the most ancient monastery in Russia does not strike you immediately: the ancient XIII-XIV century churches and fortifications are too skilfully and harmoniously blended into the beauty of the surrounding landscape…
The first mention of Lord Novgorod the Great, near the source of the Volkhov River that flows from Lake Ilmen, dates back to 859 A.D. In 1044 Prince Yaroslav laid the wooden defensive walls, which were replaced by brickwork in the XIII century.

The fortified walls, watchtowers and the deep moat guarded the residence of the highest ecclesiastical authorities and the place of the veche assemblies of the Novgorod Republic.

Visible above the stone walls of the Kremlin are the cupola of the St. Sophia Cathedral and the Belfry. In the foreground is the pier from which the sightseeing boat "The Veche" sets out on its two-hour trip along the Volkhov to the Ryurikov fort and Lake Ilmen.

In 1862 the Millennium of Russia memorial by architect Mikhail Mikeshin was placed in the center of the Kremlin. Russia is depicted as a woman kneeling in front of an angel with a cross; she is surrounded by historical figures who played key roles in the formation of the Russian state.

Built in 1439, the Belfry is architecturally unique, as nothing like it had been built in Russia before. The largest bell (the festive bell) weighs 26 tons. In front of the Belfry and in a room on the second floor there is an exhibition of the bells of the Novgorod Kremlin.

It is extremely interesting to walk around the grounds of the Kremlin and admire the ancient wooden porches, elaborately decorated with carved valances, trims, chiseled balustrades and supporting pillars.

Once a month the area by the ancient Kremlin walls is turned into a venue for folk festivals and craft workshops, including a stage where artists present the story of the birth of Russian statehood.

Young fellows wearing helmets and armor entertain the crowds through military combat, the more peacefully inclined simply pose for the camera as part of the prince’s entourage.

Ranks of master craftsmen teach anyone who wants to learn about plaiting using thread and birch, how to make toys and household items and paint wooden spoons and utensils.

For hunting hares Novgorodians used trained owls, renowned for their keen eyesight in the dark and silent flight.

Those with a strong stomach and a passion for adrenaline can experience the torture chamber.

The workshops and the feast are followed by a staging of the Novgorod Veche production by the Dostoyevsky Academic Drama Theater in Novgorod, produced together with the Rat historical ethnographic club and the Falkor fire theater.