Novgorod



Novgorod (Russian: Великий Новгород Velikii Novgorod) is one of the oldest cities in Russia. It was first mentioned in the manuscripts as early as 859.

Understand
The city of Novgorod the Great (Novgorod Veliky) is located between Moscow (530 km) and Saint Petersburg (108 km). Its population is estimated at 230,000 people. Novgorod is inscribed on the World Heritage List. It is part of the Silver Ring of cultural and historical centers of the Northwest of Russia.

History
Novgorod was first mentioned in manuscripts as early as 859. Together with Kyiv, Novgorod was a very important cultural, social, and economical centre in Rus, and was the capital of one of the first European democracies, the Novgorod Republic, addressed publicly as "Lord Novgorod the Great". This independence came to be resented by the Muscovite autocrats; eventually Ivan the Terrible forced it into submission. It has ever since been a backwater kind of place.

By plane
Novgorod Airport is not operational. It was a busy airport during the time of the USSR. The planned replacement Krechevitsy Airport is also not open to civil aircraft.

Closest airport is Pulkovo Airport.

By train


Russian Railways operates trains to the Novgorod-Na-Volhove train station from Saint Petersburg's Moskovskiy Vokzal station (3 hours, early morning and late evening, ~₽400) and from Moscow's Leningradskii Vokzal station (8 hours, overnight, from ₽800). The trains from Saint Petersburg are all seated and can be uncomfortable, although there is a lot of leg room. The overnight trains from Moscow feature soft berths and compartments for an additional charge.



By bus
The bus station in Novgorod is located across the street from the train station.

Several buses run daily from Saint Petersburg's Main Bus Terminal to Novgorod (several daily, 4 hours, ~₽200). Buses from Moscow operate only during the summer, but the trip is long and inconvenient. Buses also operate from Tver, Pskov, Riga, and other cities in the Novgorod region.

By bus
Novgorod has bus and trolleybus systems. Running approximately every 5 minutes, buses and trolleybuses will get you to every part of the city. Bus & trolleybus route maps and timetables are available online in Russian.

By foot
Novgorod is a walking-friendly city, and if you like long walks, everything in the city is within walking distance. The advantage is also that you have a chance to see the beautiful architecture of the city.

By bicycle
Bicycles are a perfect way to get around Novgorod. Bicycle and rollerblade rental are available at the "Shooting Club" on the Main Alley of the Kremlin Park. Phone: +7 921 731 74 32.

By taxi
Taxis are cheap and plentiful.

See
Several buildings make up the Historic Monuments of Novgorod and Surroundings.



Museums




Buy
Souvenirs, particularly wooden handicrafts and birch-bark paintings, can be found at many locations, including the souvenir market on Sennaya Square (to one's right as one faces the Kremlin from Sofiyskaya Square and the Lenin Statue).

Drink
Honey mead is a local favorite.

Go next

 * Moscow
 * Pskov
 * Saint Petersburg
 * Tver