Velikiy Novgorod (Novgorod the Great) is situated in the northwest of Russia. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Russia. There are a lot of legends connected with the foundation of the city. Historians and archeologists tend to say that at the beginning of the 9th century there was a small Russian settlement on the bank of the Volkhov river. Later the great Prince Ryurik, who was the founder of the first Russian tzar dynasty, came to this settlement to become a regent. Later a new town was founded not far from the old one, and it received the name "Novgorod" ("New Town"). Novgorod was first mentioned in chronicles in the year of 859. This year is considered to be the year of its foundation.

Kremlin
Kremlin of Velikiy Novgorod, St. Sofia's Cathedral, Monument "Millenium of Russia".

Yaroslav's Courtyard
Market place of ancient merchants.

St. Yury's Monastery
According to the chronicles the Monastery was founded in 1030 by Yaroslav the Wise.

Vitoslavitsy Museum
A museum of traditional Russian wooden architecture not far from St. Yury's Monastery on the place of the former village of Vitoslavlitsy.