Novgorod is one of the most ancient Russian cities. It is known since 859 A.D. and from
the end of the 10th century it has been the second important city in the the
ancient Slavic state. Located on the link of the main trade routs coming from
Siberia to the Central parts of Russia, Novgorod soon became prosperous trade
and cultural center. It was also the center of literacy of that period. Many
ancient manuscripts were found there. One of the main Russian ancient Art
Schools of the 12 - 16th centuries was also in Novgorod (see russian art ). The city became the
part of Russian Empire since 1478. From the beginning of the 18th century, after
St. Petersburg had appeared on the banks of the Neva river, Novgorod was
becoming less and less important.
There are many ancient monuments in Novgorod which
are very famous. the most fascinating and interesting are the ancient
Kremlin and Sophia Cathedral (1045-50). The monument to the 1000th
Anniversary of Russia is also worth seeing.
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