Novgorod Veliky (continue)

The right of Novgorod to choose its own princes, granted in the middle of the twelfth century, attracted princes to the Novgorod throne. That provided favorable conditions for uniting Russian lands that had been divided by feudalism. The annexation of Novgorod republic to Moscow Principality at the end of the 15th century resulted in the united Russian State with Moscow as its capital.

Novgorod is the cradle of Russian republican and democratic traditions. In the course of over 600 years, up until 1478, all important decisions on local life and foreign policy were taken by the veche – an ancient parliament comprised of representatives of the town’s aristocratic families. At critical moments in Novgorod history, all people took part in the veche.

Novgorod’s unique political structure, spiritual freedom, and territorial independence were highly conducive to the evolution of culture and art. The town's military power, its remoteness from dangerous southern borders, and successful campaigns against church reforms and heresies enabled them to preserve a unique complex of architectural monuments with frescoes of the 11th - 17th centuries, as well as the oldest Russian manuscripts, chronicles, acts, and icons.

All of this history you can see in Novgorod today! You can visit the unique complex of ancient Russian architectural monuments of the 11th - 17th centuries, including the Cathedral of St. Sophia, the Holy Wisdom of God - the oldest survived Russian stone monument. It was built in 1045. In the interior of this palladion your attention will be drawn to the historically formed iconostases, ancient mural paintings, and icons. These are national treasures of Russia. Note the famous icon of the 12th century, Virgin of the Sign, which was returned to the Cathedral in 1991, when services were resumed, and other relics of Byzantine, Western European, and Russian art.

Many experts of Russian art consider Novgorod to be a Russian Florence; no other Russian city has managed to preserve so many ancient architectural monuments adorned with wall murals. You will see this during your visits to the many churches and other architectural monuments of the city.