Veliky Novgorod

Russia

Moscow Passazhirskaya railway station

We are taking an overnight sleeper train from Moscow to Veliky Novgorod. 

Lomonosov Moscow State University

Overnight train to Novgorod

I am sharing a room with my mom on the train. The mattress is comfortable and the bedding is clean. I think this is a great way to cover long distances while getting a good night’s sleep. It is more comfortable than taking long road trips being cramped in a bus.

The Kremlin of Novgorod

The Kremlin walls stretch to 1500 metres with nine towers. The cathedral of St. Sophia is inside the Kremlin.

Kremlin of Novgorod

St. George Monastery

The most ancient monastery of Russia.

Novgorod
St. George Monastery

Cathedral of St. Sophia

Cathedral of St. Sophia was built in the early 12 century. This is the oldest church in today's Russia as well as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Where St. Sophia is, there is Novgorod", exclaims Prince Mstislav in 1215.

Cathedral of St. Sophia

Sigtuna Gates

According to wikipedia, "The doors at the west entrance, called the Sigtuna, Magdeburg or Płock Gates, are said to have been looted by Novgorodian forces from the Swedish town of Sigtuna in 1187. In fact, they were most probably wrought and sculptured by Magdeburg masters, most likely in years 1152–1154, for the Archbishop of Płock in Poland"

Millennium of Russia

Remarkable sculpture of people who impacted the history of Russia. The Millennium of Russia Monument was established in 1862 to commemorate Veliky Novgorod's 1000th anniversary. 

Lunch

Lunch Novgorod

Vitoslavitsy Museum of Folk Wooden Architecture

The wooden architecture were collected from different places in Russia. The idea is to recreate ancient Russia village life. It is staffed by workers wearing the costume for the region and the period. Many of the houses can be entered. 

Vitoslavitsy Museum of Folk Wooden Architecture
Vitoslavitsy Museum of Folk Wooden Architecture

The ancient Trading Market

Church of St. Parasceva the Friday on the Marketplace

St. Parasceva Church was built in 1207 with the money of foreign merchants and consecrated in the name of St. Parasceva the Friday, because she was believed to be the patron saint of trade. To learn more you can visit visitnovgorod.com.

 

Dinner at Hotel

Finally after a long exhausted day we can eat!

Zagorosk

Made in Russia

My mom is a vacation pro. She has souvenir t-shirt on her, Russian handmade craft on the table, and fresh flowers from the hotel. 😀

The Golden Ring: Suzdal, Vladimir, & Sergiyev Posad

Russia

Golden Ring is a set of ancient Russian cities which form a circle on the map (northeast of Moscow). We will visit Vladimir, Suzdal, and Sergiyev Posad during this trip.

Vladimir

Dormition Cathedral (Holy Assumption Cathedral) in Vladimir

Built in white stone around years 1158-1160. It is part of a World Heritage Site and undoubtedly a point of interest in Vladimir. The cathedral is placed beautifully, with a view to the valley below. 

Cathedral of Saint Demetrius

Vladimir to Suzdal

Vladimir to Suzdal

Market Square in Suzdal

Market Square is located in the town center. From the outside, the building looks very classic. It has lots souvenirs on display, mostly wooden handicraft.

Suzdal
Suzdal

Dinner at Suzdal

Dinner at Suzdal

The Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra in Sergiyev Posad

The Trinity Monastery is so beautiful and the blue and gold domes are mesmerizing. It is the headquarters of Russian Orthodox Christianity religion. It is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Zagorosk
The Holy Trinity