What To Do Near The Yuriev Monastery In Russia
We visit one of the most important monasteries of the Middle Ages in Russian territory. Everything, in addition, spiced up with a long and convulsive history. We are going to discover a place of great interest in Russia and we will also see what can be seen near the Yuriev monastery to make the visit as complete as possible.
Yuriev monastery
This religious site is located 190 kilometers from Saint Petersburg, in Novgorod. It is an ideal location on the bank of the Volkhov River, just upon arrival next to Ilmen. There the views are truly wonderful, both for the nature that surrounds it and for the incredible reflection created in the monastery in the calm waters of the river.
It is also called the Monastery of St. George, and is popularly known as the oldest monastery in Russia. Legend has it that it was founded in 1030 by Yaroslav the Wise. He was responsible for the construction of the also famous Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev.
Novgorod, the greatest treasure near the Yuriev monastery
The new city is called Veliki Novgorod, located in the southeast of the town of Saint Petersburg. It was the capital of Russia in ancient times, specifically between the 9th and 12th centuries.
For the Russian people, Novgorod is the father of Russia, Kiev is the mother, and Moscow is the heart. Similarly, if you have time, you will need at least one day to get to know Saint Petersburg, a city that is worth visiting.
A prosperous city
Novgorod for a long time was a trade route for Scandinavian and Greek peoples. The Varangian merchants established a route for their direct trade with Byzantium. All this made the area now occupied by Russia, Ukraine and Belarus very prosperous.
Furthermore, this was one of the great book production centers of ancient Russia and a prominent artistic center during the Middle Ages. The icon painting schools, the jewels that were made here and the objects of decorative art enjoyed enormous fame.
Today, Novgorod is an important educational center. A city, also, monumental and really beautiful. In its streets you can see architectural wonders from the 11th to 17th centuries, and very close to the Yuriev monastery.
The Novgorod Kremlin
It is the oldest that has been preserved in Russia, since there is news of its fortifications in chronicles dating from the year 1044. However, its current appearance is later, from the 15th century.
Inside you can see the Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Novgorod Museum, some small churches and the Regional Library. All this makes the whole of the Kremlin the most attractive for tourists.
By the way, this place is a World Heritage Site, as part of the historic center of the city, which received this recognition in 1992
St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod
In the 10th century the famous Saint Sophia Cathedral was built. We are talking about a temple built in stone that is responsible for representing the spirituality of the city and its inhabitants. Its founder was also Prince Yaroslav the Wise. Currently, it is the most important sanctuary in the city.
A legend said that the moment the dove leaves the cross, Novgorod will succumb. This referred to a cross that was located in the golden dome and in which there was a dove that symbolized the Holy Spirit.
In the course of the patriotic war, the church was destroyed and the dove disappeared. Curiously, the cross was found in Spain and in 2006 it was returned to its original place.
You have already seen that near the Yuriev Monastery there are wonderful places to discover, and Novgorod must also be a must-see. We are talking about a city that has a great history, with the added charm of its buildings and monuments. Thus, if you travel to Saint Petersburg, this excursion should be within your plans.
