Historical monuments of Novgorod and its environs: a list of World Heritage properties

Novgorod is one of the main cultural centers of Russia. The city has a rich past. Historical monuments of Novgorod and its surroundings are distinguished by original architecture. Also, the city originated and developed a distinctive school of national painting.

List of UNESCO

Until now, numerous monuments of Novgorod culture have come down, making up the unique architectural ensemble of the city. Some of them will be discussed in this article. It's no secret that many historical monuments of Novgorod and the surrounding area are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is primarily:

1. A unique cultural ensemble of 9-17 centuries.
2. Architectural ensemble of the Novgorod Kremlin.
3. Numerous ancient temples of the XIV-XVII centuries.

Let's talk about the most remarkable and famous old churches of the city of Novgorod.

Christmas Church

The temple was built in the late 14th century. It is located on the eponymous cemetery in the eastern part of Novgorod near the street. Fedorovsky Stream. The church has preserved old frescos, created by the hands of visiting masters. Painting resembles similar samples of the Serbian Moravian school. Today the Church of the Nativity of Christ on the Red Field (Novgorod the Great) is used as a museum.

Cathedral of Znamensky

The majestic church building is located on Ilyin Street near the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior. The cathedral was erected in 1682. Previously, this place was the disassembled temple of the Sign of the Mother of God, relating to the buildings of the 14th century. The cathedral was created on the initiative of Metropolitan Kornily. Construction was made possible through the means of the House of Hagia Sophia. The erection was carried out by the local carpenters. Also for participation in construction work the capital archers were involved.

The consecration of the cathedral took place in 1688. Before that, the temple was badly damaged by the fire, but it was rebuilt. In 1689, the iconostases were installed in the main altar and chapels. Their frames are made in the technique of "flecked" carving. History has not preserved the names of many wonderful masters who participated in the creation of the iconostasis. Later, an ensemble of wall murals made by Kostroma icon painters led by Ivan Bakhmatov was created. Today the Znamensky cathedral is included in the list "Historical monuments of Novgorod and its environs (UNESCO)".

Description

The cathedral was built in a traditional manner for Russian architecture. It is a five-domed, four-edged temple with three apses. There is a podklet and a two-storey bypass gallery. The facades are separated by the shoulder blades. They end with false zakomaras, which are decorated with frescoes. Under them is a frieze with a picture of "Peacock's Eye", typical for Moscow and Kostroma monuments of church architecture. The plat bands on the windows are made of figured brick. The gallery is decorated with tiled belts.

During numerous reorganizations the cathedral largely lost its original appearance. It is known that the restoration work was carried out in 1745, as well as in 1844-1845. The need for repairs was caused by fires. Funds for the renovation of the cathedral in the late XVIII century donated Countess AA Orlova-Chesmenskaya. In the course of numerous rearrangements, the shapes of the main square and the western porch were changed. The porch on the south side was lost. The northern part was rebuilt again. Also, the murals on the drums were lost. On the original painting were laid new records. Some historical monuments of Novgorod and its environs suffered significantly during the military operations.

Restoration work

The war did not spare Znamensky Cathedral. During the German occupation of Novgorod, barracks were built in its building for German soldiers. A lot of icons were taken out. Carved frames of the iconostasis are burned to the ground. Until now, the fate of many icons lost in the war years is unknown. Historical monuments of Novgorod and its environs were actively restored in the post-war period.

At this time (1950-1070 of the XX century), much work was done to restore the cathedral and restore its historical appearance. The most experienced specialists of the workshop (NNRPM) took part in it. Restoration work was carried out in several stages. In the beginning, repairs were carried out. In 1960, after its completion, the restoration of the cathedral began. It was carried out under the leadership of GM Stender. In the restoration of the frescoes took part Moscow artists G. S. Bakhtel and V. G. Bryusov, as well as the artistic team of the NNRPM.

Yaroslav's Court

Historical monuments of Novgorod and its environs are represented by another unique ensemble of structures of ancient Russian architecture, which have the status of a reserve. Yaroslav's court was named after the mighty prince Yaroslav the Wise. The princely palace was erected in the central part of the city near Torg. It was the most magnificent castle complex in the whole of Northern Europe. During the archaeological excavations near the palace, the remains of wooden pavements and flooring from the bones of cows were seized. They connected the prince's palace with the St. Nicholas Cathedral and the Church of St. Paraskeva.

Not far from the palace was the famous Vecheva Square with a wooden platform erected on it. On it during the people's assemblies stood the highest Novgorod dignitaries. The square adjoined Yaroslav's yard. It was a place of brisk trade. Here, Novgorod and foreign merchants brought in numerous products: jewelry, fabrics, various spices, furs and other household items of that era. Restoration of this territory also began in the postwar period.

Veliky Novgorod today

Since 1950, many other historical monuments of Novgorod and its environs have been restored. Archaeological excavations and scientific research in the city continue to this day. This land hides in itself a lot of interesting secrets and mysteries, so they will occur more than one dozen centuries. Today the Yaroslavovo Dvorishche, Znamensky Cathedral and the Church of the Nativity of Christ are objects that are worth a visit in Veliky Novgorod.

Visiting this wonderful village is recommended to tourists interested in national history. Having visited the city, you can significantly expand your knowledge in the field and see firsthand the numerous historical monuments of Novgorod and its environs. Veliky Novgorod is an object of a unique cultural heritage not only of domestic but also of world significance.