st. sophia cathedral

Worth the view every time, worth the drive, worth the effort to get here. If you love Russian History - this is a must. It is one of the oldest Cathedral and Kremlins in Russia. The city of Novgorod is full of old churches, in differing states of ruin. Come and take the time to see the Cathedral, be sure to go to the back part of the Cathedral, where an older, more ancient section of the Cathedral can be seen. I always forget to bring a scarf for my head to go into the Cathedral - this year I'm determined not to. Once you finish there - walking around the Kremlin - be sure to go to the far section to see the river embankment - stunning! Then make your way back to the open air market in front of the Kremlin Entrance - and shop those amazing handmade birch items for sale. Stop at the adorable wooden restaurant at the square - so traditional and the blini are outrageously delicious! I'll see you there...

This striking building was started in the early 11th Cent. to replace a wooden church that was constructed a century earlier, and was inspired by the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul from which some of its architectural ideas were “borrowed”. It apparently is the oldest church in the country, although much of what you will see belongs to the 15th and 16th Cents., and it still functions as a House of Prayer. Its white stone walls are austerely unembellished, and its five domes are shaped like simple black helmets, but the doors, especially those at the Western entrance that came from other parts of Russia, are notable for some splendid bronze panels. Inside, the Golden Doors of the iconostasis (the largest of any Russian church, I was informed) are well worth a good look, and several chapels hold interesting works of religious significance, most revered of all being a 12th Cent. icon that is reputed to have saved the city from siege and destruction in 1170. The 5-tiered Bell Tower contains a number of ancient bells, the largest weighing 26 tons. For a small fee, you can ascend the tower for an impressive view of the complex, between May and September. The cathedral itself is free to visit, and should not be missed. One hour is sufficient, unless you want to ascend the Bell Tower.

This is one of the oldest church in Russia, The building is very traditional, but the inside is amazing. The walls are full of icons and painting. It is under conservation and it was interesting to see how the archeologists where working on new discoveries in the inside.

The ancients said where St. Sophia Cathedral is situated there Velikiy Novgorod is.St. Sophia Cathedral is the oldest one in Russia. It is one thousand years of Russain history made in stone. Cathedral is carefully renovated and open for visiting. Pay attention to the western door and small bird on the top of bulbous cupola. This bird stone bird has mistery story that you can study visiting this magnificant place.

There is two St. Sophias in old Russia. One is situated in Kiev, another in Novgorod. It almost like it was in old times, and this is working church. Only imagine that you can pray in the place where so many orthodox saints were!Another interesting thing that almost all don't know is about graffiti in the lowest level of the church. Go down stairs and look carefully (if you know russian) on the walls. There you can see glagolic (not kirillic) letters too. But better find some one who know about it. This is the level of quality of excurtion must be.

Very nice atmosphere in such old place like Sophia Cathedral. It is amaizing frescas on the walls, many historicaly important people's relics and of course miracle icon of Our Lady of Sign. Dont miss Sigtuna gates, stolen from Sweden 800 years ago. it is the oldest church preserved in Russia and it is worth to take a look on it.

Beautiful church, with locals still visiting it. Strict no photo policy, no hats, although you do not see this sign until you leave the church. Our tour guide surprisingly did not suggest women wear head covers.

This building is fascinating just to enter: Dark and quit small inside it is living testimony of the religious devotion of Russian people. No pictures can be taken, man should take off their hats and women cover their hair.Outside it is well restored. Don't miss the metal doors showing scenes from bible outside.

Certainly a peaceful place....words can only describe the soothing beauty of the place. A good time to visit would be in between winter and spring...when the cool crisp air and clear blue skies makes it a wonderful experience. Spend at least 1-2 hours to savour the beautyof this UNESCO heritage site...after a long 2.5 hours drive from Tyumen. Dive into the history and rich culture of the city.

The guardians did not appreciate photographs and were fairly cautios of letting anyone near the Icons

It is a beautiful cathedral with beautiful ceilings, murals, frescos, altar. There are a few coffins too.

Apparently Russia's oldest cathedral with a richly decorated interior (wall paintings and icons) and the obligatory gift shop/candle stall. A very beuatiful building which is very simple looking from the outside (albeit with one gilded dome)

Sure, St. Sophia Cathedral is not the most visually appealing cathedral in the spectrum of cathedrals in Russia, but it certainly has its own simple charm. Located inside the Novgorod Kremlin and across the street from the kremlin's plaza and and the Millennium of Russia monument, St. Sophia Cathedral is the frequently pictured cathedral of Veliky Novgorod and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's beautifully kept on both the inside and outside, and if you are lucky enough to stumble on a religious event as I was, it certainly makes the visit worth it. Ladies, remember to bring your head covering, and enjoy the cathedral!

Still active today, a really neat place to see. Just try and be respectful as there are locals who are in the cathedral praying....oh and don't take any pictures inside. Very neat place to see.

Having been completed in 1050 the St. Sophia Cathedral or Cathedral of Holy Wisdom is one of the oldest churches in Russia still in use.The cathedral is obviously an important spiritual centre of the city in addition to being a major tourist attraction. During our visit the number of people attending it for religious reasosn seemed to match the number of tourists.The cathedral has a massive and constant feel to it, no doubt as a result of the very robust architecture. The white walls and metal cuppolas makes it stand out against a blue sky. Inside the cathedral is dark and heavily decorated in the typical orthodox style.