View from one of towers of the Kremlin in Veliky Novgorod.

©Andrey Pozharskiy/Shutterstock

Veliky Novgorod Kremlin

Top choice in Veliky Novgorod


On the west bank of the Volkhov River, and surrounded by a pleasant wooded park, the kremlin is one of Russia’s oldest. Originally called the Detinets (and still often referred to as such), the fortification dates to the 9th century, and was rebuilt with brick in the 14th century; this still stands today. The complex is worth seeing with a guide; arrange one through the tourist office. You can walk part of the kremlin walls for views over the complex and the city.

Boat tours operate from the kremlin's pier.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Veliky Novgorod attractions

1. Millennium of Russia Monument

0.01 MILES

This gargantuan 16m-high, 100-tonne sculpture was unveiled in 1862 on the 1000th anniversary of the Varangian Prince Rurik’s arrival, a moment heralded as…

2. Novgorod State United Museum

0.06 MILES

Within the kremlin walls is this must-see museum that houses three strikingly comprehensive exhibitions covering the history of Veliky Novgorod, Russian…

3. Cathedral of St Sophia

0.07 MILES

This is the oldest church in Russia (finished in 1050) and one of the country's oldest stone buildings. It's the kremlin's focal point and you couldn't…

4. Belfry

0.08 MILES

The belfry, with its enormous steel bells, has a small bell museum and an observation platform providing good photo opps of the Cathedral of St Sophia on…

5. Kremlin Wall Walk

0.08 MILES

Walk part of the kremlin walls for views over the fortress, out to the beach and across the sparkling river. Tickets are sold at the belfry; you can get a…

6. Chamber of Facets

0.11 MILES

Part of a palace built in 1433, this Gothic chamber once housed Novgorod's Supreme Court and was the scene of many ceremonies and soirées, not all of them…

7. Kokui Tower

0.18 MILES

The 41m-tall Kokui Tower was built in the 18th century, and a climb up its narrow stairs provides panoramic views across the kremlin complex and the city…

8. Fine Arts Museum

0.22 MILES

A strong provincial collection of paintings by 18th- and 19th-century Russian artists, as well as temporary shows. The 3rd floor features Novgorod artists.