Novgorod Oblast is a federal subject in northwestern Russia, in Europe, and it takes its name and its heart from the historic city of Veliky Novgorod. Visitors come here chiefly for the medieval architecture and for the part this region played in early Russian history.
What to see
The city of Veliky Novgorod is the natural starting point. Its old churches and monuments give a clear sense of the medieval past that sets the region apart, and walking through the historic centre is the most direct way to understand why the area matters to students of Russian history. The city can be explored at an easy pace, with time to stop and look closely at the buildings.
Planning a visit
- Base yourself in Veliky Novgorod to see the historic core on foot.
- Allow time for the medieval churches, which reward slow looking as much as a quick tour.
- Think of the wider oblast as a place for a day trip or a longer, unhurried stay, depending on your interests in history and architecture.
Novgorod Oblast suits travellers who value historical depth over large-scale entertainment. It is a place to read the past in stone and to take the time that its old streets and buildings invite.
