Novgorod Region
INTERACTIVE GUIDE
Veliky Novgorod through the Eyes of Heroes: Chronicles of the media-forum Dialogue of Cultures
Veliky Novgorod is one of the most ancient and significant Russian cities, where history is present in every particle and culture is embodied in the lives of people dedicated to preserving and promoting their heritage. Within the media-forum Dialogue of Cultures, participants discussed how people contribute to making the city a unique and creative place through their knowledge and initiatives. Each of them has chosen a different starting point to create their own tourist route for the participants.
- 1165YEARS SINCE IT'S FOUNDATION
- 223THOUSAND RESIDENTS
- 37UNESCO SITES
Photo by: Mariam Belskaya-Tabagari
Belarus
Belarus
The Millennium of Russia is one of the most amazing monuments I’ve ever seen. Veliky Novgorod is a wonderful city with a rich and fascinating history. I do want to share my discoveries with the residents of Mogilev
Mariam Belskaya-Tabagari
Photojournalist, Belarus
Take an online tour of Veliky Novgorod with the participants
of the XIX International Media Forum «Dialogue of Cultures».
Choose a topic/location below:
of the XIX International Media Forum «Dialogue of Cultures».
Choose a topic/location below:
Footbridge
Footbridge
Ayvar Stepanov: underwater and above
A footbridge spanning the Volkhov River is one of the city's key landmarks, connecting two distinct parts of it. The current version of the bridge was built in 1987 and got its nickname ‘humpy’ due to its curviness. However, the history of the river crossing dates back to the faraway past, i.e. a great bridge at the same place is mentioned in city chronicles in 1133. The bridge witnessed a lot of events back then — from the throwing down of the Perun idol to the executions and mass violence of the 16th century. Although the previous structure was destroyed in 1944, the present one still plays a crucial role in the city's life and culture.
Photo by: Djavid Rzaev
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan
Ayvar Stepanov has chosen this very location to meet with the participants. His work is closely tied to the cultural layers of Veliky Novgorod, including underwater archaeological excavations of regional rivers and lakes. This bridge metaphorically represents the connection between the past and the present, as revealed through Stepanov's scientific works.
There is a legend connected with the bridge: when the people of Novgorod destroyed the idol of Perun, they threw it into the Volkhov River.
As it floated under the bridge, the idol struck the middle of it with its club and foretold that merchants and townspeople would always fight on this bridge.
There is also a belief that if 10,000 people step onto the bridge at the same time, it will collapse.
There is also a belief that if 10,000 people step onto the bridge at the same time, it will collapse.
There is a legend connected with the bridge: when the people of Novgorod destroyed the idol of Perun, they threw it into the Volkhov River.
As it floated under the bridge, the idol struck the middle of it with its club and foretold that merchants and townspeople would always fight on this bridge.
There is also a belief that if 10,000 people step onto the bridge at the same time, it will collapse.
There is also a belief that if 10,000 people step onto the bridge at the same time, it will collapse.
Ayvar Stepanov is an underwater archaeologist and employee of the Novgorod State United Museum-Reserve. He not only conducts scientific research but also popularises the history of the city through international forums, preserving the heritage for future generations.
Noticing a shard of pottery with a distinctive curve among the stones on the bank of the Volkhov River, the Rostov correspondents showed it to Ayvar Stepanov. The specialist immediately identified it as a rim — the edge of a vessel dating from the 14th to 16th centuries, which, according to him, is a relatively “young” artifact, one of thousands found in this area.
THE FATHER OF RUSSIAN CITIES
"A city on a river, a city of two banks. But beneath us now is not the Don, it's the Volkhov River" The crew of the channel Don 24 about Veliky Novgorod. What is the city's life like? Maybe it's somehow connected to the southern capital?
The meeting with Ayvar Stepanov offered forum participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the depths of Novgorod’s history through the lens of underwater archaeology. His stories and visual materials helped them better understand how science reveals the mysteries of the ancient city, while the symbolism of the “humpback” bridge became a vivid example of the continuity of cultural layers and historical eras. The participants left inspired for further research and with a strengthened sense of involvement in preserving cultural heritage.
A Dialogue with the Ancient City
Ivan Alexandrov, blogger, Russia
The cinema of Veliky Novgorod with Konstantin Yeronin
Konstantin Yeronin is a Russian film director and scriptwriter whose works have been recognised at international film festivals. His short film Purgatorium won the award for best black-and-white film at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting his unique approach to cinematic art. The film stands out for its profound philosophical themes and expressive visual style.
In recent years, Yeronin has been working on new projects, including the film Inspiration (2024), which explores the creative search of an artist and the relationship between art and life, as well as the upcoming film Redemption (2025), continuing the tradition of psychological cinema. Konstantin is actively involved in the cultural life of Veliky Novgorod, including organising film festivals and supporting youth cinema.
Cinema Arts in Veliky Novgorod
During the media-forum “Dialogue of Cultures” in Veliky Novgorod, Konstantin Eronin was filmed for a project in which he shared his experience in cinema and his vision for the development of the industry. He held this creative meeting at the My Kitchen restaurant. The warm atmosphere inspired an open conversation and lively exchange of ideas. The dialogue was captured by aspiring director Yasmin Khasanova, a student at VGIK.
watch the report A walk with Anton Vakurov: embankment, music and the Volkhov River
A walk with Anton Vakurov: embankment, music and the Volkhov River
The embankment of Veliky Novgorod is one of the most picturesque and significant places in the city, where history is inextricably linked with modern life, and the waves of the Volkhov River reflect the past and present. It is here, against the backdrop of majestic landscapes and ancient walls, that the cultural life of the city unfolds, uniting residents and guests in a single tempo.
Anton Vakurov is a musician, composer, teacher, and educator whose work is inextricably linked to the culture and history of Veliky Novgorod. He is the founder and artistic director of several projects, including the Veliky Novgorod musical ensemble, which revives the traditions of ancient Russian music and explores the musical heritage of the region. Anton actively works to popularise historical music, giving lectures and workshops, making culture accessible and understandable to a wide audience.
We know the triangular balalaika, right? But this is a traditional carved balalaika, known as a Doandreev balalaika
Anton Vakurov
A walk along the embankment with Anton Vakurov is not just an introduction to beautiful views, but also an immersion in the atmosphere of the musical and historical heritage of Veliky Novgorod. His stories about ancient songs, traditions, and musical instruments enliven the embankment, turning it into a living open-air museum. Here, where water and stone, past and present meet, Anton Vakuov encourages listeners to recognise the importance of preserving the city's cultural code.
The Great Walkways
Strolling along the modern embankment of Novgorod, you are literally walking on the roof of the ancient city. Beneath your feet lie the famous “Great Walkways,” which the people of Novgorod began laying one atop another as early as the 10th century — like layers of a pie.
The Great Walkways
Strolling along the modern embankment of Novgorod, you are literally walking on the roof of the ancient city. Beneath your feet lie the famous “Great Walkways,” which the people of Novgorod began laying one atop another as early as the 10th century — like layers of a pie.
Music, Education, and the Spirit of the Volkhov
“Discover Veliky Novgorod through its music and history” — a special report by Yasmin Khasanova. With Anton Vakurov, the embankment comes alive: you’ll hear stories about ancient songs and instruments that turn the city into a living museum. In this place where eras meet, you truly feel why preserving the cultural code of this unique city is so important.
watch the report The embankment, as a symbol of openness and forward movement, has become the ideal venue for Vakurov’s musical and educational initiatives. His work is a bridge between eras, helping the city preserve its unique identity and pass it on to new generations.
Valery Rubtsov and Cinematic Treasure of Veliky Novgorod
Valery Rubtsov and Cinematic Treasure of Veliky Novgorod
The Cinema Museum in Veliky Novgorod is a unique space where the history of cinema comes to life through exhibits and lively enthusiasm. Its founder, Valery Rubtsov, devoted many years to working in television, and in 2012, he opened Russia's first private museum dedicated to the history of cinema.
It was surprising to me because it is the most popular of the arts; everyone loves it. But for some reason, there were no museums dedicated to it. And then I realised that it was urgent to preserve all of this
Valery Rubtsov
The museum's collection includes more than a thousand exhibits from the 19th and 20th centuries: rare movie cameras, projectors, editing tables, sound equipment, as well as household items and costumes that recreate the atmosphere of different eras. A special place is given to the library with rare editions, magazines, and personal archives donated by actors and movie technicians.
Valery Rubtsov is not only the keeper of museum treasures, but also an active educator—the museum has a film school and animation studio, and hosts concerts and themed exhibitions. In his work, Valery emphasises the importance of cinema as an art form capable of uniting generations and awakening deep feelings.
His personal attitude towards films such as Andrey Tarkovsky's Stalker and Yuri Norshtein's animated film Hedgehog in the Fog reflects the philosophy of perceiving cinema as a living experience.
A true interactive museum of living cinema
Unlike many museums where touching the exhibits is forbidden, here you not only can, but are encouraged to do so. Visitors are allowed to turn the handles of old film projectors — and most importantly, to watch movies using the vintage equipment itself.
A true interactive museum of living cinema
Unlike many museums where touching the exhibits is forbidden, here you not only can, but are encouraged to do so. Visitors are allowed to turn the handles of old film projectors — and most importantly, to watch movies using the vintage equipment itself.
The Cinema Museum is an example of how personal initiative and passion can create a cultural centre of national importance, preserving and developing the heritage of cinema in the modern world.
Scientists, writers, directors, musicians, cultural keepers, and other heroes of Veliky Novgorod are the living evidence of the ancient city’s complexity and richness. Their knowledge, creations and initiatives make the city not only a historical monument, but also a living cultural space.
Photographers: Mariam Belskaya-Tabagari (Belarus) and Djavid Rzaev (Azerbaijan)