Novgorod - The Original Capital of Russia

Novgorod, city in Russia, capital of Novgorod region, NW European Russia, on the Volkhov River near the point where it leaves Lake Ilmen. It lies in northwest Russia just south-southeast of St. Petersburg. Novgorod is one of the oldest cities in Russia, founded in 9th century, and was the first historical capital of Russia. The magnificent architectural monuments of Novgorod earned it the name the "museum city" until World War II, when it was held by the German Nazis (1941-44) and mostly destroyed. Chief among the losses was the 12th-century kremlin, on the left river bank, containing the Cathedral of St. Sophia (founded 1045). On the right bank, the former commercial center, were numerous medieval churches and a museum of old Russian art. Many of the damaged buildings have been restored, but their frescoes are lost forever.

Tale About Two Cities

But be prepared. There are two Novgorods in Russia. Don't mix them up! One is the older, the original first capital of Russia - Veliki Novgorod on Volkhov River, the other one is Nizhni Novgorod on Volga River. You remember : Veliki - on Volkhov, Nizhni - on Volga. Veliki means The Great, Nizhni means Lower (literally, downstreams), Novgorod means New City (Neustadt/Newcastle). Nizhni Novgorod is also known as former Gorki City, and Novgorod on Volkhov as Gospodin Veliki Novgorod. Gospodin meaning The Lord.