Motto of the city’s 1150th anniversary: “Novgorod the Great – a motherland of Russia”

This is not merely an ancient Russian city with interesting past, this is an integral part of Russia, its history, culture and national pride. This is where the Russian state system originated from and our ancestors learned the first lessons of democracy by gathering at the famous Novgorodian veche. This is the land through which the ancient trade route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” laid and the city astride the Volkhov River was among the first which realized the advantages of international cooperation, joined the Hanseatic League and established business relations with close and remote neighbors. This is where the national monetary system descended from and the first Russian ruble was issued. This is the place of glory of the bylina hero Sadko, the first national hero Alexander Nevsky and the statesman Yaroslav the Wise…

The Novgorod land presented the world with the genius of the Russian classical music – Sergey Rakhmaninov. Through centuries, severe trials and wars the Novgorodians treated their native land with love and loyalty.

What we, Russians, are is the merit of the Novgorodians of the earliest days of the Russian history, Dmitry Likhachev, an academician, wrote. That is why all those interested in and loving the history of Russia should visit this place at the Volkhov origin to see the invaluable treasure and to penetrate the spirit of the past, which has always been a source of strength and wisdom for people. The city administration does its best to preserve the unique heritage of the Old Russian center and to create a comfortable environment for Novgorodians and the city’s guests. I invite you to visit Novgorod the Great, the city of unchanging hospitality!

Bobryshev Yu.I.,
Mayor of Novgorod the Great, Chairman of the City Organizing Committee on the preparation for and carrying out of the 1150th anniversary of Novgorod the Great and Hanseatic days XXIX.