Russian history: Rurikovo Gorodishche in Novgorod the Great opens for visiting

Tourists sites ‘Golden Ring’ of Novgorod the Great will include another gem.

Historical monument of Viking age – Rurikovo Gorodishche – opens for visits in 2010. This important pass of the trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks is located in two kilometers from the center of Novgorod the Great. In the 10^th century it served the residence of Novgorodian princes. It is the date of its foundation to be considered the reference point for 1150-years history of Novgorod the Great. Princes’ buildings have not survived but many Russian and foreign tourists still visit Gorodishche annually.

According to local authorities the site is being prepared for receiving guests. ‘We need to organize the navigation on Volkhov river and a moorage. It is also necessary to create the basic infrastructure locally, such as benches, information boards, etc.’, - the local authorities said.

Special tours are also considered to take place. ‘If we manage to restore the navigation on Volkhov river we could organize the tours for small groups. Such as sailing in styled boats or ‘Varangian’ vessel,’ – said the Head of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Department of Novgorod the Great Isaac Freidman.

One of the reasons for such a popularity of princes’ residence are the annual unique archaeological discoveries. Lead seals dating of the 12-15^th centuries were repeatedly found there with the names of princes, Boyars, posadniks on them. During the last archaeological season over 1.500 finds were made dating of X – XII centuries. Among them six seals of prince, a lot of everyday life objects of Novgorod people, ceramics and fragments of glass dishes with golden painting.