Overnight train from Moscow to Velikiy Novgorod – the birthplace of mother Russia. Prince Rurik, from the Varangian tribe, came here with his troops in the 9th century after being called in by the Slavs to rule. He started the Rurik dynasty that stood at the head of the Russian state for over 700 years and  gave the land a new name of ‘Rus’.

Beginning from the 12th century, Novgorod ‘chose princes of its own free will’, i.e. princes were invited to ‘work as contractors’, with the limit of their responsibilities specified and cost of service negotiated. If a prince did not meet its expectations, he would be shown out.

Over centuries, Veliky Novgorod was a link between medieval Europe and Rus (Old Russia).  Long before Tsar Peter the Great set about ‘opening the window to Europe’,  Veliky Novgorod had became a centre of international integration and trade. Many West European monarchs and nobles wore exquisite fur coats and hats made of Novgorod rare furs like ermine and sable, and strutted around in their leather boots tanned by Novgorod masters of the trade. Russian wax candles flickered on giant altars of major European Gothic cathedrals.   

So I went for a walk around the Kremlin – the compound was originally the site of a pagan burial ground upon which the first bishop of Novgorod, built a Cathedral upon his arrival in the area in 989 or so.

The current fortress was built between 1484 and 1490, and within its red-brick fortress walls is the 5-domed, 11th-century St. Sophia Cathedral.

Nearby, the Millennium of Russia monument erected in 1862 by Alexander 11, to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Russia. 129 figures representing monarchs, generals and artists during different periods of history. 

 The most important events in Russian history are linked to the ring of Novgorod monasteries and convents surrounding the city, and to famous heroic deeds of their saint founders. Prince Alexander Nevsky prayed on his knees for a victory over the Teutonic knights in St George Cathedral of St George (Yuryev) Monastery. 

The lives of many prominent Russians are closely connected with the lands of Novgorod, for example, Dostoevsky created his prose and Rachmaninoff was musically inspired.