Along the Routes of Ancient Rus’: How NIAB Staff Uncovered the Secrets of Pskov and Veliky Novgorod

While the warm May days were delighting us, staff at the National Historical Archives of Belarus decided to trade the usual quiet for the bustle of the roads and the grandeur of ancient Russian architecture. On May 23 and 24, 2026, our tour group embarked on a captivating journey through Russia’s main historical centers. This vibrant and action-packed trip was organized by the Minsk City Organization of the Belarusian Trade Union of Employees of State and Other Institutions, who presented the union’s most active members with a wonderful gift at the end of spring.

Day One: The Origins of Rus’, Fortresses, and the Spirit of Pskov

Saturday morning, May 23, began with a journey into ancient times. The first stop on our route was the legendary city of Izborsk. We walked the battlements of the medieval fortress, appreciated the might of its towers, and made wishes at the famous Slovenskie Klyucheni (Slovenian Springs) natural springs that have flowed here for centuries.

1-2. During a visit to Izborsk

Then our tour took us to Pechory, where we visited the Holy Dormition Pskov-Pechersky Monastery. This monastery is unique in that it has never closed its doors in its more than 550-year history. Here we enjoyed the tranquility, admired the vibrant architecture of the churches, and uncovered the secrets of the famous «God-given» caves.

3-4. During a visit to the Holy Dormition Pskov-Pechersky Monastery

After a hearty lunch, we set off to conquer Mount Sokolikha, where the monumental monument to Alexander Nevsky and his retinue stands tall. This majestic sculpture, facing Lake Peipus and frozen in stone against the backdrop of the endless Pskov countryside, left a powerful impression on everyone with its scale and artistic expressiveness.

5. Monument to Alexander Nevsky and his retinue

A key part of the itinerary was the sightseeing tour «Russia Begins Here». Its highlight was the Pskov Kremlin, where every corner exudes history, so dear to the heart of any archival worker. As people who work with historical documents on a daily basis, we were particularly captivated by Dovmont’s Town, the mighty walls of the Prikazny Chambers, and the majestic Trinity Cathedral.

6-7. In the Pskov Kremlin

8. On the streets of Pskov

Day Two: Veliky Novgorod and Wooden Architecture

Sunday, May 24, was entirely dedicated to Veliky Novgorod—the city where Slavic statehood was born.

Our exploration of the Novgorod region began at the source of the Volkhov River, home to the majestic St. George’s Monastery. During the tour, we appreciated the austere beauty of St. George’s Cathedral and learned about the important role this ancient monastery played in historical writing. A pleasant and delicious surprise during our visit to the monastery was a tasting of local pastries: we sampled the monastery’s famous hot pies with cabbage and herring, which left no one indifferent.

9. During a visit to the St. George’s Monastery

Immediately after the monastery, our group headed to the nearby Vitoslavlitsy open-air ethnographic museum. The exhibition «The World of the Russian Village» literally transported us back a couple of centuries. Everyone delighted in examining the huts, barns, and chapels, collected piece by piece from all over the Novgorod region. It was fascinating to compare the everyday life, interiors, and peasant traditions of the Novgorodians with their native Belarusian way of life.

10-11. During a walk through «the Vitoslavlitsy Ethnographic Museum»

Then the group moved to the heart of the city for a long walk through the Novgorod Kremlin. Here, each of us saw firsthand the legendary St. Sophia Bell Tower with its gigantic ancient bells and the famous «Millennium of Russia» monument, on which the figures of the main figures of our shared history are meticulously carved. But the main discovery was the majestic Saint Sophia Cathedral – the oldest stone church in Slavic Rus’, built in the 11th century by order of Prince Vladimir Yaroslavich. The architectural splendor of this five-domed colossus was breathtaking. The cathedral’s mighty white stone walls hold a thousand-year-old memory: grand princes prayed beneath its vaults, and fragments of authentic ancient frescoes gaze down upon visitors from its walls. Examining the famous Korsun (Magdeburg) bronze gates with their ornate bas-reliefs, we came into contact with a living embodiment of the grandeur of medieval culture.

12-13. Excursion to the Novgorod Kremlin

We crossed from the Kremlin gates to the Trade Side during a leisurely stroll across the famous Humpbacked (Pedestrian) Bridge across the Volkhov. Walking above the river, which connects the two historic parts of the city, we were able to enjoy the panoramic view of the citadel and take magnificent photographs.

14. During a walk across the Humpbacked (Pedestrian) Bridge

The final chord and spiritual conclusion to this eventful day was a visit to the Transfiguration Monastery of St.Varlaam of Khutyn. This secluded, ancient monastery greeted the Belarusian guests with a special atmosphere of peace and grace.

15. Spaso-Preobrazhensky Varlaam-Khutynsky Convent

We returned home tired but happy – laden with vivid emotions, souvenirs, and inspiration for new discoveries!