Staraya Russa is the third largest city of the Novgorod Region. One of the oldest Russian towns, it was founded in 1167 on the Great waterway “from Varangians to Greeks”.

The city is located at the inflow of River Porusie into River Polist’ (basin of Ilmen’ Lake), at the distance of 99 km from Veliki Novgorod.

Judging by the plenty and purity of “Russian” toponyms Staraya Russa was one of the most probable areas of the country’s initial name Rus’. According to the hypothesis of A.A. Shakhmatov (1864-1920), Russa was the initial capital of the oldest country.

Archaeological research has been permanently carried out in the city for over 30 years.

Staraya Russa and the Starorsussky District boast 65 monuments of history, culture, and architecture, including 12 objects of federal importance. The most valuable of them are as follows: the site of ancient settlement "Staraya Russa" (11-15 centuries), the ensemble of the Spaso-Preobrazhenskiy Monastery(Monastery of Our Saviors’Transfiguration; 12th century), and F.M.Dostoevsky's Memorial House Museum.

Mineral deposits are located in the territory of Starorussky District.

The pearl of this land - the Staraya Russa Resort, which has been bringing health to people for over 170 years - is located in the south-east of the city, taking the area of 92 ha.