(Source: https://pixabay.com/ru/photos/древние-городище-донегол-камни-265917)

Rurik's Settlement is a remarkable archeological monument, which is located about 2.5 kilometers south of the Novgorod Kremlin, near Lake Ilmen. For a long time it was in the shadow of other sights of Veliky Novgorod, although this territory is noted in the annals as the place of arrival of Prince Rurik.

History

Until the 19th century, there was no "Rurikovo" prefix, and the place was simply called "Gorodishche (Settlement)". Since the beginning of the 19th century, the "Settlement" was associated with the chronicle legends about the calling of the Varangians to rule in 862 - and this is how the name "Rurik's Settlement" appeared. According to The Tale of Bygone Years, there was a princely residence here. And it is not at all accidental, as this place has a very advantageous location. The territory is protected from all sides by water, and from the hill Lake Ilmen was clearly visible. Over the years, the prince's residence was moved from the Gorodishche, it grew and became part of Novgorod the Great. In the winter of 1570, a terrible massacre perpetrated by Ivan the Terrible over the Novgorodians took place here. Later, after Novgorod was annexed to Moscow, Gorodishche gradually turned into an ordinary village. Then    the Settlement was presented by Peter I to Prince Menshikov, who, in turn, built a country estate here. At the end of the 19th century, the village of Gorodishche belonged to the Novgorod district of the province of the same name. Local residents were mainly engaged in fishing and small-scale agriculture. In 1999 the Rurikovo Settlement (the area of which is 8.5 hectares) was included in the city limits of Veliky Novgorod.   Now this place attracts mainly tourists, archaeologists or archeology enthusiasts. As a result of the excavations, three cultural layers were discovered, among them a Neolithic layer (2–3 thousand BC) and the remains of a settlement from the Iron Age period (1 thousand BC). Also, Rurik's Settlement is one of the most "fertile" places in terms of the number of archaeological finds from Scandinavian times. Now Ryurikovo Gorodishche is included in the list of Federal Cultural Heritage Sites in Russia.

Church of the Annunciation in the Rurik settlement

Here are the remains of the Annunciation Church built of stone. It is believed that the temple was erected by the order of Prince Mstislav - the son of Vladimir Monomakh. The ruins that have survived to this day are the remains of the second temple, consecrated at this place in honor of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. The first stood until the beginning of the 40s, 14th century, then it was destroyed. The second church built here has existed for over 600 years, but the bombing of the Nazis turned it into ruins. In 2011, funds were allocated for the conservation of the ruins of the Church of the Annunciation. In the course of the work, the engineering networks of the temple were updated, and the premises were adapted for new functions and possibilities of use. One of the main tasks was to create a museum site accessible at any time of the year. After all large-scale renovations, in 2019, the Church of the Annunciation was opened to the public. It is located among its natural surroundings, enhancing the impression of visiting.

How to get to Rurikov settlement in Veliky Novgorod

If you are traveling by public transport, next to Rurik's Gorodishche there is a stop "Spas-Nereditsy", which can be reached by bus No. 186 directly from the city bus station. This stop will be the final one; after getting off, return to the highway and walk along the embankment to the Volkhov River. Then turn left and walk along the river bank to Rurikov Gorodishche. You can also use a taxi service. In the summer season, boat excursions are organized along the Volkhov River with a visit to Rurikov Gorodishche. During the boat trip, there is also a unique opportunity to take picturesque shots from the water.