The Father of Russian Cities Novgorod
1. Novgorod (Newtown) is one of the most ancient cities in Russia. The town was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruki in the 10th century, near the Volkhov river and Lake IImen. It later became the Centre of the independent Novgorod Republic.
2. In medieval times, Novgorod was one of the greatest art centres in Europe. Its architecture, jewellery, painted icons and decorative art became famous all over the world. In the 1100s, Prince Yaroslav the Wise opened the first school in the city. Documents written on birch-bark, found by archaeologists, prove that the citizens of Novgorod had a high level of literacy and culture.
3. Novgorod’s good geographical position meant that the city was able to establish economic and cultural links with Western Europe. It became a go-between in the trade of Europe with oriental countries.
4. Novgorod is connected with many great people. One of these people is Alexander Nevsky, the famous prince of Novgorod who defeated the Swedes and defended Russia in the 13th century. After this victory, he was given the nickname ‘Nevsky’ because the battle had taken place on the Neva river.
5. Visitors to Novgorod will be fascinated by the cathedral of St. Sophia, the oldest surviving stone monument in Russia, built in 1045, and the Kremlin of Novgorod, which is Russia’s oldest Kremlin. You can also visit a unique complex of ancient Russian architectural monuments from the 11th to 17th centuries. Novgorod is a beautiful town, full of history and culture.
8. Read the text again and match the paragraphs to the headings.
History □
Trade □
Famous Citizens □
Novgorod Today □
Art and Education □
9. What do these numbers in the text stand for?
10th century, 13th century, 1100, 1045
10. Speaking. In pairs, ask and answer questions about Novgorod.
11. Read the text “The Golden Ring” and say what you think the Golden Ring is. Have you been to any of the towns of the Golden Ring?
The Golden Ring is a group of ancient Russian towns and cities that form a curved line that begins and ends in Moscow. These towns and cities are an important part of Russian culture as they are places that have seen the main events of Russian history. A tour of the Golden Ring gives visitors the opportunity to learn about Russia’s past, culture and traditions.
VLADIMIR – Vladimir was founded by Prince Vladimir Monomach in 1108 and became the capital of North-Eastern Russia in the 12th century. It is famous for its beautiful architecture and its peaceful atmosphere.
SUZDAL – Suzdal was established in 1024 and is one of the best-preserved towns in Russia. Visitors will see building styles from different epochs and will enjoy exploring the city on foot. If you like camping, you can pitch your tent on the banks of the river Kamenka.
KOSTROMA – Founded in 1152 and located on the Volga River, Kostroma was the birthplace of the Romanov Dynasty. It is well known for its Fire-Watch tower and the Church of the Resurrection.
YAROSLAVL – This town was founded at the beginning of the 11th century (1010) in the place where the Volga and Kotorosl rivers meet. The city has wonderful architecture and a heroic past. One of the main tourist attractions of this town is the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour.
ROSTOV THE GREAT – Founded in 862, this ancient Russian town is located on lake Nero. The Rostov Kremlin, the Cathedral of Assumption and the Bell Tower will impress visitors. The largest of the Rostov bells weighs 32,000 kg and the sound of its chimes can be heard for 20km!
PERESLAVL-ZALESSKY – Established in 1152 and halfway between Moscow and Yaroslavl, on the bank of the Pleshcheevo Lake is Pereslavl-Zalessky. In 1693 Peter the Great constructed a prototype of the first Russian fleet here. Now the lake has National Park status.
SERGIEV POSAD – Founded in 862 and named after Saint Serguis who founded the largest Russian monastery, The Holy Trinity – St. Sergius Lavra. The monastery contains a huge library of religious books as well as icons and other treasures.
12. Read the text again and mark the sentences T (true) or F (false). Then correct the false statements.
1. Vladimir was founded by Prince
Vladimir Monomach and became the capital
of South-Eastern Russia in the 12th century. …………
2. Suzdal is a great place to visit if you
like walking. …………
3. Kostroma is situated where three rivers
join together. ..……….
4. Lake Nero has National Park status. ………...
5. Peter the Great founded a library of religious
books at the largest monastery in Russia. …………
13. Match the place with the description.
|
1. Peace and quiet and lovely buildings 2. A place where ships were built 3. A very large, very loud bell 4. Architecture from different periods of history 5. The Romanov Dynasty started here |
Kostroma Vladimir Suzdal Rostov The Great
Pereslavl-Zalessky |
14. In pairs, ask and answer questions about the towns in the Golden
Ring.