Discover Soletskiy District: Churches, Collections and Estate History

• The church in Velebitsy was built in 1903 on the site of a 1471 battle, on the banks of the Shelon.
• In Soltsy, the “Museum of the Wheel” exhibition includes wooden wheels, tools, wagon models, and models of artillery guns from the 17th and 18th centuries.
• The Chapel of Righteous Warrior Fyodor Ushakov was built in 2002 at an old spring in Molochkovo.
• More than 60 species of trees and shrubs grow in the former estate park in Vybiti; some of the estate buildings are in ruins.

The Church of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist stands on the banks of the Shelon. It was built in 1903 at a site where Novgorodians fought the forces of Moscow Prince Ivan III in 1471. The two years mark different events: the construction of the church and the battle. The site thus brings together architectural history and a specific episode in Novgorod’s history.

The history of Soltsy can also be traced through names and economic records. The Ardamatsky, Bagrov, Vanyukov, Krasikov, Bogovsky, Yulin, and Dubetsky families formed numerous merchant dynasties there. These names add the history of local trade to the themes explored in the collections.

The “Museum of the Wheel” exhibition brings together different types of wooden wheels with the tools used to make them, informational materials, and wagon models and examples. It also includes models of artillery guns from the 17th and 18th centuries. Horse collars, bridles, and horseshoes broaden the theme to include horse equipment. Manufacturing, wagon building, and other forms of equipment are presented side by side, without reducing everything to a single theme.

The M. M. Prishvin museum room in Soltsy’s Central Library has a different focus. It displays items from the period when M. M. Prishvin lived. The museum room opened on May 31, 2011, in the Soltsy District Library. For trip planning, the two museum themes can therefore be distinguished: craft-related objects in the “Museum of the Wheel” exhibition and period-related items in the Prishvin room.

The salt spring from which the city of Soltsy takes its name was called “Alexandrovsky” in the 19th century. In Molochkovo, the Chapel of Righteous Warrior Fyodor Ushakov stands by an old spring, not far from the village church. It was built in 2002 by members of the Soltsy garrison and residents of nearby settlements. The spring and chapel thus point to different local connections: the history behind Soltsy’s name and a specific place in Molochkovo.

The Vybiti estate belonged to the princely Vasilchikov family from the second half of the 18th century. More than 60 species of trees and shrubs grow in the former estate park, which adjoins the estate ruins. Some of the estate buildings have fallen into disrepair. Understanding the site therefore means considering its history of ownership, the former park, and the condition of the buildings together.

Amulet-making workshops are held at the Soltsy Cultural and Leisure Center, and anyone interested can take part. As current dates must be confirmed before your visit, check the schedule in good time if you want to include a workshop in your trip.

Discover more destinations: Retno, Marevskiy District, Chudovsky District, Lyubytinsky District, Krestetskiy District, Valdayskiy District, Borovichsky District, Novgorodsky District.

What connects the church in Velebitsy with the year 1471?

The church was built in 1903 on the banks of the Shelon, at the site of a battle fought in 1471. At that time, Novgorodians fought the forces of Moscow Prince Ivan III there.

What items are included in the “Museum of the Wheel”?

The exhibition includes wooden wheels, tools used to make them, informational materials, wagon models and examples, and models of artillery guns from the 17th and 18th centuries. Horse equipment such as collars, bridles, and horseshoes is also represented.

How should you account for an amulet-making workshop when planning your trip?

The workshops at the Soltsy Cultural and Leisure Center are open to anyone interested. Confirm the current dates before your visit.

For the wider travel overview: Novgorod Oblast.