Novorzhev: Culture and Excursions

• A monument to Catherine II stands in the central square; it was unveiled on the city’s 225th anniversary.
• A chapel in Novorzhev commemorates the destroyed Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
• The Novorzhev Local History Museum was officially opened on August 14, 1977.

The monument’s dedication and the occasion for its unveiling provide two specific points of reference: it is dedicated to Catherine II and was unveiled for the city’s anniversary. The chapel commemorates a different occasion: it was built in memory of the destroyed Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Novorzhev thus brings together different historical themes without needing to combine them into a single story.

The Local History Museum’s opening date, August 14, 1977, adds another connection to Novorzhev’s cultural history. The monument, chapel, and museum differ in their dedication, commemorative purpose, and opening date. Visitors interested in history can find several specific topics to guide their choices.

A notice dated December 5, 2020, from the district’s Cultural and Sports Complex lists paid tours to historical and memorial sites in the district. Museum guides from the “History of the Novorzhev Region” museum share the history of the sites. The notice lists three routes as particularly popular: Novorzhev–Stolbushino, Novorzhev–Holy Spring–Mount Lobno, and Novorzhev–Altun.

The route names indicate different destinations: Stolbushino, the Holy Spring and Mount Lobno, or Altun. To make your choice, you can first consider which of these destinations interests you. The information about the tours dates from 2020; check whether they are currently available to book before planning your visit.

Altun is 17 kilometers from Novorzhev, on the shore of Lake Altun. A section of a park with rare tree and shrub species has been preserved there; these species were not found in northwestern Russia in the 19th century. This adds a distinct nature and park experience near the destination to Novorzhev’s memorial sites.

The guided Novorzhev–Altun route and the description of the park offer two points of reference if you would like to explore the area. If you plan to visit the park itself, check in advance whether it is currently accessible.

Across the wider destination of Pskov Oblast, the churches of the Pskov School of Architecture form a distinct regional focus. These include ten religious architectural monuments in the historic city of Pskov and on the banks of the Velikaya River. They represent architectural styles and decorative elements from the 12th century to the beginning of the 17th century. This architectural history adds a different cultural perspective to Novorzhev’s specific memorial sites and museum.

Discover more destinations: Spaster, Izborsk, Gdov, Sloboda, Boroviki, Zaborovka, Perelaz, Opochka.

Are the guided excursions currently available to book?

A notice dated December 5, 2020, lists paid tours. Before planning, ask the district’s Cultural and Sports Complex whether they are currently available to book.

What is known about the park in Altun?

Altun is 17 kilometers from Novorzhev, on Lake Altun. A section of the park with rare tree and shrub species has been preserved; these species were not found in northwestern Russia in the 19th century.

When was the Local History Museum opened?

The Novorzhev Local History Museum was officially opened on August 14, 1977.

For the wider travel overview: Pskov Oblast.