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Boat of the Week: Meet the 446-Foot ‘Flying Fox,’ the Largest Superyacht Available for Charter

Chartering for almost $4 million per week, the vessel is the owner's fantasy come true, with a two-deck spa, dive center, 54 crew that include former olympic athletes, two helipads, hospital and, of course, a cryotherapy center., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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Three time’s a charm for the owner of Flying Fox . Not only did he want hearts to beat faster when guests came aboard this magnificent 446-foot Lürssen, the owner wanted to make sure he included every whim and fantasy for his own pleasure. Think features like the two-deck spa, a professional dive center, two helipads for corporate helicopters, the world’s largest transverse swimming pool and, naturally, a cryotherapy center. He also staffed it former Olympic athletes and British ex-military to provide a first-class crew.

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The good news is that Flying Fox can be shared by the rest of us—or some of us, for about $4 million per week. The length makes her the  largest yacht available for charter . Delivered in 2019, she has just about every luxurious amenity imaginable. In a very real sense, she doesn’t just raise the bar—she sets a new one.

The first glimpse of the turquoise Espen Øino exterior is a quick reveal of the scope of the six-decked vessel. On the aft end, the 40-foot swimming pool immediately catches the eye. The largest transverse pool on any yacht, it has a retractable wall that can divide the water in two. That gives guests a choice between fresh water or salt, and temperatures ranging from steaming to icy.

The yacht has every possible toy imaginable—and many others that surprise, including a professional dive center, cryotherapy spa, and an onboard hospital.  G. Plisson for Imperial

The yacht’s two helipads also offer owners and guests a degree of flexibility. The 60-foot spot on the stern is the primary landing area for the owner’s H175 Airbus helicopter, with a second 49-foot helipad on the bow. Capable of carrying 12 guests, the H175 is one of the few VIP-configured models on the market. It’s also the owner’s favorite mode of transport.

Built for private use but conceived with the potential for charter, Flying Fox took three years to design. The owner wanted to make sure he included everything he’d missed on his previous two yachts. Imperial Yachts managed the build and is now overseeing charter.

“The original design process was about finding the balance between what the client was expecting and what was possible in terms of technology,” Eric Lepeingle, Imperial’s head of sales and charter, told Robb Report during an exclusive virtual tour. “The idea of having a meticulously designed yacht that also delivers on a technological front really pleased him.”

This view of the stern gives a sense of the vast but proportional scale of the 446-ft. gigayacht. Not pictured is the 60-ft. helipad on the swim platform.  G. Plisson for Imperial

Beyond her sheer size, the intersection of technology with gracious living is what defines Flying Fox . A large sundeck converts into a dance floor by night, offering live music, private dining and fireworks for the ultimate shindig. The 1,300-foot, two-decked wellness spa is one of the signature accomplishments of the design. Its “sea lobby,” with heated limestone floors and louvred oak paneling, one of the inspirations from interior designer Mark Berryman, makes a beautiful welcoming area, while the sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and relaxation room (with a fold-down balcony at sea level) set the tone.

Flying Fox also has the first cryo-sauna ever installed on a yacht, bringing the spa experience to the next level. It has an antechamber set at -40 ̊F, followed by a main chamber at -116 ̊F. Cryotherapy is typically favored by elite athletes for muscle regeneration. “When he’s on board, the owner enjoys kitesurfing, jet skiing, diving,” says Lepeingle. “He wants to be able to recover quickly. He also wants charter guests to be able to enjoy any activity, so the yacht is designed to anticipate all requirements.”

Adjacent to the Zen-themed spa is the dive center, which includes a three-person decompression chamber and the option to dive depths of up to 328 feet. “To date, our charter guests have enjoyed diving depths of no more than 165 feet,” says Lepeingle, “but if people want to push their limits, we can help them to do that in the most secure way.”

Designer Espen Øino took great care to ensure that the exterior spaces flowed easily into each other.  G. Plisson for Imperial

Supporting this ethos are the 54 onboard crew. The sports, gym and diving instructors are either former Olympic athletes or ex-British military. The helicopter is serviced by a dedicated pilot and engineer, and the onboard hospital (directly connected to a mainland hospital on a 24/7 basis) has a permanent medic. “Most the crew are typically ex-military because the owner believes military personnel have discipline and experience that normal crew don’t,” says Lepeingle.

Another prerequisite of the owner is the aft open-air galley. Five different types of ovens—tandoor, pizza, barbecue and two rotisseries—are joined by two teppanyaki grills and an alfresco dining area that seats 24 guests. Its five chefs cater for multiple diets and cuisines, all freshly prepared in full view. “One of the rotisseries can fit an entire lamb,” says Lepeingle. “The banquet opportunities are exceptional.”

As a PYC-classified yacht Flying Fox sleeps up to 25 guests, with a crew-to-guest ratio of two to one. The 328-square-foot master suite on the main deck stretches the full 74-foot beam width and takes in a dedicated salon, gas firepit and private jacuzzi (one of three on board). Even the onboard 20-foot irrigated trees are well-watered.

The yacht has two helipads on the bow and stern. Pictured is its Airbus C175 corporate helicopter, the owner’s favorite mode of transport.  G. Plisson for Imperial

Flying Fox has mostly cruised the Eastern Mediterranean, with Turkey and Greece being the owner’s preferred cruising grounds. The yacht did a stint last winter in the northern most atolls of the Maldives. Currently in port in the Mediterranean, she will be heading to Croatia this summer and is available for charter through Imperial.

Here’s an exclusive video tour of the yacht. Check out other images below.

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Die 2019 ausgelieferte 136 Meter lange und 22,5 Meter breite Yacht Flying Fox besticht durch ihre großzügigen und gleichzeitig behaglichen Räumlichkeiten und ihrem spektakulären Außendesign. Espen Øino International gelang es, die Yacht trotz ihrer immensen Größe sehr elegant und anmutig aussehen zu lassen. Mit ihren ausgewogenen Proportionen bietet Flying Fox zahllose Möglichkeiten zur Freizeitgestaltung. Einige der Highlights im Außenbereich sind die Seeterassen, Plattformen und der riesige Pool, der sich Achtern quer über das Hauptdeck erstreckt. Die Kombination der fließenden, dynamischen Kurven und der intelligenten Gestaltung lädt auf jedem Deck auf andere Weise zum Verweilen und Genießen ein. Das von Mark Berryman geschaffene moderne, zeitlose Interieur mit seiner neutralen, sanften Farbgestaltung und haptisch angenehmen Oberflächen harmoniert dabei perfekt mit dem wirklich eindrucksvollen Äußeren der Yacht.

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2019   Lurssen    446ft  /  136m

FLYING FOX Yacht Charter

FLYING FOX currently registered in the Cayman Islands is actively available for charter in several cruising destinations.

The luxury motor yacht FLYING FOX was built by Lurssen and delivered to her owner in 2019.

The exterior of FLYING FOX is designed by Espen Oeino.

The 446ft / 136m FLYING FOX has been constructed with a steel hull and is powered by 2X MTU diesel with a cruising speed of 17 knots and a top speed of 20 knots.

Charter guest accommodation

FLYING FOX has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 22 charter guests in 11 suites.

The guest cabins comprise a primary suite with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom facilities and 10 VIP suites with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom facilities.

Your luxury charter crew

Your luxury charter on board motor yacht FLYING FOX will be managed by the crew of 54 including the captain.

The crew will ensure you have a relaxed and enjoyable charter experience with all of your needs catered for while on board.

The 54 crew have their own separate crew quarters allowing guests to enjoy increased levels of privacy.

Amenities & Entertainment

Amenities on board for the charter guests include Air Conditioning, BBQ, Beach club, Beauty salon, Cinema, Outdoor shower, Elevator, Games console, Gym, Helipad, Ice maker, iPod dock, Jacuzzi on deck, Media movie server, Satellite Communications, Satellite radio, Satellite TV, Sauna, Spa, Stabilizers, Steam room, Streaming online media, Swim platform, Swimming pool and Wi-Fi.

An extensive list of further amenities and water toys can be seen under the features and amenities section.

Yacht charter destinations

FLYING FOX is Currently cruising in the Indian Ocean, the West Mediterranean and Africa.

Sample itineraries for the cruising destinations can be supplied by your professional charter broker allowing you to plan your luxury yacht charter vacation in detail.

• Andhra Pradesh
• Bay of Bengal

West Mediterranean

• Balearic Islands
• Corsica & Sardinia
• Sicily & Aeolian Islands
• Amalfi Coast
• French Riviera
• West Indian Ocean
• South Africa
• Air Conditioning
• Beauty salon
• Movie Theatre
• Outdoor shower
• Games console
• Jacuzzi on deck
• Media movie server
• Satellite Communications
• Satellite radio
• Satellite TV
• Stabilisers
• Streaming online media
• Swim platform
• Swimming pool
• Inflatable Watertoys
• Banana boat - towable
• Beach games
• Jet Skis (standup)
• Paddleboards
• Tube - towable
• Water skis - adult
• Water skis - child
• Waverunners (Sit Down)
• Dive Compressor
• Crew can instruct
• Scuba Diving Equipment
• Snorkeling Gear
• Underwater lighting

Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

How much to charter flying fox.

FLYING FOX has a weekly charter price starting at €4,000,000 and an estimated daily charter price of €667,000.

How many guests on board FLYING FOX?

FLYING FOX can accommodate 22 sleeping guests on board in 11 cabins.

Where is FLYING FOX currently located?

FLYING FOX was last seen in Malaysia.

Legal Disclaimer

Motor Yacht FLYING FOX is displayed on this page for informational purposes and may not necessarily be available for charter. The yacht details are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed, please check with your charter broker. Charter Index does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or images displayed as they may not be current. All yacht details and charter pricing are subject to change without prior notice and are without warranty.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection

The yachting industry has no global listing service to which all charter yachts must subscribe to, making it impossible to ascertain a truly up-to-date view of the market. Charter Index is a news and information service and not always informed when yachts leave the charter market, or when they are recently sold and renamed, it is not always clear if they are still for charter. Whilst we endeavour to maintain accurate information, the existence of a listing on Charter Index should in no way supersede official documentation supplied by the representatives of a yacht.

Specification

Popular related yachts

Indian ocean.

FLYING FOX - Luxury 136 meters (446 feet) Superyacht Charter

Measuring an impressive 136 meters (446 feet) in length, the Flying Fox is more than just a vessel; it is a resort built for immersive, adventurous travel experiences and a world of endless possibilities both on board and in the water (helicopter included). The primary suite is located on the upper deck, and there are 10 VIP suites located on the main deck. Some may indulge in the 400 square meter spa, enjoy the first cryotherapy chamber ever installed on a yacht, or experience the artistry of the dedicated beauty salon. Others may engage in kite surfing, sailing or powered water sports under the supervision of the water sports team. The onboard dive instructors offer every PADI course, as well as specialist courses with closed circuit rebreathers for a world-class underwater experience. For those who are already masters of the deep, there is a professional standard IHC deck decompression chamber, allowing remote diving expeditions without compromising safety. This blend of romanticism and thrill of discovery is made possible by the yacht’s dedicated crew members.

As the cool grip of winter descends on other parts of the globe, the Flying Fox will set the course for the sun-kissed shores of the Indian Ocean, where the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of the Seychelles and the Maldives await.

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10 facts about Lürssen's 136m superyacht Flying Fox

Related articles, superyacht directory.

Famous for being the largest and most expensive charter yacht in the world, Flying Fox has been garnering the attention of superyacht enthusiasts since it first hit the water in 2019. Built by German yard Lürssen , the 136 metre yacht features vast living spaces thanks to a 20.5 metre beam, resulting in a huge 9,100GT interior. 

Designed by Espen Øino , with interiors penned by Mark Berryman , Flying Fox is packed with premium superyacht features, some of which are rarely seen on yachts. These include a cryosauna, extensive dive centre/ kite surf store and two galleys fitted out with the equipment of chef’s dreams. With all this on board is it any wonder that Flying Fox has proved popular with celebrity superyacht enthusiasts including the likes of Beyonce and Jay Z . BOAT rounds up some of the most unusual facts about the coveted superyacht, starting with its famous price tag.

1. Flying Fox is the world’s most expensive charter yacht

Since being delivered in 2019, Flying Fox has been making and breaking records. As well as being the world’s most expensive charter yacht, setting you back a total of €3 million a week, Flying Fox is also the world’s largest charter yacht.

2. The tender garage can hold a personal submarine

An extra hatch was installed in the tender garage to allow guests to enter the submarine straight from the deck above. The submarine is deployed from a specially designed rack, which is picked up by the crane.

3. Flying Fox is popular among celebrities

With a steep price tag of €3 million a week, Flying Fox attracts some of the most famous celebrities in the world who charter the yacht in locations including the French Riviera and the Aegean coast. Most recently, power celebrity couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z were spotted relaxing on board while the yacht was cruising Cannes and Antibes.

4. The exterior was designed by legendary superyacht designer Espen Øino

Flying Fox’s spectacular curving exterior spans 7,000 square metres and makes the yacht instantly recognisable on the horizon. Flying Fox’s exterior, which features a dove grey hull, was penned by leading superyacht designer Espen Øino, who counts standout superyachts such as the 126.2 metre Lursssen yacht Octopus , 85.3 metre SilverYachts-built Bold and soon-to-be largest explorer yacht in the world REV among his creations .

5. There are five fireplaces on board

Flying Fox includes no less than five real fireplaces on board, helping to create a decidedly cosy atmosphere inside the interior. One can be found in the owner’s cabin sitting room. They work as normal fireplaces but are accompanied by “insulated ducts” which force the smoke through the mast and means the yacht meets marine safety regulations.

6. An in-built irrigation system ensures Flying Fox’s plants stay well-watered

One of Flying Fox’s most unusual features is the greenery in the saloon, which is found bordering the staircase down from the upper deck and in planters set into the balustrade. The space even includes two towering ficus trees. A full irrigation system designed by Mark Berryman was incorporated into the yacht, which links down to the engine control room. There are different watering schedules and nutrients according to the different plants, as well as specialised lighting systems to ensure they receive the correct amount of UV without bleaching.

7. There are two galleys on board producing a maximum of 246 meals a day

It takes a “human engine” to run the might of Flying Fox , according to its captain, with a total of 55 crew on board. Working at a full capacity of crew plus 25 guests means that Flying Fox must produce a maximum of 246 hot meals every day. As a result, Flying Fox carries four chefs working across two different galleys: one for crew and one for guests. The crew’s galley carries a pasta machine and prep area, a lobster tank for fresh seafood, a sous-vide water bath and freezing blenders for creating purées and ice creams.

8. Flying Fox features the first cryosauna ever installed on a yacht

Flying Fox’s 22.5-metre-wide bathing platform leads into one of the best and biggest spas seen on a superyacht to date, which is spread across two floors. With heated limestone floors, the spa includes a 400-square-metre “sea lobby” leading to a huge spa pool holding water that can be changed from steaming to icy within a matter of 10 minutes. But the piece de resistance is the cryosauna which comprises an antechamber at -60 ̊C leading into a main chamber at -110 ̊C. The maximum period inside is recommended at three minutes after which guests emerge with a post-sprint endorphin rush.

9. The dive centre features enough gear to make even hardcore enthusiasts swoon

A combination of a dive centre and kite surf store sits to starboard off the sea lobby on the lower deck. There’s enough equipment here to stun even the most advanced divers, from an advanced nitrox mixing system to a super-quiet compressor. Divers of all levels can be catered for – from beginners starting in the main deck swimming pool to certified clients who can undertake expeditions down to 100 metres.

10. The outdoor kitchen can cook a whole lamb

Designed around a preference for eating al fresco, Flying Fox includes an extensive outdoor kitchen on the bridge deck aft which includes a wok station, coal-powered Spanish grill called a Josper, and a rotisserie capable of cooking a whole lamb, goat, or suckling pig. Also included is a churrasco (steak) oven, pizza oven, teppanyaki and tandoori grill. This arrangement allows guests to watch the chef at work from an extendable dining table.

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Veliky Novgorod city, Russia

The capital city of Novgorod oblast .

Veliky Novgorod - Overview

Veliky Novgorod or Novgorod the Great (just Novgorod until 1999) is a city in the north-west of Russia, the administrative center of Novgorod Oblast. It is one of the oldest and most famous cities in Russia with more than a thousand years of history.

The population of Veliky Novgorod is about 224,800 (2022), the area - 90 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 8162, the postal codes - 173000-173902.

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History of Veliky Novgorod

Foundation of novgorod and the novgorod republic.

The official founding year of Novgorod is 859, when it was first mentioned in the chronicle. In 862, the so-called “vocation of the Varangians” led by Rurik took place on Novgorod land, which was the beginning of the formation of the Old Russian state. In 882, after the death of Rurik, Prince Oleg became the ruler of Novgorod. He captured Kiev and moved the capital of the state to it. It was the beginning of the Kievan Rus state.

Novgorod was the second town of the Kievan Rus by cultural, economic, and political influence. In 1045-1050, the Cathedral of St. Sophia was built - the main Orthodox church of Novgorod and one of the oldest preserved stone churches in Russia.

The convenient location of Novgorod at the intersection of trade routes “from the Varangians to the Greeks” made it the largest center of intra-Russian and international trade. Constant contacts of the town with the island of Gotland, German towns and the Hansa led to the opening of the first foreign missions on the territory of Novgorod.

The first attempts of Novgorod to gain independence from the Kievan Rus were taken in the 11th century. Novgorod boyars, with the support of the local population, wanted to get rid of the burden of Kiev taxation and to create their own army. In 1136, due to the retreat of Prince Vsevolod Mstislavovitch from the battlefield at Zhdanaya mountain, he was exiled from Novgorod, and a republican government was established in the region.

From 1136 to 1478, Novgorod was the capital of the Russian medieval state known as the Novgorod Republic. In the 12th century, the Novgorod land included part of the Baltic, part of Karelia, the southern part of Finland, the southern coast of Lake Ladoga, the banks of the Northern Dvina River, and vast areas of the European north up to the Urals.

More Historical Facts…

During the Mongol invasion of Rus, Novgorod avoided destruction due to its remote location. It was the only old Russian town that avoided decline in the 11th-12th centuries. In 1259, with the support of Prince Alexander Nevsky, the Mongols conducted a census in Novgorod to collect tribute. In 1280, in Novgorod, a document was drawn up known as “Russian Truth” - the very first set of laws in Russia. Until the 15th century, Novgorod’s possessions expanded to the east and northeast.

Areas northeast of Novgorod were rich in fur-bearing animals and salt. These resources were of great importance for the economy of the Novgorod Republic, which was based on trade. The town was part of the trade route from Scandinavia to Byzantium. The Russian folk hero Sadko was a merchant from Novgorod.

The Novgorod Republic was characterized by some features of the social system and feudal relations: a significant social and landowning weight of the Novgorod boyars and their active participation in trade and other activities. The main economic factor was not land, but capital. This led to a special social structure of society and an unusual form of government for medieval Rus.

The veche - a gathering of a part of the male population of the town - had broad powers. It invited, judged and expelled Novgorod princes; elected the mayor and the military leader; resolved issues of war and peace; passed and repealed laws; set the size of taxes and duties; elected representatives of the authorities in the Novgorod lands and tried them.

From the 14th century, the Tver and Moscow principalities, and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania attempted to subdue the Novgorod Republic. In 1470, Novgorod people asked the Metropolitan of Kiev to appoint a bishop for them (Kiev belonged to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania at that time). After it, Ivan III, the Grand Prince of Moscow, accused them of treason. In 1471, he announced a military campaign against Novgorod. Moscow troops defeated Novgorod militia during the battle on the Shelon River and took the town.

In 1478, after a series of wars against Moscow, Novgorod lost its independence and the Novgorod Republic ceased to exist. The veche was abolished, the veche bell was taken to Moscow; power in the town was granted to the governors appointed by the Grand Prince of Moscow. A lot of boyar families were expelled from Novgorod.

Novgorod in the 16th-19th centuries

The oprichnina pogrom perpetrated in the winter of 1569/1570 by the army personally headed by Ivan the Terrible inflicted enormous damage on Novgorod. The reason for the pogrom was a denunciation and suspicion of treason. The town was plundered, the property of churches, monasteries and merchants was confiscated, thousands of residents were killed. In 1571, the population of Novgorod was about 5,000 people.

From 1611 to 1617, during the Time of Troubles, Novgorod was occupied by the Swedes. After the occupation, half of the town was burnt down. The population decreased to only about 500 residents. Nikon (the most famous Russian Patriarch) was the metropolitan of Novgorod in 1648-1652.

In 1700, the Great Northern War began. After the defeat at Narva, Peter I hastily prepared the fortifications of Novgorod for a possible siege of the Swedes. Swedish troops did not reach Novgorod; nevertheless, the Novgorod regiment played an important role in the Battle of Poltava in 1709.

In 1703, in connection with the founding of St. Petersburg, the new capital of Russia, a lot of craftsmen from Novgorod were involved in its construction. At the same time, Novgorod finally lost its former importance as a trade center and turned into an ordinary provincial town. In 1727, a separate Novgorod Governorate was formed with its center in Novgorod.

In the first half of the 19th century, Novgorod became the center of military settlements. At the same time, there was almost no industrial production in the town. In 1841-1842, the writer Alexander Herzen was in exile in Novgorod.

One of the brightest pages in the history of Veliky Novgorod in the 19th century was the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the Russian state in 1862. In honor of this event, a monument to the Millennium of Russia was erected in the center of the Novgorod Kremlin. In 1875, 17,384 people lived in Novgorod, along with military units. 12 small enterprises employed only 63 workers.

Novgorod in the 20th century

Despite the increased interest in its history, Novgorod both at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century remained a typical provincial town of the Russian Empire, despite its status as a regional capital. In 1914, the population of Novgorod was about 28,200 people.

In 1927, as a result of the administrative-territorial reform carried out in the USSR, the Novgorod Governorate became part of Leningrad Oblast. The Leningrad leadership viewed the Novgorod land as a rural region. No industrialization was planned.

From August 15, 1941 to January 20, 1944, during the Second World War, Novgorod was occupied by German and Spanish troops (“The Blue Division”). The war caused huge and in many ways irreparable damage to the monuments of the city itself and its environs. All wooden buildings burned down. The most valuable collections of archeology, history and art were plundered from the Novgorod museum, which was not completely evacuated in time. Almost the entire city infrastructure and industrial enterprises were destroyed, world famous monuments of Novgorod architecture were turned into ruins.

On July 5, 1944, Novgorod Oblast was formed. The transformation of Novgorod into the administrative and economic center of a separate region had a beneficial effect on the acceleration of its restoration. On November 1, 1945, Novgorod was included in the list of 15 Soviet cities subject to priority restoration. In addition, a special decree was issued on the restoration of architectural monuments. One of the first to be restored was the Millennium of Russia monument.

In the post-war years, the presence of large undeveloped areas and wastelands after the dismantling of the rubble of destroyed buildings in the city center made it possible to begin extensive archaeological research. The results of these studies were numerous finds of objects of old Russian art and everyday life. One of the most important finds was the discovery of the first birch bark letter on July 26, 1951. Archaeological research continues to this day.

In the 1950s-1970s, the main restoration work of architectural monuments was carried out. Novgorod became known as the center of all-Union and international tourism. In 1964, not far from the old Yuryev Monastery on the shore of Lake Myachino, the creation of the Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Folk Wooden Architecture began. In 1967, the population of the city was about 107,000 people.

In 1992, 37 unique monuments of old Russian culture in Novgorod were included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The population of the city reached its maximum and amounted to 235 thousand people.

On June 11, 1999, the President of the Russian Federation Boris Yeltsin signed the federal law “On renaming the city of Novgorod, the administrative center of Novgorod Oblast, into the city of Veliky Novgorod.” Also in the 1990s, a lot of streets in the city center received their historical names back.

Monuments of Veliky Novgorod

Victory Monument in Veliky Novgorod

Author: Sergey Duhanin

Light tank T-70 in Veliky Novgorod

Author: Konstantin Matekhin

Monument to the Millennium of Russia in Veliky Novgorod

Veliky Novgorod - Features

Veliky Novgorod is deservedly called “the father of Russian cities”. In this place the Russian statehood was born. The city stands on the banks of the Volkhov River, 6 km from Lake Ilmen, 575 km north-west of Moscow and 190 km south-east of St. Petersburg. Due to similar names, Veliky Novgorod is often confused with Nizhny Novgorod. And this applies not only to foreigners, but also to residents of Russia.

The Volkhov River divides the city into two parts: Sofia and Torgovaya (Trade) sides. The Sofia side got its name from the Sofia Cathedral, which is about one thousand years old. The main part of the city is located here, including the Novgorod Kremlin and the historic center, as well as new districts.

In the old days, there was a large market on the Trade side - Torg. Today, it is built up mainly with private houses. The Yaroslav’s Courtyard is also located here. It is a historical and architectural complex on the site where the residence of Yaroslav the Wise (Prince of Novgorod in 988-1015) used to be.

The climate of Veliky Novgorod is moderately continental, with cold snowy winters and moderately warm summers. The average temperature in January is minus 9.2 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 17.3 degrees Celsius.

Novgorod Oblast has a unique transport and geographical position. The main highway, rail, air, and water transport routes connecting St. Petersburg and Moscow pass through its territory. Public transport in the city is represented by buses, trolleybuses.

The region’s largest employer is the chemical fertilizer plant “Acron”, which produces ammonia, saltpeter, nitric acid, and other substances. This enterprise is one of the world’s largest fertilizer producers. The plant in Veliky Novgorod employs about 5 thousand people.

Tourism is gradually becoming more and more important in the city’s economy. Veliky Novgorod is rightly called the city-museum of Old Rus. No other city in Russia has so many remarkable architectural monuments and monumental paintings of the 11th-17th centuries. The architecture of Veliky Novgorod is unique because a lot of old churches have survived here. A significant part of them were erected in the period from the 11th to the 16th centuries. In some churches, old wall paintings have been preserved, which are of great cultural value.

The main discovery made on the territory of Veliky Novgorod is more than 1,000 preserved birch bark letters of various contents written in the 11th-15th centuries. These include business letters, love letters, recipe notes, Bible commentaries, commercial calculations, and even student scribbles.

Main Attractions of Veliky Novgorod

Novgorod Detinets (Kremlin) - the fortress of Veliky Novgorod located on the left bank of the Volkhov River, the oldest preserved kremlin in Russia and the most northern one. The first mention of it in chronicles dates back to 1044. It is an architectural monument of federal significance. Novgorod Detinets as part of the historic center of Veliky Novgorod is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The construction of the stone fortress was completed by the end of the 15th century. About 1.5 kilometers of fortress walls, nine towers, and old churches have survived to this day. A road going through the Novgorod Kremlin leads to the bridge connecting the Sofia and Torgovaya sides of the city. The 41-meter watchtower known as “Kokuy” offers a great view of the entire city and its surroundings.

Today, it is the cultural and tourist center of Veliky Novgorod. Here you can find the main expositions of the Novgorod Museum-Reserve (the exposition of the Old Russian arts and crafts and jewelry in the Chamber of Facets; “History of the Novgorod Region”, “Old Russian icon painting”, “Russian art of the 18th-20th centuries”), restoration workshops, a library, philharmonic society, college of arts, and a music school. The Novgorod Kremlin is surrounded by a spacious park. A walk from the railway station to the Novgorod Kremlin takes about 20 minutes.

Saint Sophia Cathedral (1045-1050) - the main Orthodox church in Veliky Novgorod located on the territory of the Novgorod Kremlin, one of the oldest churches in Russia. Churches of this type were built in Rus only in the 11th century. Sophia Cathedral was built in the Byzantine style, has a pyramidal structure and 6 domes. This is one of the symbols of Veliky Novgorod.

The belfry of St. Sophia Cathedral rises above the Novgorod Kremlin in the form of a wall with five spans in the upper part. This type of structure was invented during the reign of the Novgorod Archbishop Euthymius II and then repeated in Russia only twice.

Monument to the Millennium of Russia (1862) - a magnificent monument more than 15 meters high erected opposite the St. Sophia Cathedral in honor of the millennium anniversary of the legendary vocation of the Varangians to Rus. The monument consists of 128 figures. At the very top you can see an angel - the personification of Orthodoxy and a woman depicting Rus, below - princes, church hierarchs and enlighteners, who took part in important historical events that happened over the thousand-year history of Russia.

Yaroslav’s Courtyard and Torg - an architectural complex located opposite the Novgorod Kremlin, on the other bank of the Volkhov River. Both banks are connected by a pedestrian bridge. Several monuments of the 12th-16th centuries have survived on its territory, including the Nikolsky Cathedral (1113) and the Church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa (the 13th century). The place was named after Prince Yaroslav the Wise. In old times, fairs were held here. The most recent construction is the arcade of the Gostiny Dvor, which consists of several dozen white-stone arches.

St. George’s (Yuriev) Monastery . Founded in 1030, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Russia, a cultural heritage site of federal significance. The monastery is located on the southern outskirts of Veliky Novgorod on the bank of the Volkhov River. On the territory of the monastery there are St. George, Spassky, and Holy Cross Cathedrals, a four-tiered bell tower 52 m high, and several old churches. Crowned with three silvery domes, St. George’s Cathedral is a wonderful example of Old Russian architecture. The Vitoslavlitsy Museum is located nearby. Yur’yevskoye Highway, 10.

Museum of Folk Wooden Architecture “Vitoslavlitsy” . This open-air exhibition was opened in 1964. 22 wooden architectural monuments of the 16th-20th centuries - churches, residential buildings, and outbuildings - were brought here from different districts of the Novgorod region.

Inside the peasant huts, you can see recreated old interiors: “Winter Life”, “Wedding”, “Wool Felting Craft”, and others. Folk festivals are also held on the territory of the museum. On the second floor of the souvenir shop there is the Museum of Irons with a unique collection of irons of the 18th-20th centuries. Yur’yevskoye Highway, 14.

Center for Musical Antiquities named after V.I. Povetkin . The unique collection of this museum acquaints visitors with the old musical instruments of Rus. Here you can also hear old Russian music. Most of the exhibits date back to the 10th-15th centuries. For the guests of the center, folk songs of the Russian North-West and North are performed. Choir concerts are held on holidays. Il’ina Street, 9b.

Art Museum . The permanent exhibition of this museum is dedicated to Russian art of the 17th-20th centuries. It was opened in the historic building of the Noble Assembly in 2001. The rich collection of the museum includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, miniatures, etc.

Among the most valuable exhibits are paintings created by such masters as K. Bryullov, I. Repin, A. Aivazovsky and sculptures, including M. Antokolsky and M. Vrubel. The museum’s collection of Russian art objects is considered one of the best outside Moscow and St. Petersburg. Sofiyskaya Square, 2.

Museum of Artistic Culture of the Novgorod Land . This museum was opened in one of the buildings of the Desyatinnyy monastery in 2002. The exposition is composed of works by Novgorod artists of the late 20th - early 21st centuries. In addition to paintings, visitors can look at porcelain and glass products made by local craftsmen. Desyatinnyy Lane, 6.

Novgorod city of Russia photos

Pictures of veliky novgorod.

Veliky Novgorod architecture

Author: Elena Abramova

Veliky Novgorod Detinets (Kremlin)

Author: Ismail Soytekinoglu

Veliky Novgorod Fortress

Picturesque churches of Veliky Novgorod

St. Sophia Cathedral in Veliky Novgorod

Author: Zaritsky Igor

Peter and Paul Church in Veliky Novgorod

Church of Clement, Pope of Rome in Veliky Novgorod

Old churches of Veliky Novgorod

Church of the Transfiguration on Ilyin in Veliky Novgorod

Author: Sergey Popov

Myrrhbearers Church in Veliky Novgorod

The questions of our visitors

There are several ways of going from the airport of St. Petersburg to Veliky Novgorod.

The fastest one and of course the most expensive is to go by taxi from the airport straight to the destination city. The price is about 4,500-5,000 Rubles (about 70-80 USD).

Another way is to go by train. From the airport you should go to Vitebsky railway station, departure: 7:53, arrival: 13:06 local time. Also you can go to Moskovsky railway station. There are two trains: the first one departs at 8:12 and the second one - at 17:18). Not sure about the price of the tickets but much cheaper than going by taxi.

The third variant is to go by bus. You should go to the bus station at Obvodnoy Canal Embankment. The first bus departs at 7:30; the latest - at 21:30.

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