Church of the Assumption Volotovo Field
A testament to resilience, this church showcases 14th-century frescoes painstakingly restored from millions of fragments after WWII destruction.
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Magical light through windows
Church of the Assumption Volotovo Field
Best Time
Magical light through windows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A testament to resilience, this church showcases 14th-century frescoes painstakingly restored from millions of fragments after WWII destruction.
"Reborn from ruins, it delights and amazes with its restored frescoes and poignant history."
💳 Card Payments Accepted
Good news for travelers: you can pay for your admission tickets using a card. :credit_card:
⏳ Check Winter Hours
In winter, the museum's schedule is shortened, often closing by 2 PM. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Restored Frescoes
Admire the unique 14th-century murals, painstakingly reconstructed from millions of fragments after wartime destruction.
Wall of Destruction
See a visible mark along the wall indicating the extent of the church's destruction during the Great Patriotic War.
14th-Century Graffiti
Discover ancient graffiti from the 14th and 15th centuries etched onto the cathedral walls, offering a glimpse into the past.
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Restoration Marvel
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💳 Card Payments Accepted
Good news for travelers: you can pay for your admission tickets using a card. :credit_card:
⏳ Check Winter Hours
In winter, the museum's schedule is shortened, often closing by 2 PM. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
🤏 Small Site, Quick Visit
The church is small; expect to spend around 15 minutes here. It's a bit out of the way from other Novgorod attractions. :round_pushpin:
🙏 Deep Gratitude for Restoration
Visitors express profound thanks to curators and restorers for their dedication to preserving this historical treasure. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
💳 Card Payments Accepted
Good news for travelers: you can pay for your admission tickets using a card. :credit_card:
⏳ Check Winter Hours
In winter, the museum's schedule is shortened, often closing by 2 PM. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
🤏 Small Site, Quick Visit
The church is small; expect to spend around 15 minutes here. It's a bit out of the way from other Novgorod attractions. :round_pushpin:
🙏 Deep Gratitude for Restoration
Visitors express profound thanks to curators and restorers for their dedication to preserving this historical treasure. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are deeply impressed by the church's restoration, marveling at the 14th-century frescoes pieced back together from millions of fragments after wartime destruction. The site is seen as a unique monument and a testament to human perseverance, though its location and brief visit time are noted.
"A unique monument restored from ruins. You can come during opening hours and admire the frescoes, although restored. They now look like mosaics. Graffiti from the 14th and 15th centuries can be found on the cathedral walls.
A magical light falls through the windows in the evening. Tickets can be paid by card.
Church of the Dormition on Volotovo Field
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Erected in 1352 by Archbishop Moses on the elevated bank of the Maly Volkhovets River near Veliky Novgorod. In 1363, the church was decorated with murals commissioned by another Novgorod archbishop, Alexei.
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During the Swedish occupation of 1611-1617, the church was devastated, but neither the walls nor the frescoes were damaged. In 1825, part of the building was burned during a thunderstorm. ⠀
During the Great Patriotic War, the Assumption Church was located on the front line for 29 months and was completely destroyed by German artillery. Approximately 350 square meters of frescoes were lost.
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After the end of hostilities, 1.7 million fresco fragments remained at the church ruins and were subsequently conserved.
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On December 14, 1992, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Volotovo Field was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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In August 1993, Novgorod restorers began restoration work on the fresco fragments.
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In 2001, restoration of the church began as part of a joint German-Russian project. The German side paid 52 million rubles for the work, which was also financed from the federal budget. ⠀
The grand opening of the restored church took place on August 28, 2003.
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In 2003, approximately 1.7 million fresco fragments were sent to the Novgorod scientific workshop "Fresco" for restoration."
Маргарита Миронова
"a very cozy place with an interesting history. the church was destroyed during the Great Patriotic War. there is a groove along the wall showing the level of destruction of the walls. the unique frescoes of the 13th century Volotovskaya church are currently being restored in the workshop of the Novgorod Museum-Reserve"
Katherine Yanovskaya
"It works as a museum. In winter, the schedule is shortened until 14.00.
Adult ticket 100 rubles, children free.
Undoubtedly a beautiful unique ancient church.
But still, if you have little time to see all the churches of Novgorod, you can safely skip it, you will not lose much. Firstly, it is located far from the center and there are no other objects nearby, Secondly, the church is small, the inspection will take about 15 minutes.
Thirdly, there are no particularly beautiful views, because the modern cemetery, overgrown with trees, retreats very tightly."
Наталья Гудкова
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located a bit outside the main city center. While specific public transport routes aren't detailed, it's advisable to consider a taxi or a private car for easier access, especially if you're short on time. The journey might take around 15-20 minutes by car from the city center.
It's described as being a bit far from the center with no other major attractions nearby, suggesting it might require dedicated travel. Consider combining it with other nearby sites if possible, or factor in travel time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult tickets are priced at 100 rubles, and children can enter for free. Card payments are accepted for admission.
The church operates as a museum. It's important to note that winter hours are often shortened, typically closing by 2 PM. Always check the most current schedule before your visit.
There's no indication that advance booking is necessary. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and card payments are accepted.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary draw is the meticulously restored 14th-century frescoes, pieced back together from over 1.7 million fragments after the church's destruction during WWII. You can also see ancient graffiti from the 14th and 15th centuries on the walls.
The church is a small site, and a visit typically takes about 15 minutes. It's often recommended to skip it if you have limited time in Novgorod, as it's located away from other key attractions.
Originally built in 1352 and adorned with murals in 1363, it was devastated during WWII. The remarkable restoration of its frescoes from countless fragments is a testament to preservation efforts. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Yes, there is a visible groove along the wall that shows the level of destruction the church walls endured during the war.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, most museum-like settings allow photography for personal use unless otherwise indicated. The 'magical light' in the evening might be particularly photogenic.
The evening is highlighted for its 'magical light' filtering through the windows, which could offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Admission for children is free, which is a plus for budget-conscious families. The visit is also very short (around 15 minutes), making it manageable for shorter attention spans. Consider framing the visit as a story of a 'phoenix rising from the ashes' to capture their imagination.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, its historical significance is undeniable. The story of its destruction and rebirth is a powerful narrative of cultural preservation. Allocate time for this visit, as it offers a profound glimpse into Novgorod's rich history and the dedication of its caretakers.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
It's a place to appreciate the incredible feat of restoration and the survival of ancient art. While some reviewers suggest skipping it if time is very limited due to its isolation, for those with a keen interest in history and art, it's a worthwhile detour to witness a remarkable recovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Remarkable Restoration Journey
This incredible survival paved the way for an extraordinary restoration effort. Beginning in 1993, Novgorod restorers embarked on the painstaking task of reassembling these fragments. The process was part of a joint German-Russian project, with significant funding from Germany. The grand reopening of the restored church in 2003 was a momentous occasion, showcasing the dedication to preserving this cultural treasure.
Today, the church operates as a museum, allowing visitors to witness the results of this monumental work. The restored frescoes, now resembling mosaics, are a testament to the skill and perseverance of the restorers. The site also features a visible mark along the wall indicating the extent of the wartime destruction, offering a poignant contrast to the rebuilt beauty.
Historical Context and Significance
Despite enduring periods of devastation, including during the Swedish occupation and a lightning strike in 1825, the church and its frescoes largely survived until the cataclysm of World War II. Its location on the front line for 29 months led to its complete destruction by artillery. The subsequent conservation of the remaining fresco fragments and the church's eventual reconstruction have cemented its status as a symbol of cultural survival.
In recognition of its historical value and the remarkable restoration efforts, the Church of the Assumption on Volotovo Field was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. This designation underscores its importance not just to Russia, but to global heritage, highlighting the successful efforts to bring back to life a monument that was nearly lost to history.
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