Close to the centre of Novgorod (2 km), at the source of the Volkhov river is Ryurik Gorodishche and historical monument of the ninth century. It is known as the residence of the Novgorod princes. Originally the building was called the Mound. Literally the name translates from old Slavonic as "the place where was the city". With the name of Prince Rurik began to associate only with the nineteenth century, is connected with the interpretation of the ancient Chronicles of the XII century, called the "Tale of bygone years".

There are several interpretations of this document. According to one of them in 862 the Novgorodians called Rurik to rule on their land. And from that time on earth Novgorod was built the residence where he lived the Prince and his retinue. It was a village-fortress in the source of the Volkhov trading on the Baltic-Volga route or another of his name - on his way "from the Varangians to the Greeks".

The location of the building was very favorable, since high of the hill were visible nearby, and you can monitor vessels passing from the Volkhov river into lake Ilmen.

The population were engaged in various crafts, evidenced by the results of the excavations. Found crystal, glass and carnelian beads, bronze pendants, decorated with runic symbols. In addition to jewelry, the archaeologists found the armor and weapons of the Vikings, the scales, the hryvnia, with the hammers of Thor, a lot of coins (Arabic, Western and Byzantine), as well as birch-bark, which is the letter several brothers to their parents. The letter mentioned the name of Prince Rurik.

The first excavations on this site were produced only in the early twentieth century. Closer to the middle of the century had begun a systematic study of this place. In the course of the work done were found traces of Neolithic sites 2-3 millennia BC and the settlement of the early iron age. The first fortress of the city was built in the 7th century Ilmen by the slovens. To the 9th century, the fortress grows. Inside are wooden buildings. The castle was heavily fortified wall and moat. In front of the residence of the Prince was a pagan sanctuary. In the entire history of the Settlement, the property was built six churches, stone, and wood. Several times they were rebuilt and restored.

In the tenth century, not far from the Fort there is a new settlement, which later became the new economic center of Priilmenye. And by the early 11th century in the ancient city gradually decreases the intensity of life there remains only the residence of the princes. This place is a very known fact that is connected with the names of many historical figures. It is here that ROS Alexander Nevsky. Some time stayed here or have lived: Dmitry Donskoy, Vasily, Ivan III, Ivan the terrible.

In the beginning of the twelfth century there was erected the Cathedral of the Annunciation, on the orders of Prince Mstislav of Novgorod. The construction took place under the direction of the first Russian architect - master Peter, in 1103. A little later built another temple on the other Bank of the Volkhov, identical to the Cathedral of the Annunciation according to the layout, the shape of the pillars and the stairs. This is St. George's Cathedral in Yuriev monastery. Thus, the two churches together was a majestic the front passage at the entrance to the city from the Ilmen lake. The sight was indescribable in its beauty and grandeur.

Also, in the fortress, were built in various periods, 6 churches, stone, and wood. These were the churches of St. Nicholas, the Annunciation, the presentation of the virgin, of saints Cosmas and Damian, St. George, Archangel Michael. Not far from the Fort was built the Church of our Saviour Transfiguration on Nereditsa, by order of Prince Yaroslav in 1198. Already in the late 16th century, it lost its importance to the Royal residence, and Peter I granted to his Prince Menshikov.

The mound is an ancient and very interesting monument, which attracts the attention of all those interested in the history of our country. And, despite the fact that now it is a small hill with the ruins of an ancient temple, this ancient city and immerses visitors in ancient times. Ryurik Gorodishche is becoming one of the most interesting historical sites for scientists and tourists, as well as an attractive place to stay, as the most beautiful corner of nature.