St. Sophia Cathedral of Novgorod - known monument of ancient Russian architecture. The value of this Cathedral in the life of ancient Novgorod was great. Independence of Novgorod Sophia was the symbolism of the free city of Novgorod.

In the year 1045 is the Foundation of the Church of Sophia the Wisdom of God, have arrived from Kiev to Novgorod Yaroslav the Wise Princess. The Cathedral was built to 1050 years. It was consecrated Bishop Luke, with data from various Chronicles testify that this event happened in 1050 - 1052.

The temple is crowned with five domes, which in ancient times covered with lead sheets. The Central dome was studded podslashennoyi copper in the FIFTEENTH century. The crown is made in the form of ancient helmets. The walls were not whitewashed, except for the apse and drums, and covered with amancay (natural paint). Inside the walls are not painted, the vaults are covered with frescoes. Design determined the influence of the architecture of Constantinople. Wall marble combine with mosaic ornaments of the arches. Later, in 1151, marble replaced the limestone, and mosaic — murals. The first painted Cathedral in 1109. From the frescoes of the middle ages there were fragments in the Central dome and painting in Martiricos the porch "Constantine and Elena". There is a version that this image could be the basis of the mosaic, because the murals are made more dilute inks. The main dome fresco of the "Pantocrator" destroyed in the war. The main painting of the XIX century. In the South gallery of famous burial outstanding Novgorod – bishops, princes, mayors.

In the temple you can enter through the North doors. During the service the Archbishop opened the main West gate. In West portal bronze mounted gate, built in the Romanesque style, with lots of sculptures and reliefs. They were made in Magdeburg in the XII century, and in the same century came to Novgorod from Sweden as war booty.

With the construction of the Church of Novgorod were imbued him with special respect. "Where is Sophia, Novgorod there," said the residents. This idea was developed in the fifteenth century, when the Central dome was five-domed vytlacil, and his cross was placed a lead of a dove, symbolizing the Holy spirit. The legend tells that Ivan the terrible in 1570 treated cruelly with Novgorod. At this time, the Sophia cross sat a dove. He was petrified with fear when he saw from the height of a terrible massacre. After the mother of God revealed to one monk, that God sent to comfort a city pigeon, and until then, until sitting on the cross the dove - over protects the city.

In ancient times the Church was the altar barrier. It consisted of the extant images: "the Apostles Peter and Paul" and "the Saviour on the throne" of the XI - XII centuries. In the Cathedral in XIV-XVI centuries has set high iconostasis. Silvery gleams of salaries, colorful brightness of Christmas icons and iconostasis of the Dormition attract the eye, lifting him to the heights of domes and vaults.

Architectural structure of the Novgorod St. Sophia Cathedral perfectly. Kiev and Byzantine architects, who had granted him, passed in the eleventh century through the main building, the essence of the character of the city of Novgorod: the grandeur of the Church's thought and spiritual power. Saint Sophia of Novgorod differs from its predecessor – Cathedral in Kiev - strict forms and compact volumes. Cathedral length 27 m, width 24, 8 m; with galleries length 34, 5 m, width 39, 3 m. the Total height from the ancient floor, Central cross Chapter — 38 m. the Wall thickness of 1, 2 m made of limestone of different colors. The stones are not hewn and bonded with lime mortar with admixtures of crushed brick. Arches, lintels and arches made of bricks.

The Cathedral keeps the icon of the Mother of God "the Sign" of 1170. Icon defended Novgorod against attack Suzdal Prince Andrei. For the Novgorodians this event was very significant, was established even celebration by a special rite.

In 1929 the Cathedral was closed and opened a Museum. It presents the treasures of the sacristy. During the occupation, the temple was looted and damaged. After the war it was restored and made division of the Novgorod Museum. In 1991 the Cathedral transferred to the ROC. Patriarch Alexy II made the consecration of 16 August 1991. In 2005-2007 restored the dome of the Cathedral.