About St. Sophia Cathedral, Russia

Over 38 meters high and with five domes, this stone Cathedral going by the name of St. Sophia is found in Novgorod and is owned by the Archbishop of Novgorod. Built by Vladimir of Novgorod between 1045 and 1050, it contains one of the oldest frescoes depicting St. Constantine and Helena inside its walls, which is one of the oldest artworks of the Cathedral and is of great interest to tourists. The Cathedral’s design is influenced by Byzantine patterns and a reminder of Roman architecture, where the design is minimalistic in nature. It is also known for the various icons painted inside and on the Cathedral walls, including the famous icon of Sophia’s. 

Must See

  • The building's gold domes
  • The bell tower 
  • Virgin Orans 
  • Group portraits of Yaroslav and family
  • The central nave
  • The Prince's empty tomb can be found on the ground floor
  • The cast-iron tile floors,
  • Art galleries upstairs
  • Museums 
  • Ornate tomb
  • Statue of Cossack hero Bohdan Khmelnytsky.
     

How to reach

Taxi is the quickest option and it will cost you around 100 to 130 RUB.


 

Tips

  • It's well worth climbing the bell tower for a stunning view of the Cathedral.
  • Ticket to enter the Cathedral also gives entry to the Refectory
  • The Cathedral is open daily, with some holiday closures.
  • Wheelchair accessible.
  • Don't eat or drink inside the Cathedral.
  • Photography is allowed but without a flash.
  • Don't make a noise or talk loudly during the visit.
  • It is the best place for meditation or to relax.
  • Visitors must be properly and modestly dressed. 
  • Put your cell phone on silent mode or turn it off when inside.
  • There are souvenir shops, a gallery, and museums.

Visit Time

Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

None

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

The entrance to the territory is free.  Ticket to the tower is 200-300 roubles.

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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 8.17°C

 

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