The oldest merchant city, mysterious and enigmatic – this is Veliky Novgorod. Historically, Novgorod is divided into two parts – the Market and the Sophia sides – and is considered the birthplace of medieval Russian democracy. In the 12th to 15th centuries, the supreme governing body was the popular assembly – the veche – which dealt with issues of peace and war, domestic policy, and others. In Veliky Novgorod, it is recommended to visit ancient temples, theaters and philharmonic halls, the gingerbread workshop, and of course, the Novgorod Kremlin (or detinets). By the way, there is a wonderful park nearby. The city has a diverse cultural program. For example, the festival of ancient Russian art “Detinets,” which features concerts, theater performances, and workshops. The vibrant festival of folk art and crafts “Sadko” is also popular. When you visit the city, be sure to try the local fish, grey mullets, sulchiny (dough pockets with porridge), gingerbread, and Novgorodian kvass. Outside the city, it is worth visiting the bell museum, Ilmen and Seliger lakes, Valdai National Park, the house-museums of Fyodor Dostoevsky and Nikolay Nekrasov, and the museum complex “Slavic Village of the 10th Century.”