The tithe monastery in Veliky Novgorod, according to the generally accepted version, was built around the beginning of the XIV century. Currently, the monastery is not functioning, but an art museum has been created on its territory. This unique monastery, its history, architecture and unusual facts will be described in this essay.
History of the cloister
The tithe monastery in Veliky Novgorod was supposedly built at the beginning of the 14th century. So, for example, the first mention of the monastery dates back to 1327 in the Novgorod annals. The monastery was female and belonged to the second class. The monastery is located in the Lyudin (Goncharny) end (one of the districts of the city) and is adjacent to the Okolny city rampart.
Scientists have not come to a common opinion why the monastery received such a name. However, it is reliably known that the very first stone temple, erected in Kiev almost immediately after the baptism of Russia, was called the Tithe Church. It is with this that some historians associate the name of the Tithe Monastery in Veliky Novgorod.
There is also a version that the monastery was called tithe due to the fact that it was erected on princely land called tithing.
Other versions
However, there is another version regarding the date of construction of the monastery. So, according to the annals of Abraham, the monastery was built in 998, and its ruler was Joachim Korsunyanin. But according to most historians, this date is rather doubtful.
And according to legend, the Tithes Monastery in Veliky Novgorod appeared closer to 1170, when the city was besieged by the Suzdal people, led by Andrei Bogolyubsky. Then, next to the cloister, an icon was installed on one of the walls, called “Our Lady of the Sign”, which, as is commonly believed, miraculously saved the entire city from invaders.
It should be noted that these are just versions that do not have documentary evidence, in connection with this the foundation date is considered the beginning of the XIV century.
Description of the cloister
Until now, not all monastery buildings have been preserved. Between the streets of Dobrynia and Prussia rises a beautiful bell tower, which has the characteristic elements of Russian church architecture. Through the bell tower is the entrance to the monastery, and on its sides there are two small buildings topped with domes. In the photo of the Tithe Monastery in Veliky Novgorod you can see the beauty of buildings and the skill of architects and builders.
All buildings that were on the territory of the monastery were erected at different times. The earliest is the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, which was erected around 1327. The church was a four-pillar cubic temple with one chapter and an apse. Two chapels were added to the church - in the name of the Nativity of John the Baptist, and also in honor of St. Panteleimon.
The facades of the temple were divided by blades into three elements and connected with decorative arches at the top. The church was built of pink and red shell rock using red brick. Unfortunately, only the ruins of the temple, which was located in the central part of the monastery, have survived to date. And we can judge its architecture only by the remaining photographs.
Monastery buildings
The remaining buildings were scattered throughout the territory of the monastery, which had the shape of a regular quadrangle. To date, the earliest buildings, preserved almost intact, are abbot and monastic cells.
During the Great Patriotic War, these premises were significantly damaged, but were restored, but not completely. Today, in one of the buildings is an art museum. In the Tithe Monastery in Veliky Novgorod, namely in its southern part, there is a stone two-story building designed for the sisters to live. Currently, there are art workshops.
Outbuildings
In the western part of the monastery there is an elongated one-story building, which used to have a refectory, a bakery, a kvassarna and a kitchen. It is an interesting fact that at the time when the monastery was operational, water was piped to this building in 1901, which was a rarity for the city.
Among the stone buildings, a two-story wooden building was surprisingly preserved, in which, presumably, the monastic cells were located. On the territory of the monastery there were several outbuildings, for example, a stable and a horse carriage, located in the northern part in the so-called black courtyard. Nearby was a garden, a bathhouse, a laundry, and also sheds for storing hay and firewood.
Tithe Monastery in Veliky Novgorod: address
Today this place is very popular among city guests. On the territory of the former monastery is the Novgorod Museum of Art. You can get to the monastery territory for free, and a ticket to the museum costs 100 rubles. for adults and 50 rubles. for children.
The tithe monastery in Veliky Novgorod is the 3rd most popular landmark in the city. It is located at: Veliky Novgorod, Novgorod region, st. Desyatinnaya, 3 A. In addition to exploring the architecture of the monastery and visiting the museum, you can see art master classes here. And also it will be possible to learn various art techniques that have been preserved since the 15th century.
These places are rich in historical events that influenced the development of not only the Novgorod lands, but also of the whole of Russia as a whole. After visiting the sights of Veliky Novgorod and acquaintance with its history and architecture, it is worthwhile to go to the Tithe Monastery to appreciate the highest skill of ancient Russian architects, which amazes with its beauty.