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Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits Novgorod Kremlin in the Novgorod Region

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After a short conversation with Novgorod residents outside the walls of the city's Kremlin, Vladimir Putin went into the ancient citadel itself, where he was told about progress in restoring the Novgorod Kremlin's historical building and grounds. Many of the structures in the Novgorod Kremlin have already been restored and fitted with modern communications networks and lighting, and new cobblestones have been laid throughout the Kremlin grounds. Vladimir Putin also paused at the Millennium of Russia monument, which was erected in 1862 under the supervision of sculptor Mikhail Mikeshin. The enormous bell-shaped monument depicts the main stages of the formation of the Russian State and includes 129 statues and high reliefs, including depictions of Peter the Great and Ivan III.

The prime minister also visited the Novgorod Kremlin's Faceted Chamber, the only example of late Gothic art in Russia. The Faceted Chamber was built by artists from Germany and Novgorod in 1433 and has undergone restoration since 2006.

Vladimir Putin spoke with restorers working on a fresco on a wall in the chamber.

During his visit to the Novgorod Kremlin, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stopped at the excavations of the Kalikina Chamber, the oldest non-military stone structure in Russia, which archaeologists believe was built in the middle of the 14th century. The chamber was the residence of Novgorod Archbishop Vasily Kalika, who won high prestige among his compatriots for his educational and charitable activities. Archaeologists told the prime minister that the monument was in need of conservation measures that would cost about five million roubles. The prime minister promised to find the funds necessary to create a museum and provide for conservation measures.

Prime Minister Putin then visited the St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod, the first stone church in the city. As a guest of honour, he entered the cathedral through the bronze Magdeburg Gates, which were taken as a war trophy by the people of Novgorod during fighting with Swedes in the 12th century and are now opened only on special occasions. The prime minister inspected the interior of the cathedral and lit a candle.