Zverin Monastery

14th-century monastery on the Volkhov's left bank, with frescoes and riverside grounds

The Zverin Monastery sits on the left bank of the Volkhov River north of the Kremlin, a short walk from the city centre along the riverside promenade. Founded in the 12th century, the monastery's main church dates from 1335 and contains well-preserved medieval frescoes. The grounds are peaceful and the river views are good — this is a quieter alternative to the main tourist circuit around the Kremlin and Yaroslav's Court.

The monastery is still active and several of the church buildings have been restored. The Church of Simeon Bogopriimets, adjacent to the main church, has frescoes dating from the 15th century. The surrounding riverbank is pleasant for a walk, especially in summer.

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A story
The monastery's name — "Zverin" means "of the wild beasts" — comes from the forest that once covered this part of the riverbank, used for princely hunting. The main church, the Church of the Intercession, was built in 1335, making it one of the oldest surviving churches in Novgorod. The monastery survived the Mongol era because Novgorod itself was never sacked — the Mongols turned back before reaching the city, a fact that shaped everything about the city's extraordinary medieval heritage.

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