Veliky Novgorod, Russia, July 23, 2025
Photo: novgorodmuseum.ru
The Church of St. Prokopy, a 16th-century architectural monument in the heart of Veliky Novgorod, will open its doors to pilgrims and tourists for the first time in decades. The church, built in 1529, has undergone extensive restoration after serving as a warehouse for nearly 100 years.
The Novgorod State Museum-Preserve announced that the Church of St. Prokopy at Yaroslav’s Court will welcome visitors starting July 24, reports Interfax-Religion.
The restored church will feature an exhibition of Biblical-themed works by renowned Moscow sculptor Sergey Antonov, including crucifixes and stone and wooden crosses.
According to historical chronicles, the church was constructed in 1529 with funding from prominent Moscow merchant Dmitry Syrkov. The project was completed in just seven months, with Dmitry Ivanov, son of Syrkov, serving as the builder. The Syrkov family, one of the largest merchant dynasties of the time, was known for extensive construction activities in Novgorod after Ivan III relocated them to lands previously belonging to disgraced Novgorod boyars.
The church represents one of the smallest churches in Novgorod, measuring 29.5 by 41 feet with a narthex. Its architecture reflects a unique blend of Novgorod and Moscow traditions, featuring decorative elements characteristic of Moscow style, including keel-shaped arches, three equal-height apses, and an eight-slope roof covering.
A distinctive feature of the building is its basement, with church chambers located on the upper floor. The interior preserves significant fragments of original frescoes on the southwest pillar, depicting Sts. Anthony the Roman and Barlaam of Khutyn in full height.
The church endured numerous challenges throughout its history. During the Soviet era, it was closed and primarily used as a storage facility. World War II brought significant damage, with the roof and wooden superstructure destroyed. Restoration work was carried out from 1953-1955, restoring the eight-slope roof and removing 19th-century additions.
The Church of St. Prokopy significantly influenced the development of Novgorod architecture, serving as a model for the nearby Church of the Annunciation at the Market in the mid-16th century. The monument was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.
The current comprehensive restoration began in 2023 as a two-year project, preparing the historic site for its new role welcoming visitors after decades of closure.
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