Arcade of Gostiny Dvor

The Gostiny Dvor arcade in Veliky Novgorod is a significant historical structure that embodies the architectural heritage of the city.

Initially, Gostiny Dvor was built at the end of the 17th century and had a fortification function, representing a square with two towers. At the end of the 18th century, during reconstruction, the complex was deprived of its defensive function and redesigned in the style of strict classicism. As a result of this restructuring, two arcades appeared - western and eastern. However, during the Great Patriotic War, the buildings of Gostiny Dvor were severely destroyed. After the war, most of the buildings were dismantled, but only a small fragment - the western arcade - survived.

The most noticeable part of Gostiny Dvor is the white arcade, which stretches parallel to the Volkhov River for 140 meters. It is made of brick and decorated with blades on pillars, and also has archivolts with keystones. Each vault of the arcade is decorated with panels with a curved lower part, and a profiled cornice runs along the top.

Today the arcade is an object of cultural heritage of Russia of federal significance. It recalls the rich history of Gostiny Dvor and serves as an important element of the urban landscape of Veliky Novgorod.