1) Вы проводите информационный поиск в ходе выполнения проектной работы. Определите, в каком из текстов A — F содержатся ответы на интересующие Вас вопросы 1 — 7. Один из вопросов останется без ответа.1. What made Veliky Novgorod one of the main cities of the past?
2. What is known about the ancient history of Veliky Novgorod?
3. Who founded the old city of Veliky Novgorod?
4. What makes Veliky Novgorod a popular tourist destination?
5. What are the most interesting sights to visit in Veliky Novgorod?
6. How is it possible to get to Veliky Novgorod?
7. What souvenirs can be brought from the city?
A. Veliky Novgorod is a nice city, perfectly located not far from Saint Petersburg and Moscow. Being one of the oldest cities in Russia, it attracts hundreds of visitors. Veliky Novgorod is often called an open-air museum of the ancient Rus. Many outstanding monuments of medieval architecture situated not only in the city centre but also in some outlying areas have been preserved. In 1992 Veliky Novgorod was given the status of the World Heritage Site of UNESCO.
B. Veliky Novgorod was founded in the 9-10 centuries. Being the best-fortified city of the ancient Rus, it has seen a lot of great events during its 11-century history. Novgorod was a political centre of large territories stretching up from Baltic lands to the Urals. For a long time, Novgorod was the largest centre of culture in Russia, where old chronicles and books were created. Moreover, the city stood on the famous trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks.
C. Veliky Novgorod was first mentioned in the year 862 in the famous historic document “The Tale of Bygone Years”. The Russian primary chronicle gives a detailed account of the early history of the eastern Slavs. It tells the story of Rurik, the Viking chieftain, who was invited to the city as a new leader. It was an important event in the history of the country as Rurik became the founder of the whole dynasty of the ancient Rus, staying in power up to the 17th century.
D. Many great monuments of medieval architecture and painting have been well kept in the city. The Novgorod Kremlin dates back to the 11th century. The Kremlin territory houses one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches, St. Sophia Cathedral, as well as the regional library and the Philharmonic building. The open-air Vitoslavlitsy museum of wooden architecture presents some excellent examples of wooden structures from different parts of the city.
E. Novgorod craftsmen have always been famous for their birchbark crafts. Tourists can find various cute items to bring back home. They are jewellery boxes, hairpins and hairbands, plates and cups. For fun, one can also buy bast shoes – traditional footwear of Russian peasants also made of birchbark. Along with birchbark items, one will always find wooden carved figures in shops. They will become a perfect gift or a home decoration for oneself.
F. The most convenient way of travelling to Veliky Novgorod is to go by train. The fastest route is now offered by the Lastochka train departing from Saint Petersburg twice a day. Travel time is less than 3 hours, which is much faster than travelling by train from Moscow, which will take the whole night. Bus trips are available as well. Getting to Veliky Novgorod by car is also quite a fast and convenient way for those who choose privacy and comfort.