On July 24 the press conference of city administration was held in Veliky Novgorod.

The mayor of the city Yuriy Bobryshev said that Veliky Novgorod had enough potential to be developed as tourism destination.

“Riurikovo Gorodishche is a unique historical place in the city. That is why Veliky Novgorod has all chances to become a tourist Mecca”.   

The authorities of the city and the region are going to include the object to the federal program for the preparation of celebration of 1150 anniversary of the city.     

According to the mayor Russian organization committee for preparation of anniversary events will gather for meeting in Veliky Novgorod on July 30. Riurikovo Gorodishche will be on the agenda among other issues of federal organization committee.

The 1150 anniversary will be celebrated in the city in September (19-21) 2009.

Riurikovo Gorodishche was named in comparatively modern time after Rurik, who supposedly made it his “capital”. Archeological data suggests that the Gorodische, the residence of the Knyaz (konung or prince), dates from the middle of 9th century, whereas the town itself dates only from the end of the 10th century.

Source: www.regnum.ru/news/1032080.html