At the source of the Volkov River, guarding the trade route "From the Varangians to the Greeks" lies this fortified settlement of the Viking Age. Here was the residence of Rurik the Prince, who started the first Russian ruling dynasty. In 862, he was summoned to govern by Novgorodians. Archeological excavations done near the fortress, its dwellings, and utility structures provide proof that Rurik's Hill Fort dates to 9th - 10th cc. This is known as the "Old City" - established in Age of Adaptation to Christianity - that preceded the city of Novgorod (the late 10th - early 11th cc.). In the centre of the Hill Fort there are ruins of the Cathedral of the Annunciation that was erected by the Prince Mstislav the Great in 1103 and then reconstructed in the 14th c. The Hill Fort hosted rulers from the Novgorod area - due to the city's major political and economic importance - until the age of Ivan the Terrible (the Fourth). The Annunciation Cathedral and the St. George Monastery provided a scenic getaway for past rulers. Now it gives guests a beautiful view of the past.

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