Novgorod is one of the oldest towns of Russia. It was founded in the middle of the IX century by Ilmen Slavs on the banks of the Volkhov River 180 kilometers south-east of St. Petersburg. Novgorod is well-known for its ancient architecture, which is survived into the XI century. Novgorod's little gold-domed churches give a special charm to the cityscape. The Kremlin of Novgorod was built in XI century. Within its walls stands St. Sophia's Cathedral constructed in 1045-1050. In the center of the Kremlin there is a monument called “Millennium”, commemorating the 1000-year anniversary of the foundation of the Russian State. Yuriev Monastery of XII century, which has recently started functioning again after a long break, is located in the suburbs of Novgorod.