In our country, many ancient cities are hidden, which can be considered true reserves of Russian culture that existed before the Soviet period. One of these cities is Staraya Russa. It is officially believed to have originated in 1167, but legends claim that the city was founded much earlier by Prince Rus, the brother of Slozhena and son of Skif. The early history of the city still causes much debate among historians. It is known that the first stone temple, the Spassky Cathedral, was built in 1198, and a few years earlier, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery was founded. The city has repeatedly been subjected to attacks from both external enemies and during civil wars; some attacks were repelled, but others ended with the capture of the city.

Today, Staraya Russa is a true find for lovers of antiquity, where artifacts from the early centuries of the second millennium are found, linked to important events in the history of Rus. Unfortunately, due to frequent fires and wars, much has been lost. The oldest of the preserved temples is the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, located in the monastery of the same name. The stone cathedral was founded in 1198 on the site of a wooden church but has been rebuilt multiple times, including in the 15th century when it was almost dismantled to its foundation. The church of St. George the Great Martyr, founded in 1410, also underwent significant reconstruction. Thus, the church of St. Mina the Great Martyr, built in 1497/1498, is considered the oldest temple preserved in its original form. The Resurrection Cathedral, built between 1692 and 1698, has also survived, although it has undergone significant changes.

In the recent history of Staraya Russa, it is worth noting the opening of a museum dedicated to the novel "The Brothers Karamazov" and a monument to Dostoevsky, who lived in this city for some time. Additionally, not far from the city is the largest cemetery of German soldiers who died in wars.