The Antoniev Monastery, founded in the 12th century, is one of the architectural gems of Veliky Novgorod. It is located on the banks of the Volkhov River, in the northern part of the Trading Side, and, according to legend, was founded by St. Anthony of Rome, who arrived in Novgorod on a stone. This stone is still kept in the main cathedral of the monastery.

In 1570, the monastery suffered greatly during the destruction of Novgorod by the troops of Ivan the Terrible, but it was later restored. From 1708 to 1723, it served as the residence of bishops. In 1740, a Spiritual Seminary was opened here, part of which has survived to this day.

The monastery complex included several churches built between the 12th and 17th centuries. Above the entrance stood a three-tiered bell tower, erected in 1806-1807 on the site of the Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist at the request and expense of Metropolitan Ambrose. Originally, the bell tower was four-tiered and over-gate. After the monastery was closed in 1920, it was not used but remained intact at least until 1948. Today, the bell tower is missing its two upper tiers and the bells have been lost.

Today, the territory of the monastery houses the Humanitarian Institute of Novgorod University.