The Nikolo-Dvoriщensky Cathedral, also known as the Nikolsky Cathedral on Yaroslav's Dvorishche, is one of the oldest churches in Novgorod, second only to the St. Sophia Cathedral in age. Its construction began in 1113 at the initiative of Prince Mstislav Vladimirovich on Yaroslav's Dvorishche, but the consecration took place only 23 years later, on December 5, 1136.

The cathedral was built in the style of the St. Sophia Cathedral but with certain differences. Located on the opposite bank of the Volkhov River, it was somewhat opposed to the St. Sophia Cathedral. The Novgorod Chronicle briefly mentions its creation: "In the year 1113... the church of St. Nicholas was laid in Novgorod." This was not the first church built by Mstislav Vladimirovich, son of Vladimir Monomakh. Ten years earlier, he constructed the Annunciation Church on Gorodishche, now known as Rurik's Hillfort.

In the 14th century, the church was dismantled, and a new one was built in its place, which suffered greatly during the Great Patriotic War. Excavations in the 1960s showed that the original building was a ceremonial church, similar to the Nikolo-Dvoriщensky Cathedral, and also opposed to the St. Sophia Cathedral. The St. Sophia Cathedral, the main church of Novgorod, held immense significance for the city, emphasizing its independence. In conditions where the archbishop of Novgorod was elected by the townspeople, the prince needed material symbols of power. The Nikolo-Dvoriщensky Cathedral became such a symbol.

The construction of the cathedral was prolonged, and it was consecrated only in 1136. The names of the architects are unknown, but it is sometimes suggested that the creator could have been Peter, the builder of the Yuriev Monastery Cathedral. The cathedral was built for the prince, and its choir was intended for the princely family. It was believed that a gallery led from the princely palace to the choir, but excavations in 2007 disproved the existence of the palace. It was assumed that the clergy of the cathedral would be subordinate to the prince, not the archbishop.

Only one case of disobedience by a priest of the cathedral is known in 1136. In that year, Prince Vsevolod, son of Mstislav, was expelled from the city, and the Novgorod Republic was established. Princes became hired military leaders, and the opposition disappeared. Soon, the Nikolo-Dvoriщensky Cathedral became a "veche" church. Archaeologists discovered that between the cathedral and the Church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, there was a veche platform for noble townspeople.

The active role of the cathedral occurred in the first centuries of its existence when it participated in key events in Novgorod's history. After Novgorod joined the Moscow state, the cathedral mainly retained its memorial significance. In 1478, Novgorod lost its independence and came under Moscow's control. Around this time, the Nikolsky Church received the status of a cathedral after the consecration of chapels in honor of the Ascension, the Conception of the Righteous Anna, and Varlaam of Khutyn from 1463 to 1508.

Since 2007, archaeological research around the cathedral has begun, yielding valuable findings. Since 2003, the Nikolsky Cathedral has been functioning as a museum.