I visited the Novgorod Kremlin with a local tour guide and learnt that the site was originally the site of a pagan burial ground upon which a cathedral was built around 989 or so. The current fortress was built between 1484 and 1490. It is situated on the left bank of the Volkhov river. The Kremlin is a large oval, around 545 metres long and 240 metres wide with nine towers. It is a very friendly and peaceful setting for a number of iconic buildings and structures including the Cathedral of St Sophia. Families and other tourists alike were having a great time at the time of my visit. The Kremlin and surrounding buildings and gardens are a must see when visiting Veliky Novgorod.