Valday or Valdai (Russian: Валда́й) is a town in Novgorod Oblast, Russia, the administrative center of Valdaysky District. It lies on the federal highway M10 connecting Moscow and St. Petersburg, 386 km from Moscow and 140 km from Velikiy Novgorod. Population: 18,703 (2002 Census); 19,173 (1989 Census).
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History
The settlement was first documentally mentioned in 1495 and received the status of a town from the empress Catherine II in 1770, when its population was at about 2,000 inhabitants. The town became the leading center of bell manufacturing in Russia. The famous Iversky Monastery (founded in 1653) and the Uspensky cathedral (built in 1656) are located on one of the islands of the nearby Valday Lake.
Tourism
Valday is a popular tourist destination, situated in the middle of the Valdai Hills national park. Most people come to the lake and to the town during the summer. Valday features many resting homes and sanatoria. Many camping places are available around the lake.
See also
External links
- Official website of the town (Russian)
 Cities and towns in Novgorod Oblast |
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| Administrative center: Veliky Novgorod Borovichi • Chudovo • Kholm • Malaya Vishera • Okulovka • Pestovo • Soltsy • Staraya Russa • Valday |
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