Veliky Novgorod was one of the largest centres of trade and commerce in all of Europe for hundreds of years. The city’s Golden Age was during the time of the Novgorod Republic, which lasted from the 12th through the 15th centuries. Historical chronicles say that the city was home to some 5,000 craftsmen that specialised in dozens of different areas. The city is known for its craftsmen that work with birch bark, build wooden architectural structures, make ceramics, jewellery, armour and work as weavers, carpenters, blacksmiths and leatherworkers. Nowadays craftsmen are studying and rediscovering the traditions and secrets of their ancestors. RTG host Olga Degtyareva met up with them. Find out more in this new programme.