There probably isn’t a bigger symbol of post-Soviet decay than Novgorod Veliky’s theatre. Though weedy, flaky, rusty and crumbly, it’s definitely one of the better Soviet era buildings and hardly deserves the neglect.

This isn’t just any old lump of concrete. (That’s the Intourist hotel next door.) This is concrete clad in off-white marble tiles. Colour photos don’t really do it justice.

If the design looks a little disjointed, it’s because it’s the work of three architects: one did the main hall, another the superstructure, another the appendages. Each one tried to incorporate a citadel feel in keeping with the character of Novgorod’s Kremlin.

For the record, Novgorod Veliky was a trade Kremlin rather than a military fort. Given the number of businessmen who are blown away in Russia, the idea of fortified office space could well come back into fashion.

UPDATE: As you’ll note in the comments below, my information about the multiple architects turns out to be just local folklore. The scoop on the real designer is now here.

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The view from the riverside. Since the entrance is on this side, it might be considered the front. Hard to tell.

Looking through this ‘flying buttress’, you glimpse the accompanying Soviet style monolith, which has become a popular jumping off point for suicides.

The Soviet version of the Hollywood Bowl, a concrete auditorium with iron theatre seats.

The ornamental fountain. At the moment, there doesn’t appear to be a budget for water.

Locals collect the polished granite steps to tile their bathroom floors.

It definitely get’s more interesting - even awesome - the closer you get.

See also: The Seven Wonders Of Novgorod