Borovichi

The Msta River was an important waterway since at least the 10th century, since it connected Novgorod with the basins of the Volga and the Northern Dvinas. The settlement was first mentioned in 1495. It was granted town status in 1770 by Catherine the Great. ==Administrative and municipal status==

Within the framework of administrative divisions, Borovichi serves as the administrative center of Borovichsky District, even though it is not a part of it. As an administrative division, it is incorporated separately as the town of oblast significance of Borovichi—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts (one of the three in Novgorod Oblast). ==Economy==

Industry In Borovichi, there are enterprises of construction material production, timber industry, and food industry. There is also production of woodworking machines and of engines. Transportation Borovichi is connected by a railroad with Uglovka and thus with the railway between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. There are road connections to Tikhvin (via Lyubytino), Okulovka, and Pestovo. Borovichi is a local bus transportation hub. ==Culture and recreation==

The town of Borovichi contains one cultural heritage monument of federal significance—the arch bridge across the Msta—and additionally ninety-nine objects classified as cultural and historical heritage of local significance. The town is home to the Borovichi Regional Museum. The famous rapids of the Msta River popular among tourists are located just upstream from Borovichi. ==Sports==

• Bandy Club Borovichi is the only professional sports team in Novgorod Oblast. In 2010, it was playing in the High Division (the first tier) of the Russian Bandy Super League, but in 2011 due to financial difficulties it was relegated to the First Division (the second tier). Their home arena has the capacity of 5,000. ==Notable people==

• Alexey Kuznetsov, Soviet official • Sergei Gennadyevich Yegorov, Russian association football player ==Twin towns and sister cities==

Borovichi is twinned with: • Binghamton, New York, United States • Haapsalu, Estonia • Pereira, Colombia • Suolahti (consolidated in 2007 with Sumiainen to make Äänekoski), Finland (status unknown) ==References==