Soltsy

Soltsy, whose name owes to the nearby salt water springs, was first mentioned in a chronicle in 1390 and in the following played an important role as an intermediate station on the trade route connecting Novgorod and Pskov. In 1471, the Battle of Shelon between Muscovite forces led by Ivan III and the army of the Novgorod Republic took place near Soltsy, which marked the end of political independence of the Novgorod Republic. Pskov Governorate was abolished as well and the district became a part of Novgorod Okrug of Leningrad Oblast. On July 5, 1944, Soltsy, together with Soletsky District, was transferred to newly established Novgorod Oblast. ==Administrative and municipal status==

Within the framework of administrative divisions, Soltsy serves as the administrative center of Soletsky District. As an administrative division, it is, together with two rural localities, incorporated within Soletsky District as the town of district significance of Soltsy. As a municipal division, the town of district significance of Soltsy is incorporated within Soletsky Municipal District as Soletskoye Urban Settlement. ==Economy==

Industry The main branches of industry in Soltsy are electronic industry and food industry. Transportation The railway connecting St. Petersburg and Nevel via Dno crosses the district from north to south, running close to Soltsy. The railway connecting Bologoye and Pskov via Staraya Russa crosses the southern tip of the district; however, there are no significant stations on this line within the district's territory. The town is located along the Veliky Novgorod–Pskov highway and is also connected by road to Staraya Russa via Volot. The Shelon River is navigable downstream of Soltsy; however, there is no passenger navigation. ==Culture==

Soltsy contains one cultural heritage monument of federal significance and additionally fifty-one objects classified as cultural and historical heritage of local significance. The federal monument is the St. Ilia Cathedral. in Soltsy Soletsky District Museum is located in Soltsy. It exhibits collections of local interest. ==Military==

A key strategic military base, Soltsy-2 is located northeast of the town. ==References==