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What to see in Pskov in 2 days – 25 most interesting places

Sights of Pskov. The most important and interesting sights of Pskov - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.

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A city with more than a thousand years of history, Pskov, the envy of many ancient cities, is literally “stuffed” with the sights of ancient eras.
The Pskov Kremlin with ancient settlements and the remains of a dozen cathedrals, medieval chambers of merchants, elegant original Russian churches, harsh and bright monasteries standing on the steep banks of the rivers of the Pskov region, defensive towers, and finally, interesting museums and modern monuments - all this creates a unique image of the city, see with your own eyes which a considerable number of domestic and foreign tourists come to see. Pskov attracts not only individual ancient monuments, but also general architectural features. From time immemorial, fortress walls, temples, and civil buildings were made of local limestone, mined in quarries on the banks of the Velikaya River, and plastered. At the same time, safety was valued above all else - therefore, the walls of defensive structures were rarely thinner than 2 meters.

City of Pskov (Russia)

Pskov is one of the oldest cities in Russia and the center of the region of the same name. It was founded at the beginning of the 10th century and is famous for a whole scattering of Russian medieval monuments of history, culture and architecture from the 12th to 17th centuries. Pskov is a city with many magnificent ancient churches and an impressive fortress with mighty walls and towers, in the structure of which its core stands out - Krom or the Kremlin. This is a place with an amazing (for our country) concentration of ancient attractions, which “breathes” tranquility and thousands of years of history.

Reviews from tourists

For some tourists, Pskov becomes an amazing discovery that was very close. Someone looks into the city along the way, making it part of a larger journey. Winter weather does not become an obstacle for guests to get acquainted.

Website users shared their thoughts about what they saw on the streets of winter Pskov:

  • Dmitry in the stories with photos “Pskov Auto Voyage - Day 3: from Pskov to Smolensk” and “Pskov Auto Voyage - Day 2: “Island, Izborsk, Pechory”;
  • Sergey Vasilets in the material “Pskov region - an idea for the weekend”;
  • Konstantin with comments and many photos in the photo album “Pskov”.

All tourist reviews about Pskov on Tourister. RU

History, city transport, weather and other points necessary for organizing a trip:

  • City guide
  • What to bring from Pskov

Pskov embankment Photo: © vladkonst

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Zavelichye

You can get to Zavelichye (beyond the Velikaya River) via several bridges, for example, the Olginsky Bridge . The bridge, like many other architectural objects in the area, bears the name of Princess Olga, who is considered the patroness of Pskov.

There is a beautiful legend about the emergence of the city, according to which Pskov was founded by Princess Olga. Being the daughter of a poor peasant, the future princess worked at the crossing and transported people by boat. One of those who once crossed the river with Olga was the young Prince Igor. He instantly fell in love with a beautiful girl and soon married her. Already as a princess, Olga once sailed along the Velikaya River on a boat and admired the beautiful hill rising above the confluence of the smaller Pskova River into the Velikaya River. Suddenly a strong wind blew and the sky became cloudy. Then Olga came down to earth and began to pray. Suddenly the heavens opened up, and three rays appeared before the young princess, which converged on the very place where in the future the main Pskov temple - the Trinity Cathedral - would be built. Impressed by the fantastic vision, Olga ordered a church to be built here and a city to be founded.

Many places in the city are named after Princess Olga, for example, the Olginsky Bridge, Olginskaya Embankment, Olginsky Cross, Olginsky Well, the Chapel of Princess Olga, the monument to Princess Olga, and even the Olginskaya cafe and the Olginsky business center.

The Olga Chapel was built at the beginning of the 19th century, presumably exactly where the princess watched the luminous rays.

In the 1960s The chapel was demolished and a new one was built only in 2000. It’s a pity that the beautiful paving stones were also demolished along with the chapel.

Of course, it’s worth crossing the bridge, if not for the chapel, then at least for the beautiful panoramic view of the huge Pskov Fortress.

Fortress wall and embankment of the Velikaya River:

And here is the Olginsky Bridge itself, it looks quite sad.

Read also:  Kashin. Sights to see in one day, photos with descriptions

For comparison, the same bridge on the old postcard, albeit from a different angle.

In the foreground is the Anastasyevskaya Chapel . It was originally made of wood and stood for about 200 years; the chapel was rebuilt in stone in 1911. The chapel still stands in the same place, though in a low place, among wasteland and fences, and it doesn’t even look like you can go into it.

On the other side of the bridge you can see the Assumption Paromena Church and a beautiful bell tower, which housed a workshop and a forge in the 1960-1980s. The church was first mentioned in chronicles in 1444. Previously, instead of the Olginsky Bridge, there was a floating bridge and a ferry moored here, for which the church was called Paromenskaya.

Walking along the Olginskaya embankment, we see that the old houses in the area look quite sad: they are all covered in cracks and patches, and are about to fall apart.

And the new building, as always, is ridiculous and ridiculous.

The intersection of Rizhsky Prospekt and Maxim Gorky streets. Dilapidated Stalinka.

This one had its bottles painted, but what about the rest?

Public transport in Pskov consists of only buses:

Geography and climate

Pskov is located in northwestern Russia near the border with Estonia and Latvia. The city lies on the lowland of the same name on the Velikaya River, where the Pskova River flows into it. Pskov Lake is 16 km away.

Pskov has a transitional climate from maritime to temperate continental. Summer here is relatively warm and quite rainy. Winter is cool, with usually persistent light frosts, which can be replaced by thaws.


Ancient Krom - the oldest part of Pskov

What to see in the area

When visiting Pskov, at any time of the year, tourists do not miss the opportunity to see the historical cities of Izborsk and Pechory, moreover, the distance to them is only 25 and 40 km, respectively. 120 km south of the regional center there is another famous place - the Pushkin Mountains. It houses the family estate of the poet A.S. Pushkin.

In addition, in the vicinity of Izborsk there is a popular place for recreation and winter outdoor activities - Malskaya Dolina, as well as options for what to see with children.

Oak in Pushkin's Mikhailovsky Photo: © Sergey Vasilets

Malskaya Valley

Malskaya Dolina is a natural landscape park north of Izborsk. On the shore of Lake Malskoe, surrounded by picturesque hills, there is a modern country complex. It offers cozy rooms, a sauna and a restaurant with panoramic views of the beautiful valley.

On the slope facing the lake, there are several ski slopes, equipment rentals and instructor assistance are available. Children will love cheesecake rides, banana rides or snowmobile sleigh rides. In the wonderful winter forest there is a track for classic or skating.

Read more: Malskaya Dolina

Izborsk

Izborsk was once one of the important cities in the north-west of Rus', and today it is a small village visited by thousands of tourists. All thanks to the fact that the fortification of the 30s of the 14th century has been preserved here. — Izborsk fortress . In winter, there are fewer tourists per square meter of the town and fortress, so walking is much more comfortable.

The length of the fortress wall is 623 meters. On the gently sloping western side, the wall is the highest and thickest. Outside, three crosses are embedded in its masonry, as if protecting the village. The seven towers of the fortress have different heights, architecture and purposes. For example, from one of them there is a secret exit hole. You can go into some towers and climb up sections of the walls. Among the few buildings inside the fortress is St. Nicholas Cathedral of the 14th century, built according to the Pskov architectural traditions of that time.

On the wall of the Izborsk fortress Photo: © DK1974

But the city existed before this fortress: less than a kilometer to the north you can see the earthen ramparts of the Truvorov settlement - the first fortification of Izborsk. It existed during the time of the Ruriks. Truvor, the youngest of them, reigned in Izborsk. On the territory of the settlement stands the Church of St. Nicholas of the 17th century.

Another attraction is the Slovenian Springs on the shore of Lake Gorodishchenskoe . These are mineralized springs flowing out of the ground and forming a waterfall. In winter they do not freeze, just like swans and ducks on the lake; they will be happy to have a good treat.

Exhibitions of merchant and peasant life have been opened in the old houses of the town . All remarkable objects of Izborsk are included in the Izborsk Museum-Reserve .

Slovenian springs Photo: © Olga407

Farm "Izborsk Ostrich"

On the way from Pskov to Izborsk there is a farm breeding African ostriches. This is definitely worth a look if you are traveling with a child. In addition to huge birds that don’t mind either frost or predators, here you can see and feed poultry, sheep and rabbits, and buy unusual ostrich products.

Read more: Izborsk Ostrich Farm

Inhabitants of Lake Gorodets Photo: © DK1974

Pechory

Pechory is famous for its Pskov-Pechersky Monastery . There is no exact information about its appearance; more often the story begins with the discovery of “God-created caves” at the end of the 13th - beginning of the 14th centuries. The first nearby was the Assumption Cave Church , and others appeared in subsequent years. Due to its position on the northwestern borders of the country, the monastery acquired a fortress wall. Its history remembers more than one ruin and incredible rescue.

The unusual monastery with caves attracts many tourists. It is worth knowing that you need to sign up for an excursion to the “God-Created Caves” at least several days in advance. You can always visit the territory of the monastery, as well as the exhibition “Ancient storage of the era of Ivan the Terrible” in the Sacristy and the Museum of the Elders in the cave cells of St. Simeon and Archimandrite Seraphim. In the city itself, notable features are the city museum and the water tower with a power plant - an architectural monument of the first half of the 20th century, made of brick and similar in design to a small high-rise building.

Pskov-Pechersky Monastery Photo: © Sergey Vasilets

Mikhailovskoye Museum-Reserve

In the vicinity of the village of Pushkin Mountains there is the family estate of A. S. Pushkin Mikhailovskoye , as well as Petrovskoye , the estate of the Hannibal ancestors, and Trigorskoye - the house of his friends Osipov-Wulfs and, it is believed, the prototype of the Larins' house from Eugene Onegin. Fans of the poet’s work come here to see the picturesque landscapes of the Russian hinterland that inspired the poet, to feel the regularity of winter estate life and to walk through the snow-covered parks.

A significant part of the original buildings of the estates was lost after the revolution of 1918 and during the Second World War of 1941-1945, but after that they were restored for a long time and painstakingly. In the buildings of the three estates there are exhibitions dedicated to different aspects of the work and life of the writer, his family and friends. The tiny village of Bugrovo hosts many interactive programs typical of the Russian culture of the past. On the territory of the Assumption Svyatogorsk Monastery in the Pushkin Mountains there is the poet’s grave.

Read more: Pushkinsky Nature Reserve

Read also:  10 amazing stories about Pskov: What Pskov residents tell tourists about their city

Assumption Cathedral in the Svyatogorsk Monastery of the Pushkin Mountains Photo: © Sergey Vasilets

Story

The exact age of Pskov is unknown. The founding date of the city is considered to be 903 - its first mention in the chronicles. The city grew and developed around a powerful fortress built on a steep hill at the confluence of the Pskov and Velikaya rivers. There are no analogues to this ancient fortification structure on the territory of modern Russia.

The construction of the Pskov fortress began in the 10th century. Most likely, its oldest part is the hill between the rivers (present-day Krom). The last major reconstruction of the fortress was undertaken by Peter I. The latest part of its structure is the Okolny town, built in the 16th century. Although its territory was inhabited much earlier (from about the 12th century).

For most of the Middle Ages (until the 17th century), Pskov was one of the most important and largest Russian cities. From the 10th to the 12th centuries it was subordinate to Kyiv. From the 12th century to the mid-14th century, Pskov was part of the Novgorod Republic, while having broad autonomy.

The first stone buildings appeared in Pskov around the 12th century. The heyday of Pskov architecture is considered to be the period from the 14th to the 16th centuries.


Pskov
In 1348, Pskov gained independence from Novgorod. At the same time, the Pskov Republic was formed, which existed until 1510. Although in fact, since 1399, Pskov has become dependent on Moscow. The period from the 14th to the 15th centuries is considered the heyday of the city. Most of its ancient temples were built at this time.

In 1510, Pskov was included in the Moscow Principality. At the end of the 16th century, the city was besieged by the Poles, but was never captured. Throughout the existence of the Russian Empire, Pskov remained an important city in the north-west of European Russia. In 1918 it was briefly occupied by German troops. In the early Soviet period, Pskov became a city of regional significance. During the Great Patriotic War it was occupied by Wehrmacht troops, which caused its serious destruction. In 1944, the Pskov region was formed, and Pskov became its center.

After the collapse of the USSR, throughout modern Russian history, Pskov was seriously neglected. Recently, there has been a tendency for its development and transformation of the city into a tourist center. But for now, a lot needs to be done in this direction. Therefore, you can still see a sad picture of dilapidated ancient buildings in ancient Pskov. But, we hope, their reconstruction is already close.

Where to go in the evening

As you know, in winter the days are shorter and the evenings are longer, so you also want to spend them no less exciting. In the evening in Pskov you can go for a walk or, after looking at the poster, choose spectacular events for yourself.

An evening walk can be much brighter and more attractive if the day was cloudy and monotonous. Take a walk along the embankments of the Velikaya or Pskova , walk along the central streets and near the Kremlin. The silhouettes of Pskov Krom in the light of lanterns and in the soft glow of the snow are mysterious, halftones and shadows in the landscape create the feeling of a fairy-tale setting.

Photo: © Andrey Panin

If desired, the evening program will be supplemented by performances or concerts from cultural institutions of Pskov. The Drama Theater named after A. S. Pushkin is located in a beautiful building from the beginning of the 20th century. It is a branch of the Alexandrinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, holds theater festivals, often becomes a nominee for the Golden Mask Award and actively tours. The drama theater's repertoire includes works from classics to avant-garde - for every taste.

The Pskov Philharmonic Society occupies the building of the House of Political Education. In the 800-seat hall, world classics and modern compositions are played; listeners are delighted by local musical groups and invited performers, including Russian pop stars.

Pskov Drama Theater Photo: © Andrey Panin

The diversity of the poster of the City Cultural Center on the square. Pobeda, 1 and the House of Officers on the street. Divisional Commander Kirsanova, 5. The stage hosts concerts of vocal and dance ensembles, performances, musicals and festivals. Performances by small groups are also hosted at popular bars in the city.

How to get there

Pskov has a small regional airport with several weekly flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg. The best way to get to Pskov is to fly to St. Petersburg and then take a high-speed train or bus. Trains from Moscow are very slow. It's better to choose a bus. Pskov has regular bus service with Moscow, St. Petersburg, Veliky Novgorod, Vitebsk, Tallinn, Riga and Tartu.


Walls of the Pskov Kremlin

Excursions

A guided tour is a good way to organize a trip if you want to spend it intensely or have too little time for it. A local guide knows every corner of his city, he will tell you about the main attractions or show you not popular, but interesting or unusual places.

A standard tour of Pskov certainly includes a tour of the Pskov Fortress , a visit to Krom , towers, and merchant chambers. The churches that are unlikely to go unnoticed are the Trinity Cathedral and the Transfiguration Cathedral of the Mirozh Monastery , which preserves unusually skillful frescoes of the 12th century.

A country excursion to Izborsk and Pechory will be convenient for tourists without a car. In one day you can see the most significant places in the vicinity of Pskov. The small village was previously an important city in Rus'. It began with the Truvorov settlement and continued in the Izborsk fortress , which is where the guest can get acquainted. And people go to Pechory to feel the atmosphere of an incredible shrine - an ancient monastery standing on caves.

All excursions around Pskov on Experts Tourist. RU

Attractions

Pskov has a huge number of interesting sights, among which the ancient Krom (Kremlin), as well as several dozen ancient temples and chambers, stand out.

The main attractions of Pskov


Pskov Fortress
Pskov Fortress is the most famous landmark of the city. This is the most powerful and beautiful fortification structure of the period of Ancient Rus', in the structure of which stone walls and towers are well preserved, as well as other attributes of outposts: ramparts, ditches and underground passages. The Pskov fortress had several defensive lines and included: Krom (the core of the fortress and its most protected part), Dovmontov city, the wall of the mayor Boris and the Middle city.

Once the length of the walls of the Pskov fortress was about 9 km. The fortress was built over five and a half centuries. Moreover, throughout its eight-century history it has never been taken by storm. The material for the construction of the walls was a limestone slab. The slabs were held together with lime mortar. The fortress included five defensive rings, being one of the most advanced medieval outposts in all of Europe.


Chrome

Pskovsky Krom

Krom is the oldest and most important part of the Pskov fortress, built on a high hill. Its western wall stretches along the bed of the Velikaya River, and its eastern wall stretches along the bed of the Pskov River. The chrome has the shape of a triangle. It is protected by four ancient towers: Smerdya (Dovmontova), Kutekroma (Kutnyaya), Srednyaya (Snetnaya) and Troitskaya (Chasovaya). In the Middle Ages, one could get to Crom through two gates. Only the Trinity Gate has survived to this day.

The exact date of the founding of Krom is unknown. Archaeological research indicates that the first stone walls were built here already in the 10th - 12th centuries. Krom acquired its modern appearance in the 13th - 14th centuries. The towers (except for the ancient Smerdya, built in the first half of the 14th century) were built throughout the 15th century.

The architectural dominant feature of Pskov is the imposing Trinity Cathedral, built in the 17th century in the style of traditional Russian architecture. This temple rises above the vast space of the ancient square where the Pskov veche took place.


Krom's scheme

Dovmontov city

Dovmontov city adjoins Krom on the south side. This area of ​​Pskov was founded in the second half of the 13th century by the Lithuanian prince of the same name. Before this, artisans lived here. Also in ancient times, there was a market square on this territory - Torg. In the 14th - 15th centuries, Dovmontov city was the administrative and religious center of Pskov. At that time, there were more than 15 churches on its territory, as well as many civil buildings.


Order chambers

Now Dovmontov city lies in ruins. Here you can only look at the foundations of ancient temples. The only well-preserved buildings in this quarter are the Order Chambers, built at the end of the 17th century. This building now houses a museum.

Wall of Posadnik Boris

The wall of Posadnik Boris (area of ​​Profsoyuznaya Street) was founded at the beginning of the 14th century to protect Krom from the south. In the 15th century it was dismantled so as not to interfere with the growth of the city. In ancient times this site had ten towers. Only one has reached our time - Mstislavskaya.

The area between the wall and the river was a swamp in ancient times. For centuries, the inhabitants of Pskov filled up the swamp. Under mayor Boris, this place was paved with wood and used for market purposes. Over time, the swamp was completely filled up.


Chrome

Medium city

The middle city is the territory between Dovmontov city and Okolny. This area was once called Zastenje, as it was located outside the 14th century walls. In the 16th century, the Okolny Town was built, and Zastenye began to be called the Middle Town, located between two lines of walls.

Now the border between Sredniy Gorod and Okolny has been erased.

In the late Middle Ages, this area was characterized by very dense buildings. At that time, there were more than 6 thousand courtyards and dozens of temples, many of which have survived to this day.

Okolny town

The Okolny town is the latest part of the Pskov fortress, completed in the 16th century. It is fortified with powerful walls up to 5 meters thick, which have withstood several serious sieges.

The walls of the Okolny City were 3 km long. They once included seven towers. Only three of them have survived to this day.

Beautiful towers of the Pskov fortress


Flat Tower
The Flat Tower dates back to the 14th century. Despite some squatness, which is why it got its name, this is one of the most expressive towers of the Pskov fortress. This structure has a purely defensive purpose and is reinforced with loopholes.

The flat tower forms one of the most famous views of Pskov. This is a very photogenic place.


Mstislavskaya Tower
Mstislavskaya Tower is the only surviving part of the fortifications of the Middle City, which, apparently, was previously part of the wall of the mayor Boris. The tower was built in the 14th century. It has an outer diameter of 15 m and a wall thickness of up to 2.5 m.


Pokrovskaya Tower

The Pokrovskaya Tower is one of the most beautiful and probably the most powerful tower of the Pskov Fortress. It is considered the largest fortress tower in Europe, having an outer diameter of 90 meters. Once this structure had five tiers. The thickness of the tower walls ranges from 6 meters to 3.5 meters. This structure was built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The foundation for the tower is a rock foundation.


Vlasyevskaya Tower

The Vlasyevskaya Tower is a powerful 32-meter tower, built in the 16th century and guarding the only passage gate to ancient Pskov.

Temples of Pskov

Pskov is famous for its magnificent sacred architecture. Here you can see several dozen medieval stone churches, which are unique monuments of ancient Russian architecture.


Holy Trinity Cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral is the main temple of Pskov, located in Krome on the former veche square. According to legend, the first church here was founded in the 10th century by Princess Olga. The current temple is the fourth and dates back to the second half of the 17th century.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral was built in the style of traditional Russian architecture. This is the tallest building in the ancient city (78 m). Inside, the cathedral has simple white walls, among which an impressive iconostasis stands out. Nearby is a 17th century bell tower built on the foundation of a fortress tower.


Church of Kozma and Damian from Gremyachaya Mountain

The former Gremyatsky Monastery is an ancient monastery, abolished at the end of the 18th century. A medieval stone church from the 14th century, rebuilt in the 16th century after a fire, has survived to this day.


Temple of Alexander Nevsky

The Alexander Nevsky Temple is a beautiful brick church built in the early 20th century.


Church of the Resurrection of Christ

The Church of the Resurrection of Christ is an ancient church founded in the 16th century. It is an active temple.


Church of Peter and Paul from Buya

The Church of Peter and Paul from Buya is an ancient Orthodox church, first mentioned in the 14th century. The current church was built in the first half of the 16th century. The building has a structure typical of Pskov churches - one dome, three apses and a simple white facade.


Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh from Zaluzhye

The Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh from Zaluzhye is considered one of the most elegant sacred monuments of Pskov. The temple was founded in the Middle Ages and was once part of the monastery of the same name. The church was rebuilt several times over the 17th and 18th centuries. An interesting feature of the building is the beautiful dome with ceramic coating.


Church of St. Varlaam Khutynsky

The Church of St. Varlaam of Khutyn is an ancient medieval temple built at the end of the 15th century.


Church of St. John the Evangelist

The Church of St. John the Evangelist is an ancient temple in the style of ancient Pskov architecture. The exact date of construction of this monument is unknown. According to some sources, the church dates back to the 14th century, and according to others, to the 15th or 16th century.


Church of the Intercession and Nativity of the Virgin Mary

The Church of the Intercession and Nativity of the Virgin is an ancient temple, first mentioned in 1399. Located in the southwestern part of the Okolny town near the Pokrovskaya tower.


Old Ascension Church

The Old Ascension Church was built in the first half of the 16th century on the site of an older religious building. In ancient times, there was a convent on this site.


Church of the New Ascension

The New Ascension Church was part of the Novo-Voznesensky Monastery, abolished by Catherine II in the 18th century. The exact age of the church is unknown. The building may date back to either the 14th century or the 16th century.


Church of the Epiphany

The Church of the Epiphany is an ancient church located at the ancient ford across the Pskova River. It was founded at the end of the 14th century. The existing church dates back to the 15th century and is one of the main churches in the Zapskov region.


Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is a magnificent monument of sacred architecture of ancient Pskov and one of the most important Pskov churches. The church was first mentioned in 1371. The current building dates from the first half of the 16th century.


Church of St. George from Vzvoz

Church of St. George from Vzvoz is a stone church built in 1494.


Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an interesting ancient church, first mentioned in 1444. The current building dates from the first half of the 16th century. The church was built near an ancient ferry crossing.


Mirozhsky Monastery

Mirozhsky Monastery is one of the oldest Russian monasteries, founded in the 12th century. It was closed during the Soviet period and restored quite recently.

The monastery includes several religious buildings: the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior - one of the oldest churches in Pskov, founded in the 12th century, with frescoes from the pre-Mongol period, Stephen's Church of the 17th century and the bell tower of the 19th century.


Cathedral of the Nativity of John the Baptist

The Cathedral of the Nativity of John the Baptist is one of the oldest (among the surviving) ancient Russian churches. The church was first mentioned back in 1243 (even before the Tatar-Mongol invasion). The temple combines features of Novgorod and Byzantine architecture.


Church of St. Basil on Gorka

Church of Vasily on Gorka is a beautiful Pskov temple, built between 1413-1415.


Church of the Great Martyr Barbara

The Church of the Great Martyr Barbara is a wooden church that dates back to 1618.


Church of the Archangel Michael and Gabriel

The Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel is an ancient Orthodox church built in the 14th century. Located on the old shopping square, which was one of the centers of ancient Pskov.

Other sights of Pskov


Golden embankment
Golden embankment is one of the most beautiful places in Pskov. To the left is Crom and to the right are beautiful old houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.


Pogankin chambers

Pogankin Chambers is one of the most beautiful examples of civil construction in Pskov. This stone building was built in the 17th century. Now the main exhibitions of the local museum are located here, including unique ancient icons.


Monument in memory of the Battle of the Ice

The monument in memory of the Battle of the Ice on Lake Peipus is one of the most beautiful and interesting sculptural compositions in the city. It was installed in 1993. It is believed that the route of Alexander Nevsky’s troops to battle passed here.

What to see with children

Pskov is not a big city, but nevertheless, you can find entertainment popular among modern children - playrooms with bright toys, trampolines, virtual games clubs. If you really want summer and the opportunity to swim, there is the Aquapolis water park for this. But let us note a more unique leisure activity for families with children who come to winter Pskov.

If you are traveling with a child, you can also start your walk from the Pskov Fortress . Older schoolchildren, who have already mastered the history of Ancient Rus', are more familiar than their parents with all the vicissitudes of the events of past years and have probably heard of Pskov, and Princess Olga, and the Battle of the Ice. A walk under the walls of a real fortress will be a vivid impression and a more attractive activity than reading a textbook.

Within the walls of Pskov Krom Photo: © DK1974

The Pskov Museum-Reserve conducts a large number of interactive educational programs. One of them takes place in the Varlaamov Tower; it will clearly tell you about the history of the fortress and military events.

Most other children's excursions are held in the Postnikov Yard . Young visitors will be told about the customs of tea drinking and main dishes in Rus', the construction and life of villages, stove tiles and linen clothing, trading shops and goods in those ancient times. It is proposed to study the ancient customs through a folk tale.

In addition, a special excursion is organized for ready-made groups in winter, which introduces the history and traditions of celebrating the New Year and the Nativity of Christ, and in February - with the traditional fun of Maslenitsa for the children of Pskov’s past.

Children's program within the walls of the fortress Photo: © Sergey Vasilets

As a cultural program, you can also visit the Pskov Puppet Theater . Young viewers can expect well-known productions such as “The Three Bears” or “The Golden Key”, as well as lesser-known stories that can give new emotions. Closer to the New Year, children are also invited to New Year's performances and musicals at the City Cultural Center and the House of Officers .

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Snetogorsk Monastery

The oldest women's monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary Snetogorsk is the central monastery of the Pskov lands, located a few kilometers from the city center. According to the chronicle, the first mention of this holy place is found in manuscripts for 1299. The monastery was repeatedly plundered and destroyed by foreign enemy invaders.

The attacks were explained by the desire to seize a strategic position on the high bank of the river. Despite the trials that befell the buildings, there were still people who restored the monastery from the ruins. Therefore, the architectural ensemble of the monastery took very diverse forms.

The Snetogorsk monastery consists of cathedrals, church schools, icon-painting workshops, as well as residential and utility buildings. The most significant object of the monastery is the white stone Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, built in 1312. The cubic church is decorated with a dome standing on a drum, which is surrounded by openwork ornaments. Inside the temple there is a unique collection of wall paintings. Beautiful frescoes depict biblical scenes. The painting surprises with images of saints, which are presented humanely without symbolism.

Route

The route to the sights of Pskov in 1 day begins on the left bank of the Velikaya River and includes movement along its different banks. You will walk along the fortress walls, which were built centuries ago in several stages as the city expanded, and you will find yourself in the atmosphere of events that took place centuries ago.

The program is as follows: Spaso-Mirozhsky Monastery - Holgin's Cross - Cathedral of John the Baptist - Pskov Krom and Trinity Cathedral - Dovmontov City - Vlasevskaya Tower - Sovetskaya Embankment - Church of Varlaam Khutynsky - Kuopio Park - Pogankin Chambers. If you have time left, you can go to the river embankment or return to the place you liked most. In the evening, the Kremlin looks beautiful under the lights. If you have time, go to the Snetogorsky Monastery with ancient frescoes; the road from the center will take about 20 minutes.

Review materials: Guide to Pskov

Sights of Pskov

Pokrovskaya Tower Photo: © kolekaterina

Museum "Honey Farm"

In the village of Dubrovka, among a dense forest, there is a real kingdom of bees - the “Honey Farm”. The farm and at the same time an open-air museum attracts all honey lovers with interesting exhibits that give an idea of ​​the traditions, history and culture of beekeeping.

The museum consists of ancient wooden huts, which recreate the atmosphere of peasant life of the 19th century. Here you can see a variety of tools, household items, as well as collections of rare beehives, samovars, irons, craft tools, honey extractors and much more.

In total there are more than 10 thousand exhibits. Tasting rooms are equipped on the well-groomed territory of the farm, where tourists are given the opportunity to try delicious Pskov honey products. You will be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of drinks that combine different types of honey with berries, fruits, tea, bread and cheese. For particularly curious visitors to the farm, special courses on bee breeding are held.

Order chambers

The only administrative building on the territory of the Kremlin, where the administrative apparatus of the voivodeship met, was called the Order Chambers. The 17th-century building is a two-story white rectangular building made of limestone slabs with thick walls, a hipped roof, a massive stone porch and a high staircase.

The chambers were divided into five departments, each of which performed its own tasks and decided the fate of the Pskov residents. The office desks of the embassy, ​​finance, land, army and court were also located here. The premises have recreated the original working environment of the governor and officials of the Middle Ages.

Vlasyevskaya Tower

The tower was erected to defend the line of fortress walls at the descent to the river in the 20th century and has been well preserved to this day. The tower is equipped with a high observation attic, from which a convenient view over a long distance was opened. The tower was located above the only entrance to the central part of the city from Zavelichye. Therefore, there was also a customs point in the tower.

In 2010, the tower was seriously damaged in a major fire that occurred at night. Then the wooden tent of the tower collapsed, the interior decoration and walls were damaged, and the fire spread to the neighboring tower. Fortunately, both towers were completely reconstructed exactly.

The entrance ticket costs 100 rubles. Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00. Address: st. Kremlin, 7.

"Golden Embankment"

Along the river bank there is a magnificent embankment, immodestly popularly called the Golden. The place attracts the attention of tourists with beautiful hotel complexes built in the architectural style of the 19th century. Colorful facades of buildings with decorative elements give the quarter a noble aristocratic ambiance. On the other bank, opposite the palace ensemble lined up in a row, the majestic buildings of the Pskov Kremlin rise.

The landscaped area of ​​the “golden embankment” makes for an ideal, pleasant walk. On the street, paved with decorative tiles, there are lanterns and comfortable benches, as well as tall broad-leaved trees and flower beds.

Monument to the 6th company

In the village of Cherekha there is a memorable monument dedicated to the heroically killed soldiers of the sixth parachute company in the second Chechen campaign in 2000. A detachment of Pskov paratroopers took on an unequal battle at an altitude of 776 meters in the Argun Gorge with large enemy forces. The basis of the sculptural monument is a parachute. A metal dome with steel slings is installed on a pedestal designed to look like a mountain peak. In the center there are 84 long candles pointing upward. Their number corresponds to the number of bravely killed soldiers.

At the foot of the monument there are granite slabs on which the names of the paratroopers are engraved. In the inside of the parachute dome you can see copies of the autographs of all the fighters. The building is crowned with the star of the Hero of Russia.

Planning expenses

In December, the most convenient way to get from Moscow to Pskov is by train. The cost of round trip tickets in a reserved seat is ≈ 2,700 rubles, in a compartment ≈ 6,700 rubles. View availability of tickets on Train.ru →

You can get there by passing car for ≈ 1,400 rubles according to Blablacar.ru →

A day's stay in a double room at a 3* hotel will cost approximately 3,500 rubles - find a hotel on Hotellook.ru or Booking.com →.

One-room rented apartment for two ≈ 2000 rubles when booking through Sutochno.ru →

You can get around the city by bus or minibus. The price of 1 trip is 25 rubles. If you are planning out-of-town excursions, it is cost-effective to rent a car. One day car rental ≈ 1800 rubles.

Food prices in Pskov are average across Russia. If you don’t want to cook yourself, you can eat profitably in inexpensive canteens or in chain establishments like McDonald’s. The Sergievskaya Canteen, located on Oktyabrsky Prospekt, 19, and the Boulevard Canteen on the street have good reviews. Lenina 11/4. The average bill at both establishments is 250 rubles (lunch per person).

Grab a bite to eat at a local cafeteria and head out again!

December Pskov is interesting in its own way. Towers, temples and fortress walls of the ancient city look especially majestic against the background of a cloudy sky. And if you want bright colors, you can look into an atmospheric restaurant, entertainment center or water park.

Have a nice holiday!

Author: Natalya Lobanova

Article last updated: December 8, 2021

Museum "Two Captains"

For fans of the famous adventure novel “Two Captains,” it will be fascinating to visit a museum dedicated to the literary work, as well as the life and work of the author Veniamin Kaverin. The Soviet writer was born and raised in Pskov. The writer's hometown became the prototype of Ensk, which was described in the book.

Museum exhibits are located in the building of the children's and youth library. The place is filled with the romance of the exciting chapters of the book. The institution's expositions allow visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the events described. Here you can see an airplane propeller blade, a model of a schooner, a ship's wheel, many historical photographs, a compass, globes and other objects.

V. Kaverin’s personal belongings are collected in a separate room. These are manuscripts, drafts, first editions of the novel and reviews. In front of the museum building there is a sculptural composition of two captains - Tatarinov and Grigoriev. The figures of the heroes of the work are captured in dynamics. One with a mighty beard seems to emerge from a block of ice, the other in a pilot’s helmet confidently heads towards the task at hand.

Menshikov Chambers

In one of the central areas there is a stone architectural ensemble built in the second half of the 17th century. These are the chambers of the zemstvo elder Semyon Menshikov, who was one of the richest and most influential merchants of the Pskov lands.

The complex consists of separate three- and two-story stone buildings, the facades of which are decorated with a porch with columns, small window openings with ornamented frames and wide staircases. The merchant mansions are connected to each other by an underground passage. The lower floors of the buildings served as warehouses, and the upper large halls were intended for receiving guests and entertaining the owners.

Church of St. Nicholas of Usokha

In the old days, a dried-up bed of a small stream or a swamp was called a dry riverbed, so this temple was named partly on a geographical basis. The church has been on this site since the 14th century. The current building - square in plan with several chapels, domes, a belfry and an adjacent chapel - was built in the middle of the 16th century.

The church suffered greatly in 1941–1944. Immediately after the war and in the 1960s, two reconstructions took place, and in 2008, services were resumed in the Temple of St. Nicholas of Usokha.

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