Pskov
Pskov is very ancient town. It was first mentioned in chronicles in 903. Olga, the first Russian Christian woman and a wise governor of Russia founded it.
Pskov - one of Russia's oldest and most beautiful cities, it boasts one of the greatest number of extant historical monuments - over 300. The earliest go back to the 12 th century, the latest to the early 20 th. There is a natural combination of ancient monuments (fortified walls with towers, churches and monasteries, and merchant's chambers) and modern buildings.
It was the strongest fortress on the western border of Russia. Pskov's historical destiny as a warrior intercessor was reflected in its monuments, especially its architecture, an extraordinary, permanent, genuinely popular epic in stone. Those, who once upon a time came to Pskov bringing war and devastation, saw the invincible might of the fortress walls, the unshakable strenghth of Pskov churches.
This fortress stands on a long, rocky promontory between the Pskova and Velikaya rivers.
Foreign commercial relations were of great importance for Pskov. Silver arab drachm appeared in Pskov already in the 9 th to 10 th centuries, and West European money came to Pskov in the 11 th to 12 th centuries.
The Pskovites exported furs, wax, honey, tar, flax, leather, fat and grain and imported salt, herring, expensive cloth, wine and fruits, paper, non-ferrous.
By the end of the 17 - the beginning of the 18 centuries the Pskov school of architecture has lost completely its individual style.
Famous Russian's poet Pushkin wrote a cycle of poems in the Pskov province. Alexander Pushkin lived in the village of Mihailowskoye. The masterpieces of poetry and prose he created there have enriched the treasure-chest of world literature.
There are many churches in Pskov. You can visit Kremlin with beautiful Trinity Cathedral, 17th century. There you can see 7 tier iconostasis. We have very ancient Mirozhsky Monastery of the 12th century. The world famous frescoes 12 century of its Cathedral of the Transfiguration occupy an important place in the history of Russian and world culture. One can visit Museum of History and Fine Arts Pogankin Chambers. There are "Icons", "Picture Gallery", "Silver", "Armory" departments in the museum. There are two professional theatres in Pskov - Pushkin Drama Theatre and Puppet Theatre. Our Theatres: fun and pleasure for all who stay young at heart.
The picturesque nature, plenty of forests, rivers, lakes create the perfect conditions for rest. Walk and fill your lungs with fresh air, enjoy the green silence and grand views. Enjoy a romantic sunsets that touch your soul. Imagine being able to concentrate on revitalizing the passions of what's truly important to you. Under Izborsk's fortress (9 century) there still flow springs, called "the Slavensky springs". It is wonderful springs of Youth, a Love and Beauty. Spring flow into the Goroditschenskoe Lake, there are live beautiful swans with their children. |