Pskov

  Pskov is a city-state, a medieval veche republic, and an unwinnable fortress that was protecting the North-West boarders of this country from the old times.  Waterway was the main trade route of Pskov and a connection to European countries.  

The history of Pskov lands dates back over 1100 years.  In Russian history Pskov is known as a warrior town and one of major economical, political, and cultural centre.

The arts of Pskov lands are unique. The attractions of the region include Pskov, which is the administrative centre with its architectural monuments of the XII-XVII centuries.  Here you can see over three hundred architectural monuments.

The gem of Russian culture is the Spaso-Priobazhensky Cathedral in the Mirozhsky Monastery built in the XII century is covered with wall paintings by Byzantian artists.   A major collection of Pskov icons in the Pagankini Chambers is of world significance.

In the Pskov Monastery of Caves founded in the XV century in the underground necropolis there are remains of monks and civil people from many famous families, such as Tatischevs, Kutuzovs, Musorgskiyes, and Pushkins. 

The Old Izborsk XIV century fortress with miraculous springs, A. Pushkin reserve state museum, house museum of M. Musorgsky, estate of N. Rimsky-Korsakov, and many other sights attract here thousands of tourists every year.

Many towns of Pskov Lands, such as Porhov, Opochka, Gdov, and many other, are the unique monuments of old Russian architecture and defensive arts and are well known.