|
Pskov is a few hours further Southwest of Novgorod. Another of Russia’s most ancient towns — it was first mentioned in a chronicle in 903 AD. Pskov began as a small outpost of Novgorod and later grew into a commercial center of its own, developing its own school of icon painting and culture. It was primarily a city of merchants, and because of its aggressive neighbors it needed a good fortifications. Thus Pskov was considered one of the strongest fortresses in medieval Europe. Ivan the Terrible tried to annex Pskov, but the town resisted for many years before being subjugated. Rimsky-Korsakov later wrote an opera based on the uprisings called The Maid of Pskov.
Much of this history has been saved and is very worth seeing. Among the landmarks are the Pskov Kremlin with the Trinity Cathedral (built in the 17th century) and Mirozhsky Monastery (12 century) which is famous for its frescoes. Other places to visit include the 17th century merchant houses, small churches and monasteries which are especially charming. Many of the town’s churches were named according to their location, such as St Basil’s-on-the-Hill, Assumption Church-by-the-Ferry and St. Nicholas–at-the-Stone Wall.
Outside the city is the ancient fortress of Izborsk, also worth visiting, and Pskov-Pechorian Lavra, one of the biggest and most beautiful monasteries in Russia.
|
