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the ancient fortress of
Pskov
everlasting beauty and power
feel the spirit of antiquity and the atmosphere of pre-Peter Russia
At the end of the 15th century, Italian architects created a beautiful red brick fortress in Moscow – the Moscow Kremlin. Kremlins of many Russian cities gained Italian features after that. But what did the traditional Russian Kremlin of white limestone look like, thanks to which Moscow received one of its names - "white stone"? To imagine it, one should visit ancient cities in north-western regions of Russia, and first of all Pskov.
Pskov is one of the oldest cities in Russia. Its exact age is not known, but the first mention of it dates back to year 903. Pskov, located on the western border of the country, was endangered for centuries. This forced to strengthen and develop the fortress. Pskov became the only Russian city that got five fortress rings (three of them are still preserved), which made it almost impregnable. After the foundation of St. Petersburg and the expansion of the borders of the Russian Empire, Pskov lost its significance as a trade and defense center. The development of the city slowed down. However, this made it possible for us to feel the spirit of antiquity and the atmosphere of pre-Peter Russia.
The World War II became a severe trial for Pskov. Most of the buildings were destroyed, museums were looted. The population was reduced three times. After the war, many cities of the USSR were hastily renovated, and that's how lots of typical Soviet buildings ruined the whole image of some cities. However, Pskov's renovation was held with a help of a committee of Moscow architects who created a plan on the reconstruction and restoration of all historical monuments. Pskov was destined to become a museum city. The restoration was carried out so flawlessly that even an expert can not immediately distinguish the remake from the medieval buildings nowadays.
The old city of Pskov is relatively small, but there are about 50 churches there. The most ancient of them date back to the XII century. The number of churches and monasteries in Pskov is so big that one could say there is no street in the city without a church or at least a chapel.
Pskov is one of the oldest cities in Russia. Its exact age is not known, but the first mention of it dates back to year 903. Pskov, located on the western border of the country, was endangered for centuries. This forced to strengthen and develop the fortress. Pskov became the only Russian city that got five fortress rings (three of them are still preserved), which made it almost impregnable. After the foundation of St. Petersburg and the expansion of the borders of the Russian Empire, Pskov lost its significance as a trade and defense center. The development of the city slowed down. However, this made it possible for us to feel the spirit of antiquity and the atmosphere of pre-Peter Russia.
The World War II became a severe trial for Pskov. Most of the buildings were destroyed, museums were looted. The population was reduced three times. After the war, many cities of the USSR were hastily renovated, and that's how lots of typical Soviet buildings ruined the whole image of some cities. However, Pskov's renovation was held with a help of a committee of Moscow architects who created a plan on the reconstruction and restoration of all historical monuments. Pskov was destined to become a museum city. The restoration was carried out so flawlessly that even an expert can not immediately distinguish the remake from the medieval buildings nowadays.
The old city of Pskov is relatively small, but there are about 50 churches there. The most ancient of them date back to the XII century. The number of churches and monasteries in Pskov is so big that one could say there is no street in the city without a church or at least a chapel.
But the ancient Pskov is not the only reason to visit this part of Russia. There are more sites nearby the city.
The town of Izborsk is even more ancient than Pskov. It's just a village with the population less than 1, 000 people nowadays, though it used to be a powerful fortress back in the 12 century. A movie about Andrey Rublev, Russia's most famous icon painter, was filmed there.
Pechory, or Pskovo-Pechora monastery, is one of the biggest and most famous male monasteries in Russia with a long history. There is an unusual cave church there, which became the reason for naming the monastery and the city.
Mikhaylovskoye museum is known by every Russian, because the family estate of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin is located there. The poet spent his youth there and years 1824-1826 when he was exiled. Over 300 thousand visitors a year come there to enjoy the beauty and spirituality of Pushkin Mountains.
It's impossible not to fall in love with Pskov. It's not only sights and museums that make it so attractive but also friendly atmosphere and a great tourist service. They say it's because Estonia is near – Pskov is located 35 kilometers from the border. Anyway, every Pskov visitor will make sure himself that it's a city of polite and cultured people who love their city and do their best to preserve its history and traditions.
The town of Izborsk is even more ancient than Pskov. It's just a village with the population less than 1, 000 people nowadays, though it used to be a powerful fortress back in the 12 century. A movie about Andrey Rublev, Russia's most famous icon painter, was filmed there.
Pechory, or Pskovo-Pechora monastery, is one of the biggest and most famous male monasteries in Russia with a long history. There is an unusual cave church there, which became the reason for naming the monastery and the city.
Mikhaylovskoye museum is known by every Russian, because the family estate of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin is located there. The poet spent his youth there and years 1824-1826 when he was exiled. Over 300 thousand visitors a year come there to enjoy the beauty and spirituality of Pushkin Mountains.
It's impossible not to fall in love with Pskov. It's not only sights and museums that make it so attractive but also friendly atmosphere and a great tourist service. They say it's because Estonia is near – Pskov is located 35 kilometers from the border. Anyway, every Pskov visitor will make sure himself that it's a city of polite and cultured people who love their city and do their best to preserve its history and traditions.
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