Pskov, Russia
Region: Pskov Oblast
Geographic Coordinates: 57.816700, 28.333300
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 30.0°C (-40°F to 86°F)
Climate: Cold and snowy winters, mild summers, and variable precipitation throughout the year.
Population: 209840
Language: Russian
Pskov is a city located in the northwestern part of Russia, Near the border with Estonia. It is one of the oldest cities in Russia, And it has a rich history that dates back to at least the 9th century. The city was an important center of trade and commerce during medieval times, And it played a significant role in the political and cultural life of ancient Rus. One of the most striking features of Pskov is its impressive fortress walls.
These walls were built during different periods throughout history, But they all share a common purpose: to protect Pskov from invaders. The most famous section of these walls is called Krom, Which was built in the 14th century and still stands today as one of Pskov’s main attractions. Another major attraction in Pskov is its many churches and monasteries. Some notable examples include Trinity Cathedral, Which was built in the 1690s; Mirozhsky Monastery, Which dates back to at least the 12th century; and Snetogorsky Monastery, Which was founded by St. Anthony of Rome in 1240.
Pskov also has several museums that are worth visiting for those interested in Russian history or culture. One such museum is the Museum-Reserve The Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery, Which houses an extensive collection of religious artifacts from various periods throughout Russian history. For those who enjoy nature or outdoor activities, There are plenty of opportunities to explore around Pskov as well. The nearby Lake Peipus offers excellent fishing opportunities for those who enjoy angling while hiking trails abound within Gdovsky Forest Reserve where visitors can admire beautiful landscapes that have remained virtually unchanged since ancient times.
no trip to Pskov would be complete without trying some traditional Russian cuisine! Some popular dishes include borscht (a hearty soup made with beets and other vegetables), Pelmeni (dumplings filled with meat or cheese), And blini (thin pancakes served with various toppings such as sour cream, Caviar, Or jam). Overall, Pskov is a fascinating city that offers a unique glimpse into Russia’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient fortresses, Visiting historic churches and monasteries, Or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside, There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Pskov.
Important Landmarks
- Pskov Kremlin
- Trinity Cathedral
- Mirozhsky Monastery
- Church of the Savior on the Sands
- Pokrovsky Monastery
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Monument to Velikaya River
- The Pogankin Chambers Museum
- Pushkin Hills Nature Reserve
- Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Pskov
Primary Industries
- Agriculture
- Grains
- Potatoes
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Manufacturing
- Metal products
- Machinery
- Textiles
- Food processing
- Tourism
- Ancient architecture
- Museums
- Art galleries
- Natural beauty
- Construction
- Roads
- Bridges
- Buildings
- Trade
- Wholesale markets
- Clothing items
- Foodstuffs
- Education
- Several universities
- High-quality education
- Students from across Russia
- Healthcare services
- Numerous hospitals
- Medical services
- Residents of the area
Noteable History
- The foundation of Pskov in the 9th century as a trading center and fortress.
- The Battle of the Ice in 1242, where Pskov and Novgorod forces defeated the Teutonic Knights on Lake Peipus.
- The reign of Ivan III (1462-1505), who made Pskov an important political and cultural center.
- The Livonian War (1558-1583) between Russia, Sweden, Denmark, and Poland-Lithuania which saw Pskov occupied by foreign powers several times.
- The siege of Pskov by Polish-Lithuanian forces in 1615 during the Time of Troubles.
- The Great Northern War (1700-1721), which saw Pskov briefly occupied by Swedish forces before being retaken by Russia under Peter the Great.
- Alexander Pushkin’s grandmother Maria Hannibal was born in Pskov; she was a descendant of African slaves brought to Russia in the 18th century.
- Sergei Eisenstein’s film Ivan the Terrible (1944) featured scenes shot in Pskov’s Kremlin and surrounding areas.
- Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin visited Pskov during his tour around Soviet cities after his historic spaceflight in 1961.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pskov to commemorate its role during World War II on Victory Day in May 2019.
Museums and Things To See
- Pskov Kremlin is a historic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Trinity Cathedral is a beautiful example of Russian Orthodox architecture.
- Museum of Pskov Art School showcases the works of local artists and students.
- Museum of History and Culture of Pskov Region explores the rich history and culture of the area.
- Monument to Alexander Nevsky honors the legendary Russian prince who defeated invading Germanic forces in 1242.
- Mirozhsky Monastery is an ancient monastery with stunning frescoes dating back to the 12th century.
- The House-Museum of Levitan is dedicated to famous landscape painter Isaac Levitan, who was born in Pskov.
- The Puppet Theatre offers performances for both children and adults.
- Pogankin Chambers are a restored 17th-century merchant’s house that now serves as a museum showcasing traditional Russian life.
- The Church on Spasskaya Hill is one of Russia’s oldest churches, located on top of a hill overlooking the city, offering breathtaking views and fascinating history about its construction from 1200s onwards.
Sports Teams
- FC Volga Pskov – Founded in 1963, this professional football club plays in the Russian Professional Football League (third tier). The team has won several regional championships and cups.
- HC Spartak Pskov – This ice hockey club was founded in 1975 and played in the Soviet Ice Hockey Championship before joining the Russian leagues after the collapse of USSR.
- BC Lokomotiv-Prioritet – This basketball club was founded in 1995 and plays in the Russian Basketball Super League (second tier). It has won several regional championships.
- VC Zvezda-VDV – This women’s volleyball club was founded in 1947 as part of the Soviet Army Sports Society (DOSAAF) and has won multiple national championships and cups during its history.
- SKA-PVO Pskov – A military sport club that competes mainly in track-and-field events but also fields teams for other sports such as wrestling, boxing, and weightlifting.
Cultural Events
- Pskovskaya Kermis is a yearly fair that takes place in August in Pskov. It showcases folk music, dance performances, and local crafts.
- Spasskaya Tower Festival is an annual military music festival held in Moscow and other cities, including Pskov. It features performances by military bands from around the world.
- International Festival of Arts Pskov Autumn is an event held every September that celebrates culture through concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions and other cultural activities.
- Russian Winter Festival takes place all over Russia during January with ice sculptures, traditional Russian games and activities for children being a major attraction in Pskov.
- Victory Day Celebrations are held on May 9th to commemorate the end of World War II with parades and fireworks displays taking place in Pskov as well.
- Maslenitsa is a week-long celebration leading up to Lent that involves eating pancakes (blini), dancing and singing traditional songs.
- Easter Celebrations are significant holidays celebrated throughout Russia with traditions such as painting eggs (pysanky), attending church services and feasting on traditional dishes like kulich (sweet bread) and paskha (a sweet cheese spread).
Cuisine
- Pskovian pirogi – traditional Russian pies filled with meat, fish, or vegetables.
- Kvas – a fermented drink made from rye bread.
- Medovukha – a sweet honey-based alcoholic beverage.
- Solyanka soup – a hearty soup made with meat, vegetables, and pickles.
- Pelmeni – Russian dumplings filled with meat or potatoes.
Some popular restaurants in Pskov are:
- Cafe Pechki-Lavochki.
- Restaurant Kharchevnya.
- Restaurant Krasnaya Gvozdika.
- Cafe-restaurant Belye Nochi.
- Restaurant Sobranie.
- Pskov Kremlin
- Mirozhsky Monastery
- Pushkin Garden
- Park of Culture and Rest named after A.S. Pushkin
- Victory Park
- City Garden named after A.N.Ostrovsky
- Botanical Garden of Pskov State University
- Skating rinks in winter
- Ski resorts in winter
- Boating and fishing on the Velikaya River