Pskov

Pskov land is famous both in Russia and far beyond its borders for priceless historical and cultural heritage. It has many places that are rightfully proud of the unique natural beauty, amazing craftworks, unique historical events and famous names.

Since ancient times, Pskov is nicknamed the "House of the Holy Trinity".The appearance of one of the first Orthodox cities in Russia is closely associated with the Holy Trinity Cathedral. The first mention of Pskov refers to 903. The historical part of the city is located at the confluence of the rivers Velikaya and Pskova and is called Krom or Pskov Kremlin.Its formation began in the 5-6 centuries, and by the 16th century Chrome along with other fortified areas of the city, had formed the Pskov fortress, which was considered one of the most powerful in Russia.
Pskov is also famous for its religious buildings: in the territory of former Pskov fortress are built about 50 churches.

One of the main attractions of the Pskov region is the State Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve "Isborsk", which is located 30 kilometers west of Pskov, near the village of Old Isborsk, as well as one of the oldest monasteries in Russia - Pskov-Pechora Holy Assumption Orthodox Monastery.

Isborsk Reserve is a rare combination of human principles with the nature.
Near Izborsk is located Truvorovo (Old Izborsk) settlement of the VII-XVIII centuries, an ancient cemetery with stone crosses, one of which is known as Truvor cross, Truvor grave.A folk legend associates it with the legendary Varangian, Truvor.
The Izborsk fortress of the XIV century on Zheravi Hill is an outstanding monument of defensive architecture of ancient Russia.A powerful stone fortress, which seems to "grow" out of the hill has the shape of an irregular triangle with rounded corners. The stronghold has played a huge role in the defense of North-West Russia. Despite all attempts to seize Izborsk, Livonian knights failed to take the castle.Inside the walls there is St. Nicholas Cathedral (XIV century).
Isborsk and its surroundings are famous for numerous underground springs. Many of them are revered as holy springs. The most famous - Slovenian keys - are near Izborsk fortress.There is a tradition of the annual consecration of the springs in Bright Week, on the Orthodox holiday of Mother of God "Life-giving Spring." The springs are often mentioned in various historical records and travel notes, they attract many tourists and pilgrims.

340 km south-west of St. Petersburg and 50 km west of Pskov, the Holy Dormition   Pskov-Pechersky Monastery   is located. It is one of the largest and most famous monasteries in Russia with a long history.According to legend, once the caves along the banks of the creek Kamenetz were inhabited by monks fleeing from the raids of Crimean Tatars. In the XV century monk Jonah settled there and founded the church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin right in the cave. Gradually an abode formed around the temple.
The main cave complex "The cave built by God" consists of the Assumption cave church with a gallery, near caves with the relics of Sts Mark, Jonah, Lazarus and mother Vassa Pechersky continued by seven underground galleries with the necropolis and Cave Church of the Resurrection with chapel.
Being on the border between Russia and Livonia, the abode got repeatedly ruined by Germans, Swedes and Poles, so in the middle of the XVI century there was built a frontier fortress. Throughout its history the monastery was never closed.

The great belfry of the monastery is one of the largest architectural structures of this type, it is compared with the belfry of St. Sophia Cathedral of Novgorod, and its collection of bells is one of the most significant both in the Pskov region and in the North-West of Russia.