Pskov city Past and present.
Pskov
is very ancient town. It was first mentioned in chronicles in 903. Olga, the
first Russian Christian woman and a wise governor of Russia founded it.
Pskov - one of Russia's
oldest and most beautiful cities, it boasts one of the greatest number of extant
historical monuments
- over 300. The earliest
go back to the 12 th century, the latest
to the early 20 th. There is a natural combination of ancient monuments
(fortified walls with towers,
churches and monasteries,
and merchant's chambers)
and modern buildings.
It was the strongest fortress on the western border of Russia. Pskov's
historical destiny as a warrior intercessor was reflected in its monuments,
especially its architecture, an extraordinary,
permanent,
genuinely popular epic in stone. Those, who once upon a time came to Pskov
bringing war and devastation, saw the invincible might of the fortress walls, the
unshakable strenghth of Pskov churches.
This fortress stands on a long, rocky promontory between the Pskova and Velikaya
rivers.
Foreign commercial relations were of great
importance for Pskov. Silver arab drachm appeared in Pskov already in the 9
th to 10 th centuries, and West European money came to Pskov in the 11 th to 12
th centuries.
The Pskovites exported furs, wax, honey, tar, flax, leather, fat and grain and
imported salt, herring, expensive cloth, wine and fruits, paper, non-ferrous.
By the end of the 17 - the beginning of the 18 centuries the Pskov school of
architecture has lost completely its individual style.
Pskov suffered greatly during the Second World War. On July 9, 1941, it was
occupied by German forces and largely destroyed. Pskov was liberated only on
July 23, 1944.
Many great sons and daughters of Russia lived and worked in this part of the
country.
Famous Russian's poet Pushkin wrote a cycle
of poems in the Pskov province. Alexander Pushkin lived in the village of
Mihailowskoye. The masterpieces of poetry
and prose he created there have enriched the treasure-chest of world literature.
Two great Russian composers, connected with music and friendship, lived and
worked in Pskov region.
The village of Karevo is the birthplace of the composer Modest Mussorgsky
(1839-1881). Not far away from Karevo in the village of Naumovo there was an
estate of his mother's parents. The creator of "Boris Godunov" and «Khovanshchina»
believed that the impressions he drew from the local folk songs, tales and
sayings nourished his music. Mussorgsky is appreciated as the first composer who
introduced the impersonation of the people's character to the world of music at
large.
Another Russian composer, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, lived in a picturesque place
called Wechasha, he wrote eight of his operas there, including «Sadko»,
"The Tsar's Bride", "The Tale of Tsar Sultan" and "The
Tale of the Invisible Town of Kitezh". This is what the composer used to
say: "In my works. I am a worshipper of nature." Rimsky-Korsakov died
on his Lyubensk estate by his favorite Pesno Lake. The Rimsky-Korsakov museum is
opened at the Lyubensk-Vechasha reserve (13 km from Plyussa). The Naumovo estate
is now the Mussorgsky museum. (not far away from VelikiyeLuki).
Outstanding mathematician Sophia Kowalevskaya, was born in the village of
Polibino, She was the first Russian woman to become an academician.
In Pskov located regiments of the 76th Pskov Airborne Division. The military command first offered new contract soldiers a salary, roughly Russia's average wage, but supplemented the pay with a promise of an apartment in Pskov for everyone who joins the 76th division. Click here to view photos Russian airplane IL-76.
There are many churches
in Pskov. You can visit Kremlin
with beautiful Trinity
Cathedral, 17th century. There you can see 7 tier iconostasis. We have very
ancient Mirozhsky Monastery of the 12th century. The world famous frescoes 12
century of its Cathedral
of the Transfiguration occupy an important place in the history of Russian
and world culture. One can visit Museum of History and Fine Arts Pogankin Chambers.
There are "Icons", "Picture Gallery", "Silver",
"Armory" departments in the museum. There are two professional
theatres in Pskov - Pushkin Drama Theatre and Puppet Theatre. Our Theatres: fun
and pleasure for all who stay young at heart.
The picturesque nature,
plenty of forests, rivers, lakes create the perfect conditions for rest.
Walk and fill your lungs with fresh air, enjoy the green silence and grand
views. Enjoy a romantic sunsets that touch your soul. Imagine being able to
concentrate on revitalizing the passions of what's truly important to you. Under
Izborsk's fortress (9 century) there still flow
springs, called "the Slavensky springs". It is wonderful springs
of Youth, a Love and Beauty. Spring
flow into the Goroditschenskoe
Lake, there are live beautiful swans
with their children.
Outdoors, Izborsk's beauty
and diversity offer fun for every season. There are still ancient caves in the Pechorsky
ancient Monastery. There is exciting excursions available to make your
vacation something you will never forget.
Just call us and we will fill you in on our excellent rates and services for
meetings, tours, excursions.
Mineral and natural resources in Pskov region. >>>