Pskov is a city with a long history, as it is already more than a thousand years old. People come here to see ancient temples, medieval monasteries and fortress walls made of stone. And also merchant houses of modern times. The complex of Pskov churches in 2019 was entered on the UNESCO historical heritage list. And history buffs will definitely find it interesting here.
Where to stay in Pskov
There are many hotels, hostels and apartments in the city. The four-star Old Estate Hotel & SPA has a lot of good reviews on travel websites. It is located half a kilometer from the historical center. A double standard room will cost from 4,900 rubles, and if you add breakfast, then from 6,700 rubles.
The Pokrovsky Hotel, which also has four stars, offers a double standard with breakfast for 7,000 rubles. At the three-star Oktyabrskaya Hotel, two travelers will pay from 3,500 rubles for a room and breakfast. And in the two-star Olginskaya the same room will cost from 2,800 rubles. Breakfast is also included in the price.
Prices in hostels are lower. Jazz HostelPskov offers a double room costing from 1,300 rubles per night. And the mini-hotel “Happy Case” will book accommodation for the same number of travelers for 1,900 rubles or more.
In Pskov you can also rent an apartment for daily rent. A two-room option with four beds will cost from 2,500 rubles. Apartments with a view of the Kremlin for the same four travelers – from 4,500 rubles. A studio or one-room apartment for two tourists can be rented for 1,500–2,500 rubles. However, during the height of the tourist season, prices may rise.
What sights of Pskov to see
Tourists will find stone churches, civil buildings and old merchant houses.
1. Pskovsky Krom
Address: st. Kremlin, 6
It is also the Pskov Kremlin, or fortress. He appeared at the confluence of the Velikaya and Pskova rivers in the 10th century. Today you can see stone fortress walls and round towers here – these are Smerdya, Srednya, Snetovaya, Kutekroma. The fortress was built on the site of ancient wooden fortifications, and scientists believe that the first defensive structures appeared here in the 7th century.
The Trinity Cathedral with its bell tower was hidden behind the fortress walls. Building erected in 1699 on the site of a destroyed 12th-century temple. The snow-white walls of the church and its golden dome are visible from afar, and it is one of the main tourist sites in the city.
Pskovsky Krom is located on the territory Pskov Museum-Reserve. Excursions and various thematic events are held here.
2. Transfiguration Cathedral of the Mirozh Monastery
Address: Mirozhskaya embankment, 2
On the banks of the Velikaya River in the 12th century, the Mirozhsky Monastery appeared – one of the oldest Russian monasteries. At the end of the 12th century, the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord was built on its territory. This is the most ancient Pskov temple and one of objects UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The church stands on the banks of the Velikaya River, and this is one of the symbols of ancient Pskov. Today, tourists come here to hear about the city’s history and admire the restored frescoes. The temple is part of the Pskov Museum-Reserve. All information Information about tickets and excursions is available on the official website of the museum.
3. Cathedral of the Nativity of John the Baptist
Address: st. Maxim Gorky, 1
Another ancient cathedral, which is part of the complex of temples of the Pskov architectural school, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Church was part of a convent, also located on the banks of the Velikaya River. The first mentions of her appeared in 1243.
The temple was created in the traditions of the Russian school of architecture: snow-white walls, high arches, narrow elongated windows, helmet-domes. Today it is active.
4. Church of St. Basil on Gorka
Address: Oktyabrsky pr., 5
Another of the ten Pskov churches – UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in the Children’s Park on the right bank of the Velikaya River.
A stone church appeared on the coast in the 6th century – it was built on a hill. Like many other places of worship, it erected on the site of an old wooden church. Funds for construction were provided by a merchant from Gdov, who at baptism took the name Vasily. Therefore, the cathedral was consecrated in honor of the archbishop and theologian Basil the Great.
An alarm bell was installed at the belfry – it announced fires, floods and the approach of an enemy army. In 2005, the church and bell tower restored. Today it is a functioning temple.
5. Dovmontov city
Address: near Kremlin street, 4
In the 12th century, a city settlement was located near the walls of Krom. There were townspeople’s houses, outbuildings, workshops and shops here. Then this territory became the official center of the city – temples and administrative buildings appeared on it. Perhaps this is where the princely court was located. According to historians, the name “Dovmontov city” appeared during the reign of Prince Dovmont, or Timofey, who lived here in the second half of the 13th century.
Today here you can see ancient stone buildings and find out what Pskov looked like and what life was like in the Middle Ages. Dovmontov City is a protected architectural monument; it is located on the territory of the Pskov Museum-Reserve. It can be visited along with other museum objects.
6. Postnikov’s yard
Address: st. Koshevogo, 2
The courtyard, or chambers, of Postnikov is a complex of low, snow-white buildings with a brick-orange roof. Scientists believe that it built in the 17th century. Postnikov was one of the richest Pskov merchants of that time, and his family was very respected. In the 18th century, two of its representatives – Vasily and Demid – were even burgomasters Pskov.
Then the building was empty for a long time and was transferred “for government needs.” There was a bank office here, where once served Nikolai Rezanov is a traveler and hero of the rock opera “Juno and Avos”.
The complex has now been restored. It became part of the Pskov Museum-Reserve. Exhibitions are held here and new expositions appear regularly.
7. Pogankin chambers
Address: st. Nekrasova, 5
This is a building counts the oldest civil building in Pskov. It appeared in the 17th century and has survived well to this day. This is a large U-shaped house in which lived the then famous Pskov merchant Sergei Pogankin.
Today the building has been restored. You can see it if you visit the Pskov Museum-Reserve.
8. Vlasyevskaya Tower
Address: st. Kremlin, 7
It was erected as part of a complex of defensive structures. The Pskov fortress was strengthened and rebuilt from the middle to the end of the 14th century – at this time appeared tower. Then it began to collapse, but was rebuilt in 1699.
Today it is a gray stone building with small and narrow loophole windows. The tower is very popular with tourists because there is an observation deck from which you can see the ancient city. The building is also located on the territory of the Pskov Museum-Reserve.
9. Museum-Estate of M. P. Mussorgsky
Address: Pskov region, Kunyinsky district, Naumovo village
This is the only museum of the famous composer in the world. The estate where Mussorgsky’s parents lived opened its doors to visitors in 1968.
The large house is surrounded by a park. Next to it are several more buildings: an outbuilding, a greenhouse, a barn. In the museum you can see furniture and household items, albums with photographs, printed editions of the composer’s works.
The estate of the Mussorgsky family is also part of the protected objects of the Pskov Museum-Reserve.
10. Botanical Garden
Address: Kuznetskaya street
In 1875 the city had based Botanical Garden. And not for entertainment, but for the sake of science: students of a real school were supposed to take classes there.
Today the garden occupies about 6.5 hectares. Here you can see the usual pines and firs, as well as Manchurian walnut, North American oak, maple from South America and other exotic plants.
You can take a walk in the garden at any time; you don’t need to pay an entrance fee.
What to bring from Pskov
Look for products from local craftsmen: potters, blacksmiths, confectioners.
Ceramic tableware and household utensils
Cups and dishes, jugs and vases, oil dishes, salt shakers and other household items are made by local potters. Shops and souvenir shops have bowls, teapots and gravy boats without patterns – such dishes will look good in a minimalist interior. There are many products with traditional or modern patterns. Original dishes can be an excellent gift from Pskov.
Forged souvenirs
Blacksmithing has been developing here for a long time – local ironworkers could make all the forged utensils needed in the household. Today in souvenir shops you can look for forged jewelry, bowls, candlesticks, small figurines and interesting sculptures.
Knitten things
Large and cozy shawls, mittens, socks and hats are the most popular woolen gifts among tourists. They can be found right at the bazaar, which is located opposite the Kremlin, or in souvenir shops.
Izborsk gingerbread
Gingerbread has been baked here for several centuries. They add rye flour and honey, as well as spices. This could be cloves, pepper, cinnamon or other aromatic additives.
Real Izborsk gingerbreads are made from choux pastry. They are baked in the form of various figures: animals, birds, fairy tale or folklore characters. There are also modern printed sweets with images of architectural monuments or interesting inscriptions.
Dried Pskov smelt
This is a local fish that is very popular among city residents and tourists. It is similar to St. Petersburg smelt, which some people eat directly with the bones. Fresh smelt smells like cucumber. If you buy fish to cook it yourself, you will probably notice this. Dried smelt in gift wrapping is one of the popular Pskov souvenirs.
Have you been to Pskov? Or perhaps you live in this world? If yes, then tell us what else tourists should see.
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