Pskov is an ancient Russian city that contains the rich history of Rus'. The settlement experienced many important battles, victories and defeats, which had a significant impact on the development of the homeland. The city is popular among tourists for the presence of a large number of ancient churches, cathedrals, and architectural monuments. The territory carries a rich cultural heritage.
Attractions
Every tourist who comes here discovers something new. There is beautiful nature and friendly people here. City Day is traditionally celebrated on July 23. In 2003, the ancient city celebrated its 1100th anniversary. The first mention of the place can be traced back to 903. According to archaeological excavations, the official date of formation of the settlement on the hill is 1500-2000 years ago.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the settlement flourished. This is the period of Dovmont's reign. In 1348 it was granted independence status. The city served as a Ford Post in the northwest. In 1581 - 1582 - the siege of the Polish king Stefan Batory. Pskov took part in the Battle of Livonian, the Swedish battle, the Northern, Patriotic, and First World Wars. The population is 207,571 people.
Pskov Kremlin
The attraction is the heart of these lands. The fortress was built at the confluence of two rivers. The white stone structure is equipped with golden domes. Previously, the object had a different name - “Krom”. There are many serious battles in the history of the great fortress. She was able to survive the Golden Horde, Livonian warriors, and the Principality of Lithuania. Thanks to the powerful walls, the people had reliable protection. The beautiful and monumental building looks impressive from afar. The fortress walls are equipped with transition platforms. Their length is 435 and 345 meters. The roof is no less powerful - its thickness is 8 meters. Getting to the architectural monument is easy. You can use public transport. There are buses numbered 1, 8, 11, 17, etc. Opening hours - from 8 to 22. The price of the excursion is 700 rubles.
Rattling Tower
An unusual object was erected on a steep bank. Today the building is in a dilapidated state. Once upon a time, the object was an important element in strengthening the fifth ring. He reliably protected this part of the city from enemies. Today there are a lot of legends about the construction. Tourists from various regions come to admire it. It attracts with mystery. The official name of the structure is “Kosmodemyanskaya”. Height – 22 meters.
The structure has 6 tiers. The passages are made of stone. Large rock and limestone were used as the basis. The structure is equipped with a large number of vaults and loopholes. If you believe the legend, there once was a secret basement here. Later he was put to sleep. Despite its dilapidated state, the construction is of interest to tourists. It is surrounded by picturesque nature and a pond. Admission is free. But if you wish, you can purchase a tour for 1000 rubles.
Dovmontov city
The oldest city was built near the Pskov Kremlin. The object acts as one of the decorations of the complex. The name of the attraction was given in honor of the Lithuanian Prince Dovmont. The activist acted as a defender of the territory. He lived here and started a family. The Grand Duke erected a second defensive ring. The defender of Russian lands built 17 churches near the fire. They were demolished. During archaeological work, only two shrines were discovered.
Today you can see a large number of stone structures that have been preserved in excellent condition. The fortifications did not survive completely. Percy is the most powerful wall. On it you can see a memorial sign - images of a sword and shield. This place looks a little like a ruined Roman city. It is interesting to walk here; there is a special mysterious atmosphere around. It feels like you are going back to ancient times.
Okolny town
This special place is in demand among citizens and visitors. They are admired by the majestic walls 7000 meters long and five meters high. This is one of the most powerful fortresses in Western Europe. She was attacked at least 20 times, but no one could overcome the barrier. The builders were able to provide for every nuance. We made a lot of secret warehouses and passages. Previously there were 16 towers, but only half of those built have survived to this day. Loopholes and embrasures are clearly visible among the ruins. There are many churches on the territory, and exciting excursions are offered.
History of the monastery
The monastery was built in 1584. The location of the foundation was not chosen by chance: where the monastery is now located, the Monk Nikandr lived and prayed for 50 years, in whose honor the complex of temples is named. This man was born in 1507, and was named Nikon at baptism. He died in 1581. The coffin with the remains of the monk was placed in the same place where he prayed, in a small hut.
After 2 and a half years, a layman settled with the relics. After some time, he became a monk and received the name Isaiah, then he was ordained a hieromonk, and later received the rank of abbot. With the blessing of Novgorod Archbishop Alexander, a monastery was built here, which began to be called the Nikandrov Hermitage.
The church was first mentioned in ancient documents in 1598. A document drawn up by Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich freed the monastery from the mandatory payment of land taxes. The same document states that from now on the site in the Mikhailovsky Pogost is assigned to the Nikandrov Monastery. In 1665, an army of Poles attacked the desert. The buildings were destroyed and the monks were killed. Hegumen Isaiah was captured, where he was held for a whole year. After his release, the monk, with the help of the laity, restored the hermitage, but in March 1673 it was almost completely destroyed by fire.
Thanks to the alms of the parishioners, the monastery was restored. In place of the wooden church, a stone one was built, which was even larger than the previous building. In 1687, a significant event occurred: the relics of Father Nikander were examined and declared incorrupt. The monk was canonized. Since then, twice a year, believers began to celebrate a memorial day in his honor.
The holidays in honor of the Desert Dweller Nikander of Pskov are September 24, when he reposed, and April 7, the date revered by Christians as the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. In 1764, the status of the monastery was lowered: the church began to be considered supernumerary and lost its land, and also lost about 400 monastery peasants.
Museums
Pskov is an open-air museum. Sights are at every step. In order to thoroughly study all the exhibits, one day will not seem enough.
Kaverin Museum “Two Captains”
Veniamin Kaverin is a native of Pskov. This is the author of the famous novel “Two Captains”. A museum was created in tribute to the memory of the great writer. Its opening took place in 2002. The number of exhibits is large. The exhibition will reveal secrets from the life and work of the popular author. The exhibition contains many manuscripts, sketches, and draft versions of works. The novel is so popular that it has been published in several languages. The cost of visiting is 200 rubles. If you come with a tour group, entry will be cheaper.
Menshikov Chambers
A popular object was built on Romanovskaya Hill. This area of the city has a presentable appearance. Semyon Menshikov is the founder of the chambers. It was he who erected the building, consisting of five floors. The third floor is most richly decorated. The shape of the house is non-standard. The place is in demand among tourists and historians. It's nice to take a walk here and think about the past. Entrance to the territory is free.
Monument to Pushkin and Arina Rodionovna
In the Pskov garden you can admire the monument to the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. The sculpture is called “Pushkin and the Peasant Woman”. The poet had warm feelings for his nanny. He mentions her in many of his works. The city of Pskov was also close and loved by the poet. The writer often rested here and looked for inspiration for his works. Celebrations and celebrations are often organized near the statue. It is located near the “Summer Garden” bus stop.
Pogankin chambers
The museum complex is one of the most frequently visited attractions. If you believe the legends, the magnificent ensemble was built with funds found by a poor cooper. The construction is striking in its scale. Externally, the design does not seem impressive. However, previously such options acted as an indicator of well-being. Almost no restoration work was carried out. The object has been perfectly preserved to this day. Only the porch of the building was slightly repaired. Today there is a museum here. The entry price depends on the chosen exhibition and varies from 50 to 400 rubles.
Order chambers
The structure is located on the territory of Dovmontov town. This is the only building in the city that has survived to us almost unchanged. At one time, the basements served as a prison. Prisoners were kept in shackles here. The upper floors were residential. They were used by governors. Exclusive details of the attraction include a tiled stove and hand-made forged parts. Today, an art gallery has been installed in the premises.
Railway Museum
This building was once an important element of the station. A huge semaphore was installed near the entrance. A cart on wheels is also installed. By visiting the museum, you can learn a lot of fascinating things about the traditions of the ancient city. The exhibits are dedicated to the theme of war. The fact is that during the Second World War, military equipment was transported through Pskov. Railway workers took part in the restoration of neighborhoods that were destroyed by the Germans. A large proportion of the exhibits are devoted to this topic. A person with the last name Valentinka took part in the collection of information. The cost of visiting the halls is 50 rubles.
Planetarium
There is a special place in the city that is unlike others. This is a former temple building. The church was erected in the 19th century. It functioned until 1970. Then they decided to establish a planetarium here. A starry sky was created under the dome of the building. The repertoire is varied. Conferences and lectures on galactic issues are systematically organized. Special interactive programs are offered for children.
Mason's House
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Chrysostom Monastery stood on the site of the Mason's house. Upon his arrival in Russia, Ludwig Mason erected a luxurious mansion on its territory. After his death, the property passed to the state. Now the walls of the building are given over to the museum. In 2002, archaeological research was carried out. During them, the remains of bodies were found that date back to the 16th century. Today the building is used for storing ancient weapons, orders, medals and other military items. The price for visiting the exhibition hall is 450 rubles.
Benefits of visiting springs
Believers revere the Nikandrova monastery not only as a place of prayer. Even those who are not churchgoers come here to visit the healing springs. The water from them helps in the treatment of certain diseases. The spring, dedicated to the icon of the Kazan Mother of God, is visited by people suffering from visual impairments.
People who want to get rid of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and problems associated with digestion come to the healing spring of Alexander Svirsky. The therapeutic effect is due to the presence of iron compounds in the water. In addition, radon is present, so it is useful to take baths in the source for those who have diseases of the blood, skin and limbs. People who have benign and malignant tumors should not drink water.
The Nikandrovsky spring is known among pilgrims as “Tooth” because the water helps relieve pain. It has also been observed that people with arthritis, osteochondrosis, osteoporosis and gout improve their condition if they take a bath or drink the healing water of this source. Finally, believers come to the Peter and Paul spring who want to get rid of pathologies affecting the nervous system, heart, blood vessels and genitals.
You can visit the desert as part of an organized excursion or on your own. The monastery is open to everyone.
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Temples and churches
Believers from various regions of Russia make a pilgrimage to Pskov. Free accommodation is provided at the monastery hotel. The opening hours of the temples can be found on the official website.
Spaso-Mirozhsky Monastery
The monastery complex is famous among believers. It was built in a quiet area - Zavelichye. According to researchers, it was on these lands that the birth of Christianity took place. There are a large number of ancient buildings on the territory of the shrine. The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral delights with its exclusive and non-standard architecture. The building has the shape of a cross, the ends of which are of different designs. Pre-Mongol frescoes are kept here. They completely cover all the walls of the shrine, forming a large picture. No less majestic is the current Church of St. Stephen. It houses the revered and miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Mirozhskaya Oranta”. The iconostasis is richly decorated with frescoes. The window and door openings are framed by columns and pediments.
Temple of Alexander Nevsky
The shrine was erected in 1908. For a long time it was the property of the Omsk infantry regiment. The object is made in different styles and this makes it stand out noticeably against the general background. The high bell tower was built from red brick, and the domes were painted a beautiful blue color. In 1996, a museum was opened here. Among the collections there is an icon of the Mother of God and the Blessed Virgin Mary, priests' cassocks.
Trinity Cathedral
The monastery is the main shrine of the Pskov lands. The temple was erected on the territory of the fortress. Construction of the shrine began thanks to the efforts of Princess Olga. She ordered the facility to be built between two rivers. For a long time, the shrine was a point for organizing numerous religious holidays. Princesses were appointed here, births were celebrated, and securities were kept. Initially the cathedral was made of wood. Then they built a white stone monastery. The complex consisted of several temples. The main structure was two-story and had five domes. The windows are richly decorated and have two tiers.
The interior decoration amazes with its splendor. On the walls you will see a large number of icons and paintings. The leading decoration of the monastery is a large iconostasis. It consists of seven tiers. The monastery houses such popularly revered icons as the “Holy Trinity”, Chirskaya and others. Next to the main building, a majestic bell tower rises upward. Entrance to the territory is possible from 8 to 22 hours. It is free.
John the Baptist Monastery
The building was founded by Efrosinya Rogvolodovna. After her death, it was decided to bring her body here. From that moment on, the monastery began to act as a tomb for the Pskov nobility. The object appeared in the 12th century. But before there were cells and a cemetery here. Many buildings did not survive the impact of hostilities; only the white stone cathedral remained. The design looks monumental and strict and decorates the local surroundings.
Olginskaya Chapel
The shrine is the first Christian church in the settlement. She owes her appearance to Princess Olga. She had a vision - three rays of the sun broke through the clouds and indicated the point where the chapel should be built. For a long time the object was in a dilapidated state. Restoration work was completed only in 20004. The light pink building is of extraordinary beauty. It has narrow arched windows and elegant façade lines.
Monument to Princess Olga
The magnificent monument appeared in 2003. The statue of “bronze” Olga became the main decoration of the children's park. She was a strong-willed and wise woman who loved her people. People sang and crowned her image. On the pedestal the woman is presented with her grandson Vladimir. She has a stern and thoughtful look.
Snetogorsk Monastery
The majestic and monumental building was able to overcome three wars. Today the shrine is operational. The novices live there. Farming and gardening are flourishing. Only the Cathedral and the Church of St. Nicholas are open to the public. Inside the shrines are decorated with paintings, holy faces, and various utensils.
There are many other buildings of religious significance in Pskov. While walking around the city, you will be able to see the Church of St. Nicholas from Usokha, Vasily on Gorka, St. Nicholas from Torg and others.
The variety and abundance of attractions presented is amazing. You can study the settlement areas endlessly. During a fascinating journey through the streets, you can get acquainted with the monument to the 6th company, stroll along the Pskova and Velikaya embankments, and see the “Battle on the Ice” monument. You can immerse yourself in the mysterious world of original culture at the Honey Farm Museum and the local Philharmonic.
If you have time, buy a ticket to the Drama Theater named after. A.S. Pushkin 1906 opening. L. Blok, F. Chaliapin, T. Rumyantseva and other famous personalities once performed on its stage. The amazing Mikhailovskoye Museum-Reserve deserves special attention. The great Russian poet A.S. spent his childhood here. Pushkin. The complex has a large number of memorable objects that are associated with the work of the playwright. There are cinemas “Pobeda” and “Mirage” in the city.
For lovers of country leisure, recreation centers are open - “Bugrovo”, “Kalatskoe”, “Apol”. You can have a great rest on such popular lakes as “Ale”, “Chudskoye”, as well as in the museum-estates of Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov. For children there are camps “Swift”, “Origins”, “Cat and Oak”.
Description of the territory
From 2003 to the present time, the abbot of the desert, lost in a dense forest, is Abbot Spiridon. Together with the workers, he does a lot to make the monastery an attractive place for pilgrims.
Popularizing healing springs is far from the only task that the monastery’s ministers set themselves. They help people with drug addiction recover and rehabilitate, considering it important. Thus, Nikandrova Hermitage means a lot to society, and therefore pilgrims need to take care of its preservation.
Now the structure of the monastery includes:
- fraternal buildings, where workers, novices and monks live (brothers of the monastery);
- 5 healing springs, over each of which a chapel was built;
- 3 active churches where services are held and services are performed.
In 2000, when the desert began to be revived, the first person to live and obey it was the monk Gabriel. Lay people, novices from other monasteries, and even soldiers helped restore the hermitages. Currently, 10 male workers and 8 monastic brethren live in the desert. The monastery has several famous and revered icons, including:
- “The Sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary”;
- "Recovery of the dead";
- healer Panteleimon;
- Venerable Nikander.
In memory of the deliverance of the Pskov region from the cholera epidemic, a religious procession is held annually. People with icons leave the monastery and reach Porkhov. The event takes place at the end of May.
Where to stay overnight and have something to eat?
Hotels and inns are presented in a wide selection. The right solution will be selected for any request and budget. Such establishments as “Pokrovsky”, “Oktyabrskaya”, “Pushkin”, “Dvor Podznoev-Business Building”, “903” and others are in high demand.
This is a popular tourist city. Therefore, there will be no difficulties with where to stop for a snack. There are catering establishments on almost every corner. Among them, the most famous cafes and restaurants are “Hansa”, “Juliet”, “Dvor Podznoev-Refectory Chambers”, “Pleskov”, “Chocolate”, “Caramel”, “Kinza” and others.
