Pskov is one of the most interesting Russian cities. Its history and beauty are magnificent, its life is full of quiet dignity. Pskov is a city-state, a medieval republic of Veche (Popular Assembly), and an impregnable stronghold that anciently safeguarded the North-West-ern borders of our country. The waterway was a part of the great merchant route «From the Varangian to the Greek».
From the first reference in the «Povest Vremennykh Let» (Tales of Bygone Years), eleven centuries have passed. Pskov keeps close to the top of the European list as of the richness in monuments, archi¬tectural and archaeological before all, being an abundant treasury of Russian culture. The rarest samples of old Russian architecture have survived till nowadays: fortresses, housing, and churches, as well as monumental painting. A special trait of Pskov is its being a museum town, whose buildings are exhibits in themselves. The Our Saviour Transfiguration cathedral of Mirozhskiy monastery is called a gem of Russian culture, and UNESCO enrolled it into the list of the world heritage: It was built in the XII century and decorated by the Byzantine artists.
In Pogankiny Palaty (Chambers), there is a largest collection of icon painting recognized as world-important. At the city outskirts, in an underground necropolis of Svyato-Uspenskiy Pskovo-Pecherskiy monastery established in the XV century, the remnants of monks have found their rest, as well as worldly persons from many famous Russian families - Tatishchevs, Kutuzovs, Musorgskiys, Pushkins. Pskov grounds are inseparably linked to the life and creative activity of the outstanding figures of Russian and global culture: Russian poetical genius A. Pushkin, composers M.Musorgskiy and N.Rimskiy-Korsakov. Here lie the memorial places related to the life of Apostle-worthy Saint, Holy Princess Olga.
The Pskov Region is visited by the foreigners from 65 countries. Pskov's central, dominating location makes it a perfect place for congresses and conferences. At your service are hotels, leisure camps, numerous cafes and restaurants with traditional Russian and European cuisine, and the well-developed industry.
You are welcome indeed!
winter/spring 2007
