Pskov is one of the most ancient cities in Russia. As Novgorod the Great, Pskov was a feudal republic governed by the People`s Veche. Veche was a democratic institution, the precursor of Parliament, where the issues of home and foreign policy were discussed.
Both historically and culturally Pskov is very attractive. In the center of the city there are many historic sites, which is quite reasonable considering the age of the city and its value for Russia. Moreover, there are several sites around Pskov, which are at least as interesting for visiting: Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery and Izborsk Fortress (on the way to Riga), and Pushkinskiye Gory (on the way to Moscow).
In the 8 century Pskov was a strong fortress with wooden and then stone walls. And already in the chronicle of 903 it is mentioned as a city, so Pskov is rightly considered one of the most ancient cities of the Russian state. Before the 18 century Pskov was also one of the largest cities of the Russian state, along with Moscow, Kiev and Novgorod the Great.
The remaining architectural complex of the Pskov Kremlin is unfortunately rather modest. The entrance to the Kremlin is at the Dovmont`s Gorodishche (ancient settlement). Passing within the walls you get in the citadel, which is called Krom and not Kremlin in Pskov. The big Trinity Cathedral is at the heart of the Krom.
The cathedral faced the Veche square where all popular assemblies as well as votes were held. Apart from the Trinity Cathedral there remained no other important buildings within the Kremlin. But after visiting the Kremlin you must have a walk around it. You may have the most picturesque views of the walls and towers of the Kremlin at the confluence of the rivers Velikaya and Pskova.
After you have viewed the Kremlin and its environs you may have a walk along the embankment of the river Velikaya. By all means should you visit the Historical and Architectural and Art Museum Reserve located at the historic complex called the Pogankin Chambers. Within the city there remained two ancient monasteries: Mirozhsky Monastery (to the south of the Kremlin on the river Velikaya) and Snetogorsky Monastery (to the north of the Kremlin on the river Velikaya).
After you have looked around the sights of Pskov you must spare a day for visiting Izborsk (30 km of Pskov) and Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery (50 km of Pskov) on the way to Riga. Izborsk sights include the fortress of the 14 century, the Truvor`s Gorodishche and the Slavonic Springs at the Lake Gorodishchenskoye.
In Pechory, in the immediate vicinity of the Estonian border, is the famous Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery, which is also called Lavra to stress its significance.
If you love the works of Pushkin, you may also plan a one-day trip to Pushkinskiye Gory (110 km to the south of Pskov). At Pushkinskiye Gory the Pushkin family estate is located, as well as the Svyatogorsky Monastery where the great poet was buried.
