Pskov and Novgorod Republic
- Number of places to visit : 4
- Total route duration : 4-5 days
- Type of route : 0
- Length of the route ~(km) :
Not far from St. Petersburg there are two ancient Russian cities: Veliky Novgorod and Pskov. In the Middle Ages, they were governed by People's Veche (parliaments), so they are called Republics. In Veliky Novgorod in the 9th century, the Russian state was born when the Varangian Prince Rurik was invited to Russia.
Veliky Novgorod
Start your journey in Veliky Novgorod. Take a walk through its historical center. Visit the Novgorod Kremlin, and then walk across the pedestrian bridge to the other bank of the Volkhov River to Yaroslav's Courtyard. This place was a Trading side in the 12th century. Several churches have been built on a small plot here.
After visiting Yaroslav's Courtyard, go on to the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior. It is of exceptional cultural value for Russia, because only here the original frescoes of 1378 by the great Russian (Byzantine) icon painter Theophanes the Greek have been preserved.
On the banks of the Volkhov River, outside of the city, there are no less famous sights. On the right bank there is the Vitoslavlitsy Museum and the Yuriev Monastery. On the left bank there is the Church of the Savior on Nereditsa and the Rurikovo settlement.
Pskov
By car, go from Novgorod to Pskov (210 km). Start exploring the city by visiting the Pskov Kremlin, then take a walk around it. There are many small ancient churches in Pskov, as well as ruins of fortress walls. The most ancient frescoes in Russia have been preserved in the Mirozhsky Monastery on the banks of the Velikaya River. It is better to plan 2 days to explore the historical center of the city.
Plan a whole day to visit Izborsk and Pskov-Pechersk Lavra. They are in the same direction to the west. Make the first stop near the Izborsk fortress. It is located 30 km from Pskov. After visiting it, take a walk through the picturesque surroundings. Climb the Truvorovo Hillfort. It was founded in the 9th century by Truvor, the brother of Rurik. Nearby are Gorodishchenskoe Lake and Slovenian Springs.
After Izborsk, go to the Pskov-Pechersk Lavra (another 20 km to the west). This monastery is one of the pilgrimage centers in Russia. The churches of the monastery are located on the slopes of the ravine. Here you can visit the caves where the monks are buried. A very beautiful view of the monastery opens from the viewing points on the edges of the ravine.
