For centuries the Russian land has been famous for its cities! The history of the state is truly great. The city of Pskov is one of the pearls of Ancient Russia. It is the birthplace of the first Christian ruler, Princess Olga. Pskov is considered one of the most ancient, its history began long before the baptism of Russia, or to be more precise, since 903
Territorial location and bordering areas
Pskov is located in the northwest of the Russian Federation. It is a small regional center. This administrative district has a border status, neighbors with Estonia, Latvia and Belarus. On the Russian side, these are the Leningrad, Novgorod, Tver and Smolensk regions. On the territory of 95, 6 sq. km inhabited by the urban population. Pskov plays an important role in the state. The tourism sector is the most developed here. A lot of people come to see the sights.
Climatic and weather conditions
Winter in the Pskov region is relatively mild, and summer is moderately warm and humid. This is due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. Average temperatures in July are 17-20°C, while in January they are 8-10°C below zero.
History of Pskov
The mouth of the Pskova and Velikaya rivers served as the site for the construction of the city in 903. But the first settlements on this land appeared in the VI-VIII centuries.
Independent development of the city was quite active. As early as the beginning of the 11th century, Pskov belonged to Novgorod, and already in 1138 the village was separated and became an independent region.
For geographical reasons, this land was often subjected to raids and wars of conquest. But the enemy failed to break the population. Pskov has always been a native Russian land. However, the city had to repulse the attacks of the Livonian Knightly Order on its own, as Novgorod was trying to free itself from the Swedes. The struggle continued for two years, but the territory of the city was still cleared of the invaders.
XIII century becomes a period of prosperity for Pskov. Monasteries and temples are being built, trade is expanding, the first chronicles appear, a peculiar, Pskov style of painting, icon painting, and architecture appears.
Many historically significant figures were born on this land, who subsequently glorified the city and its population. Pskov became the homeland for Alexander Nevsky, Peter I, M. I. Kutuzov, A. S. Pushkin, M. P. Mussorgsky, Nicholas II, N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov. All of them, in one way or another, took part in the development and prosperity of their region.
The second time the city "succumbed" to the invasion of the invaders in 1941. This time the Germans became the occupiers. Pskov was completely destroyed, the remaining 83 houses towered forlornly over the ruins of the settlement. The history of Pskov has been reborn since 1945, since it was at this time that the city was being actively restored.
What's in my name to you?
In the days of ancient Russia, the village was called Plskov or Pleskov. Many years later, the pronunciation changed and became familiar to Pskov. The name of the city was given by the river Pskova, which means "resinous water" in Estonian.
Population
The first to settle the Pskov region were the Finno-Ugric peoples - Chud and Vodi, as well as the B altic tribes (bolts), which have not survived to this day. In the 6th century, they were replaced by the Krivichi and Slovenes. It is thanks to them that the modern Slavic population appeared.
Pskov and Moscow in the 15th century were the largest cities of Russia, but after the construction of St. Petersburg and the expansion of the western borders, it loses power and loses its defensive significance. These factors adversely affect the development of the city and the population.
Another reason for the decline in the population of Pskov was the Great Patriotic War, which claimed the lives of four thousand Pskov residents. In recent years, the population of the regional center has increased mainly due to the movement of people within the region itself.
The modern city of Pskov is the largest metropolis in the region and has 208 thousand inhabitants. The main part (95%) are Russians, a small group are Belarusians, Ukrainians and other nationalities.
Correct name of residents- Pskovians. But sometimes you can hear the wonderful word "skobari". According to legend, the people deserved the second "name" from Peter I. He could not straighten the ship's brace, the manufacture of which was previously only in Pskov.
Attractions
Revived temples, monasteries and cathedrals have been welcoming their guests for more than a year. These are the Trinity Cathedral, the Church of St. George the Victorious, the Church of John the Baptist, the churchyard of Vybuty, the Olginskaya chapel, the memorial in honor of the Battle of the Ice and much more. Pskov Kremlin. Do not ignore Pogankin's chambers, the Gorai estate, the academic theater, the house of crafts, the Honey Farm Museum, the Command Chambers.
Symbolics
The coat of arms of the metropolis is a blue-blue shield with the image of a moving leopard and a pointing hand. Oak leaves intertwined with St. Andrew's ribbon frame the coat of arms, and the imperial crown crowns it. This symbolism shows the freedom-loving character that is inherent in such a state as Russia. Pskov has proven this over the years.
Leopard is a symbol of courage, courage, bravery and its appearance on the coat of arms is not accidental. After all, Pskov, as a border city, since ancient times served as the first line of defense against Lithuanians, Germans, Livonians. Its population has always been on guard of the Russian lands and protected their peace from the west. It is the readiness to meet the enemy that the leopard indicates, and its posture, tongue and raised paw emphasize the focus onoccupier.
Hand means heavenly protection, crown - power, oak leaves - eternity. Blue and gold colors symbolize generosity, justice and greatness.
Regions of Pskov
Historically, the settlement was divided into four districts:
- Zaveliche - the western part of the city, located across the Velikaya River.
- Pskov Kremlin, which includes the entire center and Dovmont city.
- Zavokzalie - areas south and southeast of the "heart" of Pskov.
- Zapskovye - the northern outskirts of the Pskova River.
In 1980, the city had only two districts - Pushkinsky and Leninsky, which were abolished in October 1988. Now Pskov is 14 administrative microdistricts with assigned serial numbers.
Infrastructure
Destroyed after the Great Patriotic War, modern Pskov has been thoroughly restored. Periodic restoration work is carried out to update the historical part of the city. The metropolis is growing and becoming more beautiful every year.
Embankments of the two main rivers will be equipped in the near future, a modern oncological dispensary is planned to open.
The entertainment industry is widely developed, which includes entertainment in Pskov from museums to nightclubs. A chic Ice Palace has been created, and for children there is a wonderful park and the Reflex Animal Theater. Both kids and adults will be interested in visiting the planetarium.
Movement within the city is predominantly wheeled - these are buses, fixed-route taxis and cars. There is also a riverstation where boat trips are organized. Communication between cities is carried out by highways, railways and air. Since Pskov is an integral part of the history of the Russian state, the tourism and hotel business is flourishing here.
Ecology
Assessment of the state of the environment, like most large cities of the Russian Federation, where industrial production is developed, is at an average level. But the authorities and local residents are trying to improve the situation by greening the city of Pskov as much as possible. The total area of green spaces is about 40 hectares.
On the territory of the forests surrounding Pskov, sanatoriums have been created that treat and prevent diseases with the help of mineral springs and mud.
Samples of Slavic architecture and architecture, a peculiar manner of painting and chronicling, the inimitable dialect of the local population, natural beauty - all this is modern and hospitable Pskov!
