From time immemorial 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. He is the birthplace of the first Christian ruler, Princess Olga. Pskov is considered one of the oldest, its history began long before the baptism of Russia, and more precisely, since 903.
Geographical location and bordering areas
Pskov is located in the north-west of the Russian Federation. It is a small regional center. This administrative district has cross-border status; it is adjacent to Estonia, Latvia and Belarus. From Russia, these are the Leningrad, Novgorod, Tver and Smolensk regions. On the territory of 95.6 square meters. km living urban population. Pskov plays an important role in the state. The tourism sector is 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 ° , and in January –8–10 ° below zero.
History of Pskov
The mouth of the Pskov and the Great rivers served as the site of the construction of the city in 903. But the first settlements on this earth arose in the VI-VIII centuries.
Independent development of the city was quite active. At the beginning of the XI 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 aggressive wars. But the enemy could not break the population. Pskov has always been native Russian land. However, the city had to repulse the attacks of the Livonian Order of Knight on its own, as Novgorod was trying to free itself from the Swedes. The struggle continued for two years, but nevertheless the territory of the city was cleared of invaders.
The 13th century became a heyday for Pskov. Monasteries and temples are being built, trade is expanding, the first annals appear, a peculiar, Pskov style of painting, icon painting, architecture appears.
Many historically significant figures were born on this earth, 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. Musorgsky, Nicholas II, N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov. All of them, to one degree or another, took part in the development and prosperity of their land.
The second time the city "succumbed" to the invasion of invaders in 1941. This time the Germans became invaders. Pskov was completely destroyed, the remaining 83 houses lonely towered over the ruins of the settlement. The history of Pskov has been reviving since 1945, since it was at this time that the city was being actively restored.
What's in a name?
In the time of ancient Russia, the village was called Pskov or Pleskov. After many years, the pronunciation has changed and Pskov has become familiar. The city was named after the Pskov River, which means “resinous water” in Estonian.
Population
The first people who settled in the Pskov region were the Finno-Ugric - Chuds and Vodis, as well as the Baltic tribes (bolts) that have not been preserved to date. In the VI century, they were replaced by Krivichi and Slovenia. It was thanks to them that the modern Slavic population appeared.
Pskov and Moscow in the 15th century are the largest cities in Russia, but after the construction of St. Petersburg and the expansion of the western borders, it loses its power and loses its defensive significance. These factors adversely affect the development of the city and population.
Another reason for the decline in the population of Pskov was the Great Patriotic War, which claimed the lives of four thousand Pskov. In recent years, the number 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 of the region and has 208 thousand inhabitants. The bulk (95%) are Russians, a small group are Belarusians, Ukrainians and other nationalities.
The correct name of the inhabitants is Pskov. But sometimes you can hear the wondrous word "brackets." According to legend, the people deserved the second “name” from Peter I. He could not open the ship’s brace, the manufacture of which was previously only in Pskov.
sights
Revived temples, monasteries and cathedrals have been welcoming their guests for more than a year. This Trinity Cathedral, the Church of St. George the Victorious, the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Vybuty churchyard, the Olginsky chapel, the memorial in honor of the Battle of the Ice and much more.
Noteworthy are such fortifications as the Gremyachskaya tower, Dovmontov city and, of course, Krom - the Pskov Kremlin. Do not ignore the Pogankinsky Chambers, Gorai Manor, the Academic Theater, the Craft House, the Honey Farm Museum, and the Order Chambers.
Symbolism
The coat of arms of a metropolis is a blue-blue shield with a picture of a moving leopard and a pointing hand. Oak leaves, intertwined with the St. Andrew ribbon, frame the coat of arms, and the imperial crown crowns it. This symbolism shows a freedom-loving character that is inherent in such a state as Russia. Pskov has proven this over the years.
The leopard is a symbol of courage, courage, courage and its appearance on the coat of arms is no coincidence. After all, Pskov, as a border town, since ancient times served as the first frontier of defense against Lithuanians, Germans, Livonians. Its population has always been on guard of Russian lands and protected their peace from the west. It is the leopard that indicates the readiness to meet with the enemy, and his posture, tongue and raised paw emphasize the focus on the occupier.
A hand means heavenly protection, a crown means power, oak leaves an eternity. Blue and gold colors symbolize generosity, justice and greatness.
Pskov districts
Historically, the settlement was divided into four districts:
- Zavelichie is the western part of the city, located beyond the Velikaya River.
- The Pskov Kremlin, which includes the entire center and Dovmontov city.
- Zavokzalye - areas south and southeast of the "heart" of Pskov.
- Zapskovye - northern outskirts beyond the Pskov river.
In the 1980s, 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 World War II, modern Pskov has been thoroughly restored. Periodic restoration work is underway to update the historical part of the city. The metropolis is growing and becoming more beautiful every year.
In the near future, the embankments of the two main rivers will be equipped; the opening of a modern oncology clinic is planned.
The entertainment industry is widely developed, which includes Pskov's entertainment from museums to nightclubs. A chic Ice Palace was created, and for children - a beautiful park and animal theater "Reflex". Both kids and adults will be interested in visiting the planetarium.
Moving within the city is mainly wheeled - these are buses, minibuses and cars. There is also a river station where boat trips are organized. Traffic between cities is via motorways, 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, as in most large cities of the Russian Federation, in which industrial production is developed, is at an average level. But the authorities and local residents are trying to improve the situation by landscaping the city of Pskov as far as possible. The total area of green spaces is about 40 hectares.
On the territory of the forests surrounding Pskov, sanatoriums have been established to treat and prevent diseases with the help of mineral springs and mud.
Samples of Slavic architecture and architecture, a peculiar manner of painting and chronicle, an inimitable talk of the local population, natural beauty - all this is modern and hospitable Pskov!