TO SEE
PSKOVO-PERCHERSKY MONASTERY
About
This colourful monastery is well known throughout Russia, and never fails to attract tourist and pilgrims from all over the world. Basically, the whole travel industry in Pechory depend on Pskovo-Pechersky monastery. When there's a Christian holiday, a sacred procession or some other event taking place in the monastery, the prices in the hotels suddenly rise, and then drop back to usual. Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery is the only one in Russia that has functioned uninterrupted from the 15th century until today.
The name of the town and the monastery comes from the Old Russian word pechory meaning 'caves.' And indeed, the monastery stays upon the undeground system of caves which for many centuries served as a burial site. Today, caves are open for tourists but only with a monastery guide whom you need to book well in advance. But you can peep into several cave rooms all dotted with graves. When you're done with exploring the churches and the caves, walk along the fortified walls of the monastery. No wonder that this bulwark has kept the monastery save throughout the centuries! And try to attend a service at one of the cathedrals on the territory of the monastery, they usually ring the bells before it starts, then just follow a crowd of people, they'll lead you to the right church.
Info
5 Mezhdunarodnaya St. (ул. Международная, д. 5)
The monastery is located off Sobornaya Sq. Follow the road from the square where all the souvenir shops and stalls are located, and you'll end up at the gates of the monastery.
Mon-Sun 6am-6pm. Eevening service starts at 5pm
Free Admission
Average visit duration: 1h30min
Women need to cover their head on the territory of the monastery, and wear a knee-length (or longer) skirt. You can borrow a spare kerchief and a long skirt at the entrance to the monastery (as you enter the gates, you'll see a row of monastery shops to your right, you need the first door). Men need to take their hats off when inside the monastery.
PECHORY TOWN HISTORY MUSEUM
МУЗЕЙ ИСТОРИИ ГОРОДА ПЕЧОРЫ
About
The only museum in Pechory stands in the shadow of Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery, and is not frequented by tourists. Although the main exhibition hasn't been updated for the last 30-40 years, the museum staff try to preserve it the best they can. You can learn about the history of the monastery there, and about the peoples who lived on this land. There's a small exhibition with paintings of Pechory, a Seto exhibition showcasing their beautiful dresses and household items, and usually at least one temporary exhibition with paintings or ceramics by local artists.
Info
3 Mezhdunarodnaya St. (ул. Международная, д. 3)
Walk towards Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery, and turn left before the gates. You'll see the monument of some saint, and a pale pink building to the right side of it. The museums is located inside it.
Tue-Sun 9am-6pm. Closed on Mondays
Cash only
Average visit duration: 45min