TO SEE
PSKOV KROM
ПСКОВСКИЙ КРОМ
About
Pskov Kremlin, otherwise known as Pskov Krom, clearly dominates the landscape of the city. It stretches along two rivers and encompasses the golden-domed Trinity Cathderal and the ruins of the so-called Dovmont Town. Like centuries ago, the old wooden gates get locked at night. Make sure you find your way out of the medieval world back to the 21st century before it happens.
Although Pskov Krom does look very impressive today, it's only a small part that has outlived the centuries of invasions. Can you imagine that once 9.5km of walls encompassed Pskov 5 times, and had 37 towers and 14 gates. Today, only some parts of this former glory survived. If you walk along the river and the central part of the city, you'll definitely come across a lonely tower or a chunk of wall which once served to protect the city. But the preserved Pskov Krom is a true masterpiece of fortification. The restoration works still take place in some of its areas, but you can already climb on top of one of the towers, visit the 17th-century Writ Chambers, marvel old frescoes of the Trinity Cathderal, and then rest at a café with a cup of hot Russian spicy drink called sbiten or rummage local ceramics and antiques in the shops.
Visit the Trinity Cathderal and Writ Chambers museum, and don't forget to climb the tower nearest to the Writ Chambers, there're stunning views from the top!
Address
Pskov Krom is located at the confluence of Velikaya and Pskova rivers, in the very centre of the city, opposite the central Lenin Square and October cinema.
Average visit duration: 1h
Free admission
WRIT CHAMBERS
ПРИКАЗНЫЕ ПАЛАТЫ
About
The massive white edifice with tiny windows and gorgeous porch was built inside the Pskov Krom in the 17th century. Currently, there’re 3 exhibitions and tickets are sold separately to each one of them. Two are located on the ground floor by the ticket office. The room to the right exhibits the collection of Russian armour and “military uniform” throughout the centuries. All the costumes and armour are the copies made by local craftsmen. (general 70₽/student 50₽/senior 30₽/children 30₽. You need to pay extra if you want to take pictures or videos: 50₽ for photos/100₽ for video). The room to the left houses a collection of recreated Western European armour, also made by local craftsmen. (general 100₽/ student, senior, children 50₽). A more interesting exhibition is located upstairs. Walk outside the building and climb a steep ancient staircase to the 1st floor. The exhibition shows the original interiors of the Writ Chambers, a kind of medieval offices. Some signboards on the tables have English translation, the rest don’t. Still, the exhibition upstairs is definitely worth taking a quick look. (general 80RUB/student 50₽/children 30₽/senior 30₽/family ticket 200₽. Taking photos and videos is allowed and is included in the price). Tours are run in Russian but you need to pay extra for a guided tour. Ask at the ticket office for details.
Address
4 Kremlin (Кремль, д. 4)
The museum is located inside the Pskov Kremlin, in the part known as Dovmont Town. Turn left as you enter the Kremlin gates.
+7 8112 72 45 74
Tue-Sun 11am-6pm. Closed on Mondays, and on the last Tuesday of each month.
General 80₽/ Student 50₽/ Senior and Children 30₽ for main exhibition. Prices for temporary exhibitions vary.
Cash only
Average visit duration: 30min
PSKOV MUSEUM
ПСКОВСКИЙ МУЗЕЙ
About
Excellent city museum that occupies several buildings and comprises an art gallery, a museum of icon and jewellery, an exhibition of local lore, and a history museum. One of the Pskov symbols, the 18th-century Pogankin Chambers, are part of this museum. Art gallery is housed in a 19th-century building nearby and boasts an excellent collection of the 16th to 19th-century European Art, and Russian art of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, including famous works of Shishkin, Tropinin, Repin, Levitan, Petrov-Vodkin, and Marc Chagall.
Address
7 Nekrasova St. (ул. Некрасова, д. 7)
The entrance to the museum is from Komsomolsky lane.
+7 8112 66 33 11
Tue-Sun 11am-6pm. Closed on Mondays, and on the last Tuesday of each month.
Cash only
Accessible to English speakers
Average visit duration: 2h
MIROZHSKY MONASTERY
МИРОЖСКИЙ МОНАСТЫРЬ
About
Mirozhsky Monastery was founded in the middle of the 12th century which makes it the oldest monastery in Pskov, and one of the oldest in Russia. It is a peaceful place on the left bank of Velikaya River, with several churches, gardens and an outside café. But it's main point of interest is the ancient Christ's Transfiguration Cathedral of the 12th century. It is the only place in Russia where the frescoes of the pre-Mongolian period have survived and were preserved in such a good condition. The frescoes created by the Greek artists of the 12th century are indeed stunning, as well as the reflections of sunrays on the walls. The monastery is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage places.
Address
2 Mirozhskaya Emb. (Мирожская наб., д. 2)
The easiest way to get to the monastery if you walk from the centre is to cross the bridge near Pokrovskaya tower (the Fat tower) by Kuznetskaya St. and turn right when you're on the other side.
+7 8112 57 64 03
Tue-Sun 11am-6pm. Closed on Mondays, on the last Tuesday of each month, and when it's raining, snowing, or when it's foggy (when in doubt, give them a call and ask)
General 350₽/ Students 250₽/ Senior 250₽
Cash only
Accessible to English speakers
Average visit duration: 30min