Norman-style castle and Pushgory: what to see on the Pskov land?

Norman-style castle and Pushgory: what to see on the Pskov land?

Making an itinerary together with an experienced traveler.

President of Pro-Vision, author of Vinogradov.story community.

On the map of Russia, the Pskov region is almost on the border with Europe, but in fact it is a very Russian region – with white stone temples, impenetrable forests, lost villages and, of course, vast expanses. Remember, from Dovlatov:
– Is it given?
– In general, it was given.
– Typically Pskov?
– Not without it.
I propose to get acquainted with the region a little closer, to walk through the landmark locations and find out what else is interesting and noteworthy in Pskov region.

Ancient Pskov

Many travelers agree that they have never been able to determine exactly where the heart of Pskov beats – in the monumental and austere Kromo-Kremlin, which saved the city from invaders more than once, or in the ancient Mirozhsky Monastery with the Transfiguration Cathedral, where pre-Mongolian frescoes of the XII century have been preserved. Therefore, it is better to walk from one point to another, and on the way look into Pogankiny Chambers – a historical and art museum with an impressive collection of paintings, icons and jewelry. Or leave the “central” route and walk to the Gremyachaya Tower, a miraculously preserved witness of the Russian Middle Ages.

Pushkin Mountains

Pushgory is the place where many of Pushkin’s fairy tales unfold: atmospheric, full of recognizable images and with stunning views of the oak tree “from Lukomorye”, Kern Alley and the house where the Larins are believed to have “lived”. The estates of Mikhailovskoye, Trigorskoye and Petrovskoye, which belonged to the poet’s relatives and friends, are located several kilometers away from each other, surrounded by pine forests, rivers and picturesque hills. And as if in contrast to the restored and well-maintained manor houses there is a deliberately “tired” house in the village of Berezino, where Sergey Dovlatov lived when he worked in the reserve as a guide. What came out of it, you can just read in “Zapovednik”.

Izborsk and Apostolic Keys

Half an hour’s drive west of Pskov is the amazingly beautiful village of Izborsk, which has crossed the threshold of 1160 years and has preserved something from Scandinavia, something from Byzantium, but most importantly – the almost lost spirit of Ancient Russia. Any photo from here is a ready illustration for Bylinas, and the age of some buildings makes you dizzy.

Very close by, the Slovenskiye Kluchi, or the Keys of 12 Apostles – a cascade of 12 springs of the purest spring water, each of which has a life-giving power – descend with tinkling streams. They merge into the River of Life, where white swans live – another symbol of life and purity.

Pechory and the Pskov-Pechersk Monastery

Located near the Estonian border, the town of Pechory is widely known throughout the country thanks to the Holy Dormition Pskovo-Pechersk Monastery with its “God-built caves”, where churches, miracle-working icons and relics of saints are located. During the existence of the monastery, the caves have formed a whole city, where you can get by appointment. And when you get out, you can walk around the well-groomed and very beautiful territory of the monastery and the streets of Izborsk, which have preserved the charm of a small provincial town.

Orekhovno Estate

“Orekhovno” is a unique place for Russia: in the middle of Pskov “nothing” on five hectares of land there are Italian garden, English landscape park, and the so-called Russian manor park. Crowning all this landscape splendor is a small castle in the Norman style. You can walk around “Orekhovno” all day long, studying the bizarre variety of plants, garden styles and epochs. It is also a great place for photos: each frame guarantees an explosion of colors and emotions.