CITY · PSKOV OBLAST

Pskov.

Pskov, on the Velikaya River, is one of Russia's oldest cities, first mentioned in the chronicles under the year 903. Its stone Krom, Trinity Cathedral and the whitewashed churches of the Pskov school of architecture, now on the UNESCO list, recall the days of the independent Pskov Republic.

Region: Pskov Oblast
Population: 185,486 (2025)
Founded: 903
Airport: Pskov (Kresty) · PKV

Good news & stories

24 September 2026

Architecture of Russia

Pskov: learning to read a city through its churches

White walls, belfries and the Mirozhsky frescoes offer an introduction to Pskov’s architectural tradition.

City featurePskov

All good news

History

The chronicles link Pskov to Princess Olga: under 903 they record that Igor of Kiev married Olga, a woman from these parts. From the 14th century the city was the capital of the Pskov Republic and a busy centre of trade with Hanseatic merchants. In 1510 it became part of the Muscovite state. In 1581–1582 Pskov held out against the famous siege by Stephen Báthory's army, and in 1615 it repelled the Swedes. In 1917 Nicholas II signed his abdication aboard the imperial train at Pskov.

Culture & traditions

The Pskov Krom, with its five lines of stone walls, withstood 26 sieges in the 15th century alone. Inside stands Trinity Cathedral, whose present building dates from the 1690s and holds the tombs of the saintly princes Vsevolod and Dovmont. Mirozhsky Monastery is famous for its 12th-century frescoes, and the Pogankin Chambers, a 17th-century merchant's house, are home to a museum. In 2019 the churches of the Pskov school of architecture were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Not far from the city lies Mikhailovskoye, where Pushkin wrote many of his works.

Sport

Pskov has produced well-known athletes. The ice hockey player Sergei Fedorov was born here, and several Olympic rowers come from the city. Pskov is also known for its footballers.

Practical information

The city has its own airport, Kresty, with regular flights to Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Railways from Saint Petersburg towards Riga and from Bologoye via Dno to Pechory pass through Pskov. The city is on Moscow time. The climate is humid continental, with cold snowy winters and warm summers; May to September is the best time to visit.

What to see

Pskov Krom — a medieval citadel that withstood dozens of sieges
Trinity Cathedral — the city's main church, with the tombs of Vsevolod and Dovmont
Mirozhsky Monastery — famous 12th-century frescoes
Pogankin Chambers — a 17th-century merchant's house turned museum
Churches of the Pskov school of architecture — a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mikhailovskoye — Pushkin's estate not far from the city