The Pskov fortress forms the architectural base for the whole structure of the town. Pskov is located 300 km from St. Petersburg, at the confluence of the Pskova and the Velikaya rivers. This proximity to an important water route made Pskov a lively trade centre. Apparently there were both Slavs and Finns dwelling in this region in the beginning of the first millennium. The fortress was built during eight hundred years beginning with X century.

903 The town is mentioned in chronicles for the first time.

900-1100 Some early fortifications are made. First a wooden and then a stone cathedral is erected on the site of the later Trinity church. In the early XII century Pskov has its own independent duchy.

1240 Pskov is surrendered to German knights. In two years the troops of Alexander Nevsky seize it. At the end of the century the town is surrounded by a new stone wall.

XIV-XV centuries The fortress is modernized, new towers and walls are built. The town structure is developing. At the end of this period Pskov already resembles what we can observe today. The defence system of the fortress consists of five encircling walls, altogether 9,5 km in length, 15 towers, 15 gates, underground passages and other fortifications.

XVI century Pskov is incorporated into Muscovite Russia. Pskov functions as a base during Livonian War.

XVII century The Cathedral still preserved today is constructed.

Early XVIII century Peter the Great orders to prepare the fortress for military action during the Great Northern War. Additional defences are built, while towers and churches are razed and material reused. After Nystad treaty Pskov loses itse military significance. The fortress falls into disrepair.

The restoration work began in 1841. In 1950s, 60s and 70s some repair works and archaeological excavations have been carried out thanks to a project by The State Museum Hermitage. Restorations are still in progress. Some medieval structures have also been reconstructed.

The whole town is planned with fortresses' contours as a starting point. The radial structure can clearly be felt. The town still has over 40 churches from XII-XVI centuries. There are remarkable treasures housed in some of them, for instance, in Mirozhkin monastery an exceptionally large group of frescoes dating back to the XII century can be found. The museum is located in a XVII century administrative building. In addition to guided tours, concerts and ceremonial services are offered to visitors.

Pechory ja Porkhov fortresses

After the example set by Pskov several forts were built in the area. Petchory is to the west of Pskov (350 km from St. Peterburg) and Porkhov to the east (380 km from St. Peterburg).

Pechory fortress was built on orders from Ivan the Terrible to protect the monastery on the site, and it stands on the edge of a steep gorge. Pechory was built at the time when artillery was already common and taken into account. It has nine towers. Pechory is well enough preserved and the monastery is still functioning. Nearby there's an interesting cave graveyard.

Alexander Nevsky founded the Porkhov fortress in 1239. It's main building material was local yellow-grey limestone. Its walls, towers and St. Nikolai's Church dating back to the XIV century are in very good condition.