Sights of Izborsk, our impressions. The best sights of Izborsk with photos and descriptions

Arising as a fortified Russian settlement, Izborsk, with the development of crafts and trade, becomes a developed city, acquires administrative significance. Initially, Izborsk was located on the old settlement. Archaeologists attribute its appearance to the VIII-IX centuries. locals They call it Truvorov settlement. The legend connects this with the appearance in Izborsk of the younger brother of Rurik - Truvor. Already in the VIII-IX centuries, Izborsk, according to the chronicler, became "big and glorious city”, where, as in Novgorod, the first Russian princes ruled. The development of handicrafts is evidenced by the iron-smelting furnaces discovered in the Slavyansk field for processing swamp ore and a large amount of stucco clay ceramics. The high development of trade relations is confirmed by archaeological finds: jewelry, weapons. Until now, archaeologists have found Arab coins of the 8th century, objects from Byzantium brought to Izborsk in the 9th century, coins and medals of German and Anglo-Saxon origin. The Izboryans traded with the Peipsi land, with which they were connected by a system of rivers and lakes. Chudskoy Pond was part of the famous trade route"From the Varangians to the Greeks". In the 10th century, with the development of trade, the position of Pskov on the Velikaya River turned out to be more advantageous, and the importance of Izborsk as an administrative and shopping center began to decrease. It turned into a suburb of Pskov, but it preserved independent management, and militarily its role was still great. There remained a close connection between the Novgorod and Pskov lands.

In the Middle Ages, the history of Izborsk represented a series of wars and defenses.

During the Mongol-Tatar yoke, almost all Russian lands were conquered. Just avoided it northwestern regions but they were in danger from the west. In the XII century, Bishop Albert established the militant knightly Order of the Sword. Having captured the Baltic states in the 13th century, the order went to conquer the rich Russian lands. After the capture of Yuryev (Tartu) in 1224, the road to Pskov and Novgorod was open. The first time Izborsk was captured in 1223, but the people of Pskov came to the rescue, and Izborsk was liberated. In 1237, a new knightly order, the Livonian Order, was formed. And in 1240, violating the peace treaty with Pskov, the knights captured Izborsk, and then captured Pskov without hindrance. In 1242, during the famous Battle of the Ice, in which Izborsk warriors also took part, the knights were expelled from Russian lands.

After 80 years, the danger arose again: the border position and the constant threat from the German knights, armed with the last word military equipment of that time, they demanded strengthening of fortifications. For Izborsk, it was necessary to find another place, more advantageous militarily, and in 1303 "Izboresk was put in a new place." The place was chosen on Zheravya (Crane) Mountain and from that time until the 15th century the new fortress withstood eight sieges and was never taken by the enemy. The Livonian knights repeatedly invaded Russian soil, but Izborsk always stood in their way.

The siege of Izborsk in 1349 was especially long and stubborn, as a result of which the Livonians, having failed to capture the fortress, left many of their fallen soldiers near its walls and, retreating, abandoned all their siege engines and ammunition. The German poet Zuchenwart, who participated in this siege, called Izborsk an "iron city". And in 1368, large German forces with numerous battering rams pounded the walls for 18 days, but withdrew without success. The Pskov chronicler proudly noted that the Germans "went a lot of madness in the sow," but "you could not do anything evil."

The Izboryans perfectly mastered the art of war, having learned a lot from their opponents. With the advent of firearms, the fortress was rebuilt: the towers were strengthened and the walls were thickened.

In 1510, Izborsk, together with Pskov, was annexed to Moscow. At the beginning of the 16th century, the fortress of the Pechersk Monastery was built, and it was she who began to receive the first blows from enemies.

During the campaign against the Pskov land of the Polish king Stefan Batory, the surroundings were devastated (in particular, the Malskoy Monastery), the fact of the capture of Izborsk can only be judged by the results of the peace treaty of 1582, where Izborsk was listed among the cities that “Stefan the King caught”.

In the era of Peter I, as a result Northern war the border moved to the west. Izborsk lost its border position and in the 18th century its garrison was abolished.

At the end of the 17th century, Izborsk turned from a suburb of Pskov into small town, and then to the village, which became part of the Pechora district.

In the 19th century, Izborsk was a provincial merchant village, which, nevertheless, had a post office, a cultural and educational society, a hospital, two restaurants with billiards, a tea house, a school and many shops and shops. Traditional peasant and merchant houses to this day form the basis of the architecture of the village.

Did you know? It turns out that it was in this city that the famous films "Andrei Rublev", "Star of Captivating Happiness", "Open Book" were filmed.

city ​​architecture

Izborsk, although a rather small city, is divided into two main parts - Old Izborsk , which houses most of the historical sights, and New Izborsk- in fact, it is he who is a residential city.

The main attraction of Stary Izborsk is deservedly considered Izborsk fortress. It was around it that the town once spread.

The outstanding stone fortress, built back in the 14th century, became famous for the fact that it was never captured by enemy troops during its existence, although such attempts were made dozens of times.
This legendary building is located on Zhar'eva Gora. It has an unusual shape - built in the form of an irregular triangle with rounded corners.

Already due to its location, the fortress has become almost impregnable from both sides (the reason for this is the steep slopes). The third side is protected by deep moats. The walls, built from local limestone, have average height about 8 meters and stretch for 623 meters in length.

It is believed that The fortress was originally made of wood.(around the 11th century), but later it was rebuilt from stone, and for more than 200 years it did not need “improvements” - its design was so perfect.

Important! You can just walk around the vast territory of the fortress, having a lot of fun, or you can order the services of a guide - then your walk will be more informative.

In the Izborsk fortress, the following sights have been preserved and are available for viewing:

  • Lukovka Tower and its Arsenal;
  • Talava tower;
  • Chapel of the Icon of Kosunskaya Mother of God ;
  • Church of Sergius of Radonezh and Nikidar;
  • Temnushka Tower;
  • Ryabinovka Tower;
  • tower tower;
  • flat tower;
  • southeast wall;
  • north wall;
  • Nikolsky Gate.

Nikolsky Gate

In addition to the fortress in Izborsk and its region, you can also see such historical monuments architectures:

  • Truvorovo settlement;
  • Miller's manor (ruins);
  • Anisimov's estate;
  • House of M. S. Belyanin;
  • House of merchant Shvedov.

Religious buildings of Izborsk

Izborsk has long been famous for its chapels, which are numerous in the city and its outskirts. All of them are interesting in their own way, and although most of them have a fairly ordinary appearance, some extraordinary story is associated with almost each.

Chapels of Izborsk:

  • Chapel of Elijah Wet;
  • Chapel of the Sovereign Icon of the Mother of God;
  • Chapel of Frol and Lavr;
  • Chapel of the Life-Giving Trinity.

Also in Stary Izborsk there is an old Nikolsky Cathedral, the first mention of which is found in 1341. It was located at the entrance to the Izborsk fortress, which was supposed to raise the morale of the soldiers guarding it from enemy attacks.
The building in which the cathedral is located has a cubic shape. A large helmet-shaped dome and a drum are securely fixed on massive arches. Also next to the cathedral is a rather rough-looking bell tower, completed in 1849.


Other places of worship Izborsk and its environs:

  • Nicholas Church(Truvorovo settlement);
  • Spaso-Onufriev Skete(Malskaya Valley);
  • Church of George the Victorious(Senno);
  • Church of the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God(Zakhnovo).

Monuments of the city

The most famous and mysterious commemorative signs Izborsk are mysterious stone crosses. These ancient religious monuments scattered throughout the city and its environs.
Their greatest concentration is observed in 3 places of Old Izborsk.
A large number of stone crosses are located in the Skudelnya tract on the site of an old burial ground. Archaeologists suggest that burials were made here from the 11th-12th to the 16th-17th centuries.
Another group of crosses is located on the territory of the modern cemetery in Truvorov Settlement and next to it.
Also, crosses were found in the villages of Vastsy, Malay, Teshevitsy, Miltsy, Gnevkovo, Petrivske, Iverets, Poddubye and others.

Especially famous Truvor Cross located in front of the entrance to the settlement.
Here you can see 2 stone slabs on which "Babylons" are carved - geometrically correct figures that were used to mark buildings. They are based on the ancient plan of the Babylonian temple.

Did you know? No one knows whose ashes are buried under the slabs, they believe that they belong to an unknown builder of the Izborsk fortress.

On one of the slabs there is a large stone Truvor cross. It is carved from a single limestone slab and reaches 2.28 meters in height. It has an ancient inscription "King, Glory, Nike, Jesus Christ".
No one knows exactly what these words mean, but legends have long been transmitted that the cross marks the grave of Truvor, who arrived to reign in Rus' with his brothers in 862.

Museums in Izborsk

Popular with tourists is Museum-Reserve of Izborsk founded in the 60s. XX century. Initially, the museum collected and collected archaeological finds found on the territory of the Izborsko-Malskaya valley.
In 1993, the museum expanded and transformed into a historical, architectural and natural landscape museum-reserve, now occupying an area of ​​about 8,000 hectares.
Here you can not only admire almost endlessly untouched nature, but to see the old merchant estates, peasant settlements and religious buildings. The famous Izborsk fortress, which was described earlier, is also located on its territory.

A very fascinating branch of the museum is Museum-estate of the Seto people located in the village of Sigovo.
The museum is dedicated to the rather small Seto people, whose homeland these places are considered to be. Ethnographic Museum-Estate consists of 2 parts: the estate itself and a private collection of the Seto people.

Natural attractions of the city

The most famous natural attractions of Izborsk are the most beautiful Slovenian Keys of the 12 Apostles. It is believed that they have healing powers, so many thousands of tourists come here every year.

Did you know? The healing power of water is also confirmed by modern scientific research - it has a high mineralization due to the fact that it passes through many limestone rocks.

This is a very picturesque and inspiring place. The keys got their name because they consist of 12 jets. Each of them not only has its own name, but also has a distinctive energy.


Yes, and Izborsk itself is located in a very picturesque Izborsko-Malskaya valley with its characteristic landscapes, landscapes, flora and fauna.
Also near the fortress there is a wonderful Gorodischenskoye lake.

What to see in Izborsk in 1 day?

Izborsk is a small city, and many of its sights are located quite compactly, so you can easily go to Izborsk for one day - most likely, you will have time to see everything you want.

I advise you to build your route around Izborsk as follows:

  1. Visit Izborsk fortress. Here you can walk along the fortress walls, see beautiful view from the observation deck on the Lukovka tower. Also don't forget to visit Nikolsky Cathedral located on the territory of the fortress.
  2. Then you can visit Museum of peasant and merchant life.
  3. Then I advise you to take a walk Malskaya valley, wash and dial healing water at Slovenian keys. Also admire the beautiful snow-white swans on Gorodishchensky lake.
  4. Then go to the Truvorov settlement, where you will see the famous Truvor Cross.
  5. I also recommend visiting Malsky Monastery, located 5 km from the Fortress on the banks of a picturesque lake.

Important! Although the sights are quite close to each other, you still have to walk a lot, so think about comfortable clothes and shoes in advance.

Izborsk from a bird's eye view

This video shows the sights of Izborsk shot by a quadrocopter. Enjoy watching!

Where to go in Izborsk with children?

Tourists traveling with children, I think, will enjoy the following attractions:

  • Izborsk fortress. On its territory you can take a fascinating walk with your children, telling them about the rich history of these places.
  • Slovenian Keys. Walk along the picturesque Malskaya Valley and drink the miraculous water from the legendary springs.
  • Feed the swans Gorodishchensky lake.
  • Visit eco-farm "Izborsky Straus" where you can not only watch rare birds but also feed them. And as a souvenir, you can bring home a real ostrich egg. Also here you will see reindeer and sheep of the Romanov breed, rabbits, geese and cute raccoons. In addition to getting to know the animals, children can enjoy playing on the playground.
  • //www..html

    If anyone has already visited cozy Izborsk, I will be happy to read about your impressions of the city in the comments. And for those who only decide on this trip, I highly recommend visiting the city. There will be many impressions.

Izborsk - I remember this name from historical literature, which I actively studied in my school years. A popular theory about how the Slavs called the Varangians to reign in 862 tells of three brothers, the eldest of whom was Rurik, who sat down to reign in Novgorod and became the founder of a dynasty that ruled for almost six and a half centuries. Two others, Sineus and Truvor, settled respectively in Beloozero and Izborsk...

Today, this theory is criticized by many, but the very fact that the mention of Izborsk refers to 862 tells us that already in those days it was enough large settlement. Until the end of the 16th century, ancient Izborsk was an important border outpost and more than once repulsed the attacks of the Livonian knights and the Commonwealth. However, by now the defensive significance of Izborsk has completely vanished, and he himself has lost the status of a city. However, this does not mean at all that the village has fallen into disrepair: today the Izborsk Museum-Reserve is one of the most colorful sights of the Pskov region, and if earlier crusaders and Polish lords besieged it now and then, now crowds of tourists do it, and the name Old Izborsk is used in order not to confuse it with New - it is also a village, but it arose at the end of the 19th century in the area of ​​the same name railway station"New Izborsk".

How to get there

  • By bus from PskovA. In this case final stop there will be an auto pavilion Old Izborsk. The city is located 30 kilometers east of the village, and in addition to the Pskov-Izborsk buses, which depart twice a day, you will also be able to use those that follow to Pechory and leave the Pskov bus station every 1-2 hours, stopping at Izborsk. Getting to Pskov depends on where you live, but in most cases the best way to get there is by train. The cost of a bus ticket will be about 120 rubles.
  • As part of the tour. , Izborsk and Pechory are now very popular with tourists traveling in Russia, so Bus tours these places are organized by many agencies in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Most often, a visit to Stary Izborsk is combined with Pechory, but there are also more intense excursion tours. The cost can be completely different: from several hundred rubles to several thousand, depending on the place of departure, catering and accommodation, and, of course, the composition of the excursion. Izborsk, in my opinion, is not a place where a couple of hours is enough to get to know each other, but if you do not want to spend time organizing a trip and planning a route on your own, this option will suit you best.
  • By own car. In this case, you need to go to the A-212 highway, also known as E-77 "Riga-Pskov". Turning at the sign, we immediately get to main street Old Izborsk, Pechora. You can park in the area of ​​the Izborsk-Park refectory, almost reaching the fortress, but in no case should you leave your car on the historic cobblestones of Pechorskaya Street.

    Sights of Izborsk

    First of all, here it is worth highlighting three major objects:

    1. Truvorovo Settlement,
    2. slovenian keys,
    3. Izborsk fortress.

    Attractions, photos of which are found in most guidebooks, are located there.

    Izborsk fortress

    The main and most popular attraction is the Izborsk fortress. The first thing to note when talking about her is a really high-quality restoration. From a distance it seems that the fortress is half-abandoned, but if you pay attention to the fresh solid masonry, it becomes clear that this is not so.

    Izborsk fortress is one of the oldest surviving stone fortresses in Russia. In its current form, it was built in the XIV-XV centuries and more than once repulsed the attacks of the Livonian knights who settled in the territory of present-day Latvia and Estonia.

    By appearance the fortress is strikingly different from the red-brick Kremlins like Moscow, Kolomna or Tula. Pskov architecture is generally characterized by rough features combined with European practicality, and taking into account the border location of the fortress, its creators were clearly not up to the openwork dovetail-type battlements that began to decorate the Kremlin walls a century and a half later.

    The entrance to the fortress costs about 50 rubles - as for me, mere pennies for the opportunity to touch a truly unique architectural monument.

    Towers of Izborsk

    As for the main elements of the Izborsk fortress, in addition to the walls, it includes seven towers and two backyards. Zahab is stone bag, where it is very convenient to lure the besiegers, who naively believe that they have broken through the walls, but in fact the inner ones are hiding behind the outer gates. After the enemy detachment passes through the outer gate, this very gate is locked, and the enemies are trapped. As a rule, the poor fellows in such cases were simply shot from the walls with bows.

    As for the towers, out of seven this moment six have been saved, but not everything is so simple here either. The fact is that inside the Flat Tower (aka Ploskushka or Ploskushka), from which at the moment only the foundation remains, a well was dug, from which the defenders of the fortress took water during the siege. If the tower were restored, the well would be hidden from the visitors of the fortress.

    Of the other six towers, Lukovka is especially noteworthy. This is the oldest stone tower of the Izborsk fortress, built in the 14th century. Today you have the opportunity to go down both to its cellars and to the observation deck at its top. In general, the Izborsk fortress, albeit small, but for those who like to explore ancient fortifications This real paradise. So, in addition to the Lukovka tower, you can also walk along a section of the wall, and two more towers are made hollow, that is, by entering each of them, you can see the stone frame from the inside.

    Other objects of the Izborsk fortress

    In addition to the service buildings that do not deserve attention, the Nikolsky Cathedral is located on the territory of the fortress. Built in the 14th century, today it is the oldest temple Izborsk. It is noteworthy that, despite the rather rough execution, the temple differs from the Pskov churches in the absence of a characteristic ornament under the dome.

    On the other side of the Nikolsky Zakhab, already outside the fortress, there is a small church of Saints Sergius and Nikander. The exact date of its laying is unknown: in different sources there are dates from 1611 to 1779. This church has a remote bell tower, which is typical for Pskov temple architecture, and inside it is currently a museum exposition.

    In addition, not far from the Talavskaya tower, the Korsun chapel nestled. It is noteworthy that this is the latest of the buildings of Old Izborsk. The chapel was erected already in the early 30s of the last century, when Izborsk was part of Estonia, and the Baltic republics had not yet become part of the USSR. They say that in the place where the chapel now stands, there is a burial ground where the bones of the participants in the defense of Izborsk in 1657 are buried.

    Slovenian Keys

    The Slovenian keys are twelve mini-waterfalls, the water from which flows into the Gorodishchenskoe Lake. The place itself is very beautiful, but we must remember that, despite the healing properties of water attributed to it by numerous pilgrims, it is officially not recommended to drink it without boiling it. Based on the results of a water quality check at the beginning of 2013, Rospotrebnadzor concluded that the level of bacterial contamination exceeded the permissible level.

    In addition, if the weather is favorable, many bathe in the springs. The water is very cold there, and there are no locker rooms or anything like that nearby, but there is no fee for visiting the keys.

    From the fortress to the Slovenian springs, you will have to go, albeit from a hill, but along a dirt road, so if your visit to Izborsk falls on a rainy spring or autumn period, you will inevitably get your shoes dirty - you just need to put up with it.

    Truvorovo settlement

    But the current Izborsk fortress is not the first and not even the second stone fortification of Izborsk. The first fortified settlement in these places was located to the north of the current citadel - it was it that was meant in the Tale of Bygone Years as the patrimony of the legendary Varangian Truvor. Today the place where the first fortress was located is known as the Truvorovo settlement.

    To get there, at the fork, the right branch of which goes to the Slovenian Keys, you should turn left.

    Compared to the territory of the fortress of Izborsk, the settlement occupies a relatively small triangular area, located on the very edge of the hill, followed by a sharp cliff. A tablet installed nearby says that as a result of excavations, archaeologists discovered the remains of walls and the foundation of a stone tower, however, since the research of the settlement is now mothballed, you will not see anything of this, since it was decided to cover the ancient stones with earth to ensure safety.

    However, the round base of the tower stands out noticeably, even when filled in. The ramparts are also well preserved, and the only restored part of the fortifications of ancient Izborsk is the entrance gate.

    Near the settlement, on the same hill, there is a cemetery, the first burials in which date back to the 15th century. Its main attraction is the imposing cross, which is 2.36 meters high, also known as the Truvor Cross. However, to legendary brother He has nothing to do with Rurik, since Truvor lived much earlier, and certainly was not an adherent of the Christian faith.

    Of the later buildings, it is impossible not to note the Church of St. Nicholas on the Settlement. This is all that remains of the Nikolo-Gorodishchensky Monastery, abolished by Catherine II, and the church itself in its current form dates back to the end of the 17th century, when its wooden predecessor burned down. Elongated from west to east, it seems to grow from the depths of the hill.

    Other sights of Izborsk

    In addition to the keys, the ancient settlement and the fortress of Izborsk, the reserve includes an exhibition complex located at the very entrance to the village, next to the hotels and the refectory "Izborsk-Park" and occupying the house of the merchant Shvedov, as well as the house and outbuilding of the merchant Anisimov.

    Despite the fact that today the glorious history of these places reminds, first of all, ancient fortress and ancient temples, smaller historical details are intended to reveal the museum. Izborsk, although it did not take part in the hostilities of the XIX-XX centuries, but this small settlement has full right be called a city military glory. Today, the exhibition "Chronicle of the Slavic-Russian princely city of Izborsk" tells about this in the house of the merchant Anisimov.

    In addition, despite the fact that it was Russian history and culture that formed the basis for the creation of the Izborsk Museum-Reserve, the Pskov region was originally inhabited by no means only by Slavs. Representatives of the Finno-Ugric people Seto (or Seto) still live in the Pechora district of the Pskov region. Although they did not leave behind imposing fortresses or majestic cathedrals, their way of life and traditions, which prescribe life in harmony with nature, are reflected in the exposition "Russians and Setos. One Land - general history"in the house of the merchant Shvedov.

    Well, a modern look at the history and architecture of Izborsk is reflected in the canvases of Osoovsky, who passed away on August 1, 2015 at the age of 90. His works combine the features of ethnic painting and posters from the first half of the 20th century. Today they are presented in the wing of the merchant Anisimov.

    A single adult ticket for all three exhibitions will cost you 100 rubles.

    In addition to the museum, it is worth noting the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, built at the end of the 16th century and practically not rebuilt since then. It is also notable for the fact that it hosted the shooting of the wedding scene of the Decembrist Annenkov from the film "Star of Captivating Happiness".

    Where to eat

    Despite the fact that the Izborsk Museum-Reserve occupies an impressive territory, all hotels and food outlets are located at the entrance to the village. Personally, I had a chance to dine at the repeatedly mentioned Izborsk-Park refectory. The institution is very colorful, furnished in the spirit of a Russian izba of the 19th century, the portions are rather big, and the average bill for two without alcohol will be about 1,500 rubles. You can recognize the refectory by the not very modest inscription on the facade.

    Summing up all of the above, I want to say that Izborsk can rightly be considered one of the main attractions of the Pskov region. This place deserves to be visited purposefully, without combining with others. historical objects, but even if you decide to visit, Old Izborsk will be a great addition to your trip.

Izborsk is one of the oldest settlements Russia. The first mention of it dates back to 862. According to the chronicle, Truvor, the brother of Rurik, was the first prince of the city. Then the city was in the possession of Princess Olga. Each century left its mark on the architecture of the city.

Currently, Izborsk is a settlement with a population of only 789 people. Despite this, a large number of tourists come here to admire the old Russian city. Here you can see chapels, churches, various ancient estates, fortresses, as well as admire the surrounding picturesque setting.

This amazing monument of Russian architecture was built in the XIV century. During its centuries-old existence, the walls of the fortress withstood dozens of enemy attacks, which were unsuccessful. The walls of the fortress stretched for 623 meters. They are 8 meters high and 4 meters thick.

From the time of its existence, the fortress was practically not rebuilt. Therefore, its original appearance has been preserved to this day. And now the fortress pleases and amazes tourists with its majestic architectural view. Tours are organized for visitors in the fortress, where you can learn a lot of interesting and useful information.

Location: Pechorskaya street - 39.

There is a legend that this spring has healing properties. Therefore, every year a large number of tourists come here to collect medicinal water. For the first time, the miraculous properties of this spring became known from written sources that date back to the 17th century.

Water contains calcium and mineral salts. The name of the twelve apostles was given to the spring because of the twelve key streams, each of which has its own healing properties and has its own name. Therefore, it is necessary to wash and drink water from every spring in order to be strong and healthy.

This tower served as the last shelter in case the city was captured by the enemy. At the bottom of the tower is an opening that served as a warehouse for storing gunpowder.

Currently at the top of the tower is Observation deck, which offers a wonderful scenic view. The tower has been repeatedly restored, so its appearance significantly different from the original.

The first mention of the cathedral came from written sources dating back to 1341. Its location near the Izborsk fortress was not chosen by chance. During the war, the cathedral served as moral support and gave the army strength and confidence in victory.

Nikolsky Cathedral belongs to the early monuments of architecture, which could survive and reach our days. In 1849, in the 19th century, a decision was made to add a bell tower to the cathedral. In the same year, the windows and roof of the monastery were redone. Currently, the cathedral is active.

On the territory of the valley there are many rivers and lakes in which are found different kinds fish. And also this place surprises with the richness and diversity of flora and fauna. The total area of ​​the valley is 1792 hectares.

Undoubtedly, the valley beautiful place. Therefore, tourists from all over the country come here every year to admire the local beauties. The surrounding picturesque setting gives vacationers new strength and energizes. In the valley area winter time both tourists and locals love skiing or snowboarding.

The lake is located near the Izborsk fortress. It is small but extremely beautiful and clear lake pleases the eye of both locals and tourists. Due to numerous underground sources, the water in the lake always remains cool. Even in summer, its temperature does not exceed 17 degrees. A variety of algae grow on the shore of the lake, including water lilies, sedge and reeds. All year round, white swans live on the lake, which are the main attraction of this picturesque area.

This church can be attributed to one of the main attractions of the city of Izborsk. It is the main monument of local architecture of the 17th century, which has survived to this day. The church is located on a high hill. In addition, it is part of the Izborsk Museum-Reserve. Information about the exact date and author of the building remains unknown. The church looks very beautiful and majestic against the picturesque background of the surrounding nature.

There are many versions, in honor of which event the stone cross was actually erected and whose ashes rest under the stone slabs. The version is not ruled out that a person who took part in the construction of the Izborsk fortress is buried here.

Not far from the slabs rises a stone cross, the height of which is 2.28 meters. According to legend, it was installed over the burial place of Prince Truvor, who in 862 came to rule on local lands. The approximate date of the installation of the cross is the XIV or XV century. It is possible that it could have been installed at a later time. At present, it is already difficult to determine who actually owns this cross.

There are a large number of springs in Izborsk, which, according to legend, have miraculous properties. Every year hundreds of tourists come here to draw water from healing springs.

People believe that water from local springs will cleanse the soul of sins and rid of bad thoughts. The Bogoroditsky spring is very popular among both locals and tourists. According to legend, it was he who healed the girl who was blind from birth.

The monastery is unique monuments 16th century architecture. The date of its foundation is 1471. Throughout its existence, the monastery has undergone many difficulties. In 1581 it was destroyed, and all the monks who were in it were killed. The revival of the monastery began in 1675, but after a while it was devastated by the Swedish army.

In the 18th century, by order of Empress Anna Ioannovna, the monastery was restored, but a few years later it was decided to close it. The restoration of the temple began in 2000. At present, the doors of the monastery are open to all pilgrims.

The construction of the chapel was in the distant 1929 of the XX century. The building has a square shape. Above the entrance to the chapel is the icon of the Mother of God of Korsun, which was painted in 1931. The icon painter was Pimen Safronov. The chapel itself is located former cemetery. Previously, there were burials of people who fought for the defense of the fortress at the cost of their own lives. The architect of the chapel was Alexander Ignatievich Vladovsky.

Location: Pechorskaya street - 13.

The construction of the chapel was carried out by monks in the 19th century. Its location was not chosen by chance. Many years ago, religious processions were held at the site of the chapel. Most travelers or tourists do not even pay attention to the chapel because of its inconspicuous appearance and small size. Only when you get closer to it, you can see the name of the monastery. The chapel got its name in honor of St. Elijah the Wet.

The height of the tower is 16 meters. It has six tiers, the upper ones being much thinner than the lower ones. On each of the tiers there were several loopholes. Locals believe that the tower got its name due to the fact that a lot of rowan trees grew next to it.

This tower is considered the most powerful tower of the fortress. She has height 19 meters. Several centuries ago, its height was much greater. At the very top of the tower was a wooden tower, on which the soldiers carried out guard duty. Hence the tower and acquired the name "Tower".