Attractions of Izborsk: list, photo and description. Sights, healing waterfalls and festivals of the old Izborsk

The Izborsk fortress built of stone is recognized as an outstanding memorial ensemble of the defense architecture of Rus'. The walls of the building withstood many enemy sieges during their existence, never submitting to the invaders - the Livonian knights.

Huge fortresses that have come down to us ancient Rus', like the one in Izborsk, amaze contemplators with their power. In the fortress walls of antiquity one can read a great determination to defend their lands. Make you bow before the unique Russian character. To inspire respect for the unbending will and stoic spirit of the Russians.

Izborsk: history and attractions

The settlement - the city of Izborsk - is currently considered a large village bordering Pskov in the west. In its vicinity are the famous Gorodishchenskoye Lake.

This place in the eighth-tenth century was inhabited by a Slavic tribe - the Krivichi. Tradition claims that the town was originally called Slovenian (after the name of the founder). The current name of the settlement appeared much later. The first mention of it is found in chronicles.

Then these lands were owned by the Varangian prince Truvor, who was the younger brother of the legendary Rurik. On the territory of ancient Izborsk, the Truvorovo settlement has been preserved. The ancient village spreads out on a small, pointed plateau, steeply ending above Gorodishchenskoye Lake.

In ancient times, a trade route was laid along the water system connected with the city, requiring protection. For its safety, the townspeople built outposts on the banks of the Obdeh River. In the 10th century, Izborsk began to lose ground. Status shopping center gradually passes to Pskov.

However, the military significance is still huge. Its historical past is closely intertwined with the Novgorod-Pskov lands. In the XIV century, the city was surrounded by powerful fortified walls. The fortress never fell under the onslaught of the Livonian knights.

To date, the ancient town has been transformed into a village, where photos and descriptions of which are contained in multiple sources have been preserved. Tourists are interested in the not too damaged fortress, they go to the Slovenian springs and Truvorovo settlement.

The construction of the Izborsk fortress

It is natural that on Zheravya Hill they founded new town. During the siege period, all the inhabitants did not fit in the fortress of Izborsk. The attacks of the Livonian knights did not stop. The activity foreshadowed new battles, victory in which meant one thing - the independence of the Russian lands. The problem of building powerful fortifications was acute.

Pskovians and Izboryans used native stone to fortify the city. The fortress, erected from limestone slabs formed in the Paleozoic era, was an impressive sight. After all, local limestones of dark gray shades are not porous and loose, but dolomitic and excessively dense.

The new defense line, as well as the outpost of Truvorov settlement, was built for reasons of advantageous location - on a high, flat mountain plateau. North, south and east side ancient fortress turned out to be impregnable due to natural steep cliffs formed by dolomite slabs and a huge ravine. Picturesque panoramic views open up from the tall cape that cuts into the coast of the Smolka River and hangs over the Izborsk Basin.

Before the erection of fortifications on the plateau, they marked out their layout. The fortress walls grew along the edge of the mountain plateau, above the very cliff. Natural base from powerful rocks allowed to build incredibly high walls. The convex fortification exactly repeated the local relief, enclosing the area of maximum size. The besieged fortress, the photo of which is striking in its beauty, accommodated not only the townspeople, but also the population of the surrounding villages.

Fortification transformation

In the middle, the fortification was an imposing outpost. A triangular plateau along the entire perimeter was protected by gigantic stone walls. In the 15th century, the building underwent significant reconstruction. Perestroika was conditioned by firearms, which did not exist until then, replaced by the tactics of sieges and defensive actions.

First of all, they converted the towers, where they placed innovations military equipment. Then further strengthened north side. However, these alterations did not make significant changes to the original appearance of the structure.

The fortress looks like an indestructible colossus. Photos of her are presented in our article. From the place where the Truvorovo settlement was spread, the outpost seemed to have grown out of a gigantic rock, becoming its integral continuation.

Chronicles reflect the great importance of this defensive structure. They describe a vivid episode. The clergy made a religious procession along the "wall place". Near the towers and gates, they celebrated prayers. So confessors consecrated the city, the fortress, saving a piece of Russian land from enemies.

Description of the fortress

The majestic Izborsk fortress, erected on the top of the Zheravya Mountain, resembles a triangle in outline, the corners of which are rounded. Two steep cliffs and specially dug ditches make it impregnable. The grandiose limestone walls are 623 meters long, varying in height from 7 to 10 meters, and 4 meters thick.

This fortification was originally a perfection that did not require rebuilding. Only minor adjustments were made to it, which made it possible to introduce technical and military innovations that appeared in a given century. The fortress, which is now part of the sights of Pskov, photos and descriptions of which are quite accessible, developed and changed as the ancient town grew.

Fortifications

They get into the fortress by overcoming the Nikolsky zahab - a narrowed long corridor, which is equipped with the southern wall. The first thing that appears before visitors is the Church of St. Nicholas, crowned with a silver dome. In ancient times, the locals called the settlement "The City of St. Nicholas", and the cathedral was called "his home". Giving thereby the St. Nicholas Church of particular importance.

In addition to it, the Izborsk fortress has a lot of other significant buildings. The map clearly indicates the location of each of them.

Tower Lukovka

Kukovka (and Lukovka has such a name) is the most mysterious tower. This is the only tower structure embedded inside a thick fortress fence. The tower has survived from the time when the Izborsk fortress was a wooden outpost.

Much later, it becomes literally "a fortress within a fortress." She was assigned the role of the last refuge, if the enemy takes possession of the main defensive structure. At the bottom of Lukovka, a gunpowder storage was created that once acted as an arsenal.

In addition, she was assigned the function of a sentinel post. The top of Kukovka is equipped with an observation deck, from where panoramic pictures of the immediate surroundings open. Lukovka, having undergone multiple reconstructions, has lost its original internal appearance, created in antiquity. But the panoramas remained almost the same.

Talava Tower

The Talav Tower is a rectangular building adjoining the zahab of the same name, which in the old days bore the terrible name “corridor of death”. The entrance and exit of the passage closed the gate. The enemy, having overcome the outer gate, fell into a narrow trap, in which he was overtaken by an inevitable defeat.

Ryabinovka and Temnushka towers

Ryabinovka - hexagonal fortification intimidating look. Temnushka is similar in silhouette to Ryabinovka. Both towers took the main enemy attack from the west. Namely, from here, as it seemed to the enemy, from the most accessible side, it is necessary to attack the gigantic fortress.

bell tower

The traditional, relating to the early firearms era, is represented by the Bell Tower. The building was equipped with an alarm bell, which announced the arrival of "uninvited guests" - enemy troops. The continuous hum emitted by the bell reached Pskov.

Tower

And of course, the Izborsk fortress is equipped with a tall tower. Tower - review post. Its top was once crowned with a caretaker, assembled from wood and consisting of two tiers. Practically close to the Tower of stones, a cross was laid out - the inspirer of the soldiers of the outpost and intimidation for the enemy.

Zahaby

The narrow corridors-passages - Nikolsky and Talavsky - were excellent obstacles for the penetration of enemy forces through the outer gates into the fortress courtyard. In addition, they played the role of a dangerous trap. Locking the enemy in a tiny space from which there was no way out, they led to the inevitable death of the invaders.

temple buildings

In the icon case of the Korsun chapel, it is inscribed on Old Slavonic the name of the creator of the building - the architect-artist A.I. Vladovkago. And on the site of the burnt wooden cathedral of St. Sergius of Radonezh, it was rebuilt temple complex Sergius and Nikandra. It just so happened that the new ensemble was moved outside the fortress.

Sights of Truvorovo settlement

The ancient settlement was named after Prince Truvor, who ruled the Izborsk lands. The first defensive structure, surrounded by ravines, which ceased to meet the requirements of wartime, was transferred to the neighboring rock - Zheravya Gora. An ancient cemetery has been preserved in the place of the ancient outpost.

Truvorovo cemetery

At the end of the dark ancient necropolis rises a huge cross, built of stone. Its surface is inscribed with writings that have been practically erased under the influence of time. The Izborsk fortress is amazing, its history is overgrown with not unfounded myths. In particular, there are two legends about the cross that have the right to exist.

One claims that the cross is an attribute of an ancient outpost, the first settlement that laid the foundation for the defense of Rus'. According to another legend, the cross was erected on the grave of Prince Truvor, whose body was lowered for rest to a depth of more than two meters.

In a word, a giant stone pedestal is the keeper of the secrets of the fortress, the roots of which are put down in antiquity. Next to the monument are old slabs, dotted with incomprehensible geometric ornaments. There is an assumption that military burials are hidden under the "Babylons".

Temple in the Truvor settlement

Near the cemetery there is a hill, the top of which is crowned with the church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The sight of its white-stone walls, dotted with black crosses, is frightening, especially in thick twilight. Initially, a wooden church stood on this site, which was later replaced by a stone church. A few steps from the sanctuary, a huge stone was erected - a symbol of a truce with the Estonians.

river of life

In the lower part of the hill, in the place where the border of the Truvor settlement merges with the foot of the Zheravya Mountain, from a cliff formed by dense limestone, a lot of thousand-year-old Slovenian springs beat. They, merging with each other, formed a sonorous stream, nicknamed the "River of Life".

The crystal waters of the stream are rapidly rushing to the Gorodishchenskoye Lake. From time immemorial, the waters of the springs have been credited with miraculous abilities, the possession of a holy healing power. The keys are formed by twelve jets, which are given the names of the months.

One of the oldest Russian cities, mentioned in The Tale of Bygone Years. It is located on the territory of the Pechora region, 30 kilometers west of Pskov, on the shore of Lake Gorodishchenskoye. The distance to Moscow is 850 kilometers.

Izborsk is one of the oldest Russian cities. The first chronicle mention of Izborsk under the year 862 is associated with the calling to Rus' of the Varangian princes: Rurik, Sineus and Truvor. According to the book legend of the 17th century, Izborsk was founded by Sloven, the son of Gostomysl, who gave it a name in honor of Izbor, the son of Sloven.

Izborsk was already on Pskov land when the legendary Varangians were called to Rus'. For my centuries of history Izborsk withstood 8 sieges, earning the nickname "iron city" from the enemies. The history of Russian lands began in Izborsk.

At the moment, Izborsk is just a village. Ordinary village houses adjoin almost to the very walls of the ancient Izborsk fortress. The city-fortress is located in a picturesque place, as if descended from the paintings of Vasnetsov to Russian fairy tales, it is decorated with numerous historical and natural monuments. The main attractions of Izborsk Truvorovo settlement, the place of the original settlement, and the fortress on the cape of Zheravya Mountain. Opens from the hillfort great view on the Gorodishchenskoye and Malskoye lakes, and the ancient St. Nicholas Church stands at the eastern end of its horseshoe-shaped rampart. In Izborsk, you can get acquainted with the fortress of the 14th century and the church of St. Nicholas located inside its walls, which contains a copy of the miraculous Korsun icon Mother of God, visit the Holy Springs of the 12 Apostles (Slovensky Keys), as well as the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin of the 17th century, where the relics of the Monk Serapion of Izborsky, who lived in the 15th century and founded the Nativity Convent, are buried.

Izborsk the northwestern gate to Russia, the keeper of the secrets of history, the city on the keys, stone city on bird mountain, artists and writers found a source of inspiration in these places. Its past and present are studied by archaeologists, ecologists, ethnographers, linguists and folklorists.

Izborsk is famous for its festivals, each of which is a grandiose event in the world of historical reconstruction and is able to give viewers unforgettable emotions.

Isaborg Festival. Time: beginning of June.

During the festival, the ancient Truvorovo Settlement comes to life, on the site of which reenactors erect a Slavic city of the late 9th - early 11th centuries. On the spacious streets that appeared overnight in an open field, the enchanting aroma of bread cooked in the oven according to old recipes hovers, artisans make handicrafts from bone and wood, potters make utensils and toys on a potter's wheel, tailors sew traditional blouses with Slavic ornaments. The festival operates as a fair until the evening, when the main event begins - a field battle according to all the rules of medieval martial art. To the sound of the horn, two squads converge - and the wheel of history turns to the starting point.

International festival of military-historical reconstruction and medieval culture "Iron City". Time: beginning of August.

One of the most massive festivals in Russia, gathering annually 7-8 thousand spectators. There really is something to see - these days Izborsk is again becoming a medieval city. Through the efforts of five hundred reenactors from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, a medieval fortress, a tavern and a crafts fair with shopping malls are being erected. On the second day of the festival, the most spectacular events begin: mass foot battles, horsemen's fights, archery tournaments and historical costume defile. The main event is a re-enactment of a 15th century battle, which always ends in peace - a concert and festive fireworks.

Izborsk fortress once protected the western borders of young Rus'. Since the beginning of the 14th century, the ancient walls have not only withstood many sieges, but have also stood the test of time. The majestic Izborsk fortress, erected on the top of the Zheravya Mountain, resembles a triangle in outline, the corners of which are rounded. Two steep cliffs and specially dug ditches make it impregnable, as well as grandiose limestone walls 623 meters long, 7-10 meters high, and 4 meters thick.

6 towers of the Izborsk fortress have survived to this day: Talavskaya - the only rectangular tower; Tower - the highest and most powerful; Bell tower; the tower of Ryabinovka and Temnushka, from which the Nikolsky Zakhab begins - a long and narrow passage along the southern wall. And, finally, the sixth tower - the most ancient - it remained from the old wooden fortress. On the eastern side, near the Bell Tower, there is the Secret - an inclined stepped gallery covered with a triangular vault and leading to a well-spring. Inside the fortress, opposite the Bell Tower, there is a beautiful Nikolsky Cathedral.

Lukovka Tower, the most ancient and mysterious tower, around which the construction of the fortress began. The inhabitants of Izborsk were not at a loss and cut out loopholes not only from the outside of the tower, but also from the inside - this made Lukovka the last line of defense, where they retreated if the enemy managed to break through the fortress walls. At the bottom of the tower there is an archway leading to a basement carved into the rock. With the advent of firearms, an arsenal and a powder magazine were placed here. One day, the gunpowder caught fire, and Lukovka almost flew into the air, but the masonry survived. Lukovka is the lowest of the towers of the Izborsk fortress, but it is from it that the most best view to the valley.

Talavskaya tower differs from other towers of the fortress. It was built later than the others and has a quadrangular shape, for which at first it was called Ploskushy (because of the flat walls). The current name of the tower was due to the nearby Talav springs, which are named after the Tolova tribe that lived here. The tower was built over the very cliff and covered not only its section of the wall, but also the Talavsky zahab (zahab - fortification above the gate), forming with it the so-called "corridor of death", into which enemies who wanted to ram the gate fell. One more interesting feature The Talav tower is the shape and location of the loopholes. They are carved in a fan pattern, and the corners are bevelled, which made it possible to minimize the dead zone near the tower, which could not be covered by cannon fire from loopholes.

Vyshka Tower, the highest and most powerful tower of the fortress, which occupies an important and vulnerable place of defense on the western side. Previously, at the top of the tower there was a wooden superstructure - a watchtower for guards, which gave the tower its name. Near the tower there is a secret exit to the field, through which the Izborites went out to reconnaissance and fight with the enemy. Unlike other towers of the fortress, the Vyshka is decorated with an original runner ornament and ancient amulets that protected the fortress from enemies.

The Temnushka and Ryabinovka towers are practically twin towers, protecting the western wall of the fortress along with the Vyshka. Temnushka is distinguished by a small number of loopholes, which is why twilight reigns inside, and Ryabyanovka got its name because of the rowan grove that grew nearby.

The Bell Tower rises from the center of the southern wall. Until the middle of the 19th century, there was a belfry at the top of the tower, announcing the approach of enemies, which in 1849 was replaced by a bell tower built in the courtyard of the fortress. Near the Bell Tower, the now famous secret path originates, descending to the foot of the hill. This tunnel at one time saved the inhabitants of Izbor more than once during sieges, when the water supply in the fortress ran out.

On the territory of the Izborsk fortress is the majestic St. Nicholas Cathedral, built in the 14th century. The temple in the courtyard of the stronghold has existed since the foundation of the fortress walls, raising the morale of its defenders. For the first time the temple at the first fortress was mentioned in 1341, as wooden church. The second mention refers to 1349, when a boundary was added to the temple in the name of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In 1599 the temple was given the status of a cathedral.

Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker active Orthodox church in Izborsk. The present bell tower was built in 1849. Before that, the bell tower was one of the fortress towers.

Location: courtyard of the Izborsk fortress

Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh and Nikander an ancient Russian temple in Izborsk, an architectural monument of the 18th century. The wooden church of Sergius of Radonezh and Nikander of Pskov, built in honor of the annexation of Pskov to Moscow, once neighbored the St. Nicholas Cathedral in the courtyard of the fortress.

One of the fires destroyed the wooden structure, and the temple, built in stone, was carried outside the walls of the fortress. The exact date of construction is not known, but a plaque dating back to 1611 was found within the walls of the church. The temple was built in the style of Pskov architecture with elements of provincial baroque and classicism.

The wooden iconostasis of the 18th century has been preserved in the interior. Now the church houses a museum exhibition. An ancient cemetery has been preserved at the temple.

Location: on the territory of the Izborsk fortress

Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin a functioning Orthodox church in Izborsk, an architectural monument. The stone church was built at the beginning of the 18th century on the site of a wooden church of the maiden monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos that existed here and has survived to this day in its original form. According to chronicles, the temple was built on the site of an ancient cemetery, part of which is still adjacent to the church walls.

The temple has preserved a two-tier, wooden iconostasis of the 18th century, decorated with carvings. The central part of the iconostasis is the most decorated. The main motif of the carving is an acanthus branch and carved heads of angels. The church keeps ancient icons of the Fryazh style of writing - images of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga, Holy Prince Vsevolod Gabriel, Archangels Gabriel and Michael, Apostles Peter and Paul, Saint Paraskeva and the Icon of the Holy Trinity. The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin is notable for the fact that the scene of the wedding of Ivan Annenkov in the film "Star of Captivating Happiness" was filmed in it.

Near the temple there is a holy spring, over which a beautiful wooden chapel with the image of Serapion of Izborsky is built. The spring is framed by a limestone well, a font is arranged in the chapel.

Location: 300 meters southeast of the Izborsk fortress

The manor was built in 1902. The wing of the house of the merchant Anisimov was two-story. The second floor - wooden, was used for housing, the first - stone was rented out to Izborsk merchants for trade. In the 1920s, Estonian border guards lived in the house.

Currently, four spacious halls house a museum exposition dedicated to certain stages in the history of Izborsk and its inhabitants. In the first hall, visitors will be able to learn about the era of the founding of the city and see authentic household items of the ancient Slavs who inhabited the Truvorovo settlement more than a thousand years ago.

The second hall will tell about the life of the medieval inhabitants of Izbor, their occupations, clothes, jewelry and everyday life. The third and fourth halls are devoted to the military history of Izborsk. Here are authentic examples of weapons and armor of both the defenders of the Izborsk fortress and their enemies: the Teutonic and Levonian knights, as well as the soldiers of the Commonwealth. Weapons can be picked up, and armor can be tried on.

Address: Izborsk, st. Pechorskaya, 41

An extensive exposition, located in two rooms, tells about the life of the inhabitants of Izbor, starting from the 19th century and to our time.

It is based on ethnographic materials obtained during expeditions in the Izborsk region. Living quarters and a merchant's shop were reconstructed .

Address: Izborsk, st. Pechorskaya, 32

The State Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve "Izborsk" is the central museum association of the city. It is located in the house of the merchant Belyanin. The museum was founded in 1964, and in 1993 it was transformed into a museum-reserve.

The main expositions of the museum are Izborsk fortress, the expositions “Chronicle of the Slavic-Russian princely” in the house of the merchant Anisimov and “Culture of the peoples of Seto” in the house of the merchant Shvedov, the exhibition “The Chamber of Russian Literature and the Orthodox Faith” in the wing of the merchant Anisimov.

The museum also has two branches operating outside of Izborsk: the museum of the history of the city of Pechora; Museum of the Seto people in the village of Sigovo. In addition to exhibitions, the museum is engaged in research, educational and excursion activities.

Address: Pskov region, Izborsk, st. Pechorskaya, 39

Izborsk and its environs are known for their numerous springs and underground springs. The most famous are the Slovenian springs, which have been gushing out of the ground for at least a thousand years. For the first time, underground sources were mentioned in the 17th century, and they became popular among travelers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Slovenian springs consecrated springs that turn into a small waterfall in the city next to the Izborsk fortress and a popular attraction in the city. More than 10 jets of the source come out of the ground and form a small cascading waterfall, after which the water enters the Gorodishchenskoe lake. The Slovenian springs have healing powers, and they were named the Keys of the Twelve Apostles because of the number of water jets coming out of the ground. It is believed that each stream has a certain energy, and in order to become healthy and happy, one should drink and wash in each of the jets.

How to get there: You should go around the Izborsk fortress from the east side and move along the path towards the lake. It can be reached on foot in 10 minutes.

Location: at the end of School Street

Eco-farm "Izborsky ostrich" zoological nursery and zoo in Izborsk. Pskov region. popular place to visit with the whole family. At the eco-farm, you can get acquainted with representatives of the equatorial fauna - black African ostriches. In addition to them, reindeer and sheep of the Romanov breed, rabbits, geese, and raccoons live on the eco-farm.

There is a cafe at the farm, where you can buy organic products - ostrich eggs and meat, or try everything on the spot, for example, an omelette made from giant eggs. Ostriches can be fed. As a souvenir, you can take away a real ostrich egg.

How to get there: by car or by bus, which departs from the Pskov railway station, you need to get to the Dubnik stop; after a stop to the right a sign "Izborsky ostrich".

Address: Pskov region, Pechorsky district, Izborsk, village. Zalavye

Izborsk is one of the oldest settlements in 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 healing 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, there is an observation deck at the top of the tower, 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 from 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 It is believed 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".

The last post this year will be dedicated to one of the oldest Russian cities - Izborsk, which is mentioned in the Tale of Bygone Years under the year 862. More precisely, today it is a village in the Pechora district of the Pskov region, where we came from. To my shame, I confess, before arriving in Izborsk, I knew almost nothing about this fortress city. It was all the more interesting to walk along the quiet Izborsk streets and join the history of the Middle Ages.

2. Izborsk is located only 50 kilometers from Pskov, and about 30 kilometers from the border with Estonia. During the season there is a huge number of tourists who are brought here by sightseeing buses from all nearby regions, including from behind the hillock. We were lucky enough to get here in mid-December, thanks to which the streets of Izborsk appeared before us deserted.

4. Many private houses, judging by their appearance, have long been abandoned.

5. Although there are also such courtyard decorations. But this is most likely some kind of tourist-oriented guest house.

6. Paths paved with age-old cobblestones wind around the fortress. In front of the entrance to the fortress, there are several signs that entry to the paving stones is prohibited. In order to preserve the latter for future generations. But for local "businessmen", these signs do not seem to exist. And not only for businessmen. While we were walking there, a clergyman drove up to the gates of the fortress, honked, and the gates were opened for him. I parked and went to St. Nicholas Cathedral.

7. The fortress that has survived to this day dates back to the 14th century. This fortress is the ancient city of Izborsk, with which many heroic pages of our country are associated.

Scheme of the Izborsk fortress.

8. The Nikolsky Gate is the main front entrance to the Izborsk Fortress, so the architects did their best to strengthen this most important section of the defense system with the help of a zahab.

Zahab is a fortification in medieval fortresses that protected the fortress gates. The word “zakhab” comes from the ancient Russian “okhaben”, which means “sleeve”. Usually this is a long, narrow corridor, really resembling a sleeve. There was an outer gate at the entrance to this corridor. Breaking through them, the enemy was trapped. In this narrow, not visible from the outside corridor, under the crossfire of the defenders of the fortress, the attackers, as a rule, were exterminated or suffered significant losses.

9. Nikolsky zakhab stretches from the south side of the fortress from the Temnushka tower in a long narrow passage between the fortress and protective walls. Having broken through one gate, the enemies found themselves in stone bag, nicknamed the "corridor of death." From above, the zakhab was covered with flat beam ceilings, which had special holes through which the defenders of the fortress showered the enemy with clouds of arrows, stones, cannonballs, poured boiling oil and hot tar on it ...

10. The first thing you see when you pass through the Nikolsky Gate is St. Nicholas Cathedral, built in the 14th century. Entrance to the territory of the fortress is 50 rubles.

11. Part of the fortress has been reconstructed and restored. Including the Lukovka (Kukovka) Tower, which is the first stone building defensive fortifications of Izborsk on Zheravya Hill. Immediately after its erection, the construction of a stone fortress began.

12. Izborsk fortress on Zheravya Hill. Standing in this ravine, under the walls of the fortress, willy-nilly there is a desire to be in the Middle Ages, and see how our ancestors lived. And of course, the fact that civilization has almost missed these places is very pleasing. Sometimes it even seems as if you really are in the 13th century, there are not enough knights, torches and the ringing of bells - the sound of which is carried for tens of kilometers around ...

13. Lukovka Tower, the only one of the six towers that was reconstructed and made an observation deck on it. Stairs, ceilings and roofing are made inside the tower. The remaining towers of the fortress have only bare walls.

12. The observation deck offers a view of the Izborsko-Malskaya valley, there are quite a few interesting natural places, lakes, rivers, swamp. In the summer it is probably very cool here if you come with a tent.

13. Onion - not the most high tower fortress, but due to the fact that it was built on a high hill, it literally dominates the fortress. It is no coincidence that for many years Lukovka was used as a watchtower.

13. Another view from the Lukovka tower.

14. Not far from the fortress there is Lake Gorodishchenskoye, waters from the Slovenian springs flow into it, thanks to which the water in it does not freeze. And even in winter, swans swim here, although they swim here most likely because their wings have been clipped, and they simply cannot fly away for the winter in warm countries, and forced to entertain the pilgrims.

15. Slovenian keys. Hundreds of pilgrims come here every day, drink "holy water", swim in the lake in summer, unaware of some of the nuances.

15. In July 2012 and January 2013, the regional Rospotrebnadzor checked the quality of water in Izborsk sources. The samples taken showed bacterial contamination and non-compliance of water with hygienic requirements in terms of microbiological indicators. Rospotrebnadzor banned the use of water from Slovenian springs without boiling, as well as swallowing water from reservoirs during water procedures. Despite this, the administration of the Izborsk Museum-Reserve has not yet placed appropriate information posters near the springs, endangering the health of numerous tourists and pilgrims.

On the Internet, I saw a lot of information that the water from the sources is rich coli. True, I read about it already on my return home. Well, there we certainly drank this water, but it seemed to work out. Puff puff puff. Or maybe they're pushing.

16. The age of the keys is about a thousand years.

17. Let's return to the fortress. The tallest and most powerful tower of the Izborsk fortress is Vyshka, its height today is 19 meters, but several centuries ago it was even higher - its top was crowned with a wooden extension designed for guard duty.

18. Vyshka tower, surrounded by a rural landscape.

19. On south side fortress stands bell tower, which protected the entrance to the city and the main gate of the fortress. Well, the wife is next to the Bell Tower, to demonstrate the defensive power of these walls.

20. But actually a fragment of the wall, what kind of hieroglyph is laid out in masonry in the wall, I did not understand.

21. And these are almost the only local residents we met during our walks around the fortress.

22. Talav tower. The only tower that is different from the rest. Everything is round, this one is a square. This is due to the fact that the tower was built later than others, at the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th century.

23. On this, our walks around the outskirts of beautiful Izborsk came to an end, my wife and I got tired of taking turns carrying Polina in our arms, got into the car and went on to explore the surroundings of the Pskov region. The next stop was a city with the exotic name Ostrov. This is such a moment when you expect a lot from visiting a place, but you get ... Although more about that next time.

Well, as usual, a little historical background:

Izborsk is almost the first city in these parts, it was first mentioned in 862 and is only slightly inferior to ancient city European part of Russia - Veliky Novgorod. The city was founded by the Slavic tribe of the Krivichi and, according to legend, it was originally called Slovensk (after the leader of the Krivichi Sloven), and later was renamed Izborsk (in honor of Izbor, the son of Sloven). Izborsk became the main city of these regions even before the foundation of Pskov, however, under Princess Olga, it became a suburb of Pskov, founded by her in a more advantageous place - on the Velikaya River. After the unification of the Slavs around Kiev, Izborsk paid tribute to the Kiev princes, and the Izborsk participated in the campaigns of the Russians against Byzantium, Bulgaria and the Pechenegs, traded with the Chud lands along the waterway through the Gorodishchenskoye and Malskoye lakes. At the beginning of the 13th century, after the collapse Kievan Rus, Izborsk became a border guard city for western outskirts Novgorod land, and from that time until the beginning of the 16th century it was often attacked and besieged by the knights of the Livonian Order, Swedes, Germans, Poles, etc., sometimes it passed to them, then again to Pskov.

In 1242, after the victory of the Russian squads in the Battle of the Ice, Izborsk finally passed to the Pskov region, although the neighbors did not stop trying to capture a tidbit on the border.

Initially, the fortress was small, wooden, with a single stone tower - Lukovka, but by the middle of the XIV century, with the increasing strategic importance of the fortress, the famous Pskov mayor Sheloga completely rebuilt the fortifications, making them stone, which turned Izborsk into a powerful and well-fortified locality and allowed him to withstand numerous German sieges of the XIV century. In those days, the enemies called Izborsk "iron city". In the middle of the XIV century, a small single-domed Nikolsky Cathedral was built in the fortress.

The next milestone in the history of the city was 1510 - together with Pskov, it was annexed to Moscow. Having subsequently lost in the 18th century (after Northern war) the status of a border town, Izborsk began to wither, in 1777 it dropped to the status of a supernumerary without county town Pskov province, and since 1945 it has completely become a village Old Izborsk. By the way, in 1920-1940 it was part of Estonia.

The city of Izborsk, also known as Old Izborsk, is located in the Pskov region. It can be considered one of the most ancient cities in Russia. It is believed that the name of the settlement comes from the word "collection", that is, the place where Russian soldiers gathered, or from the word "boron", that is, the forest.

The first mention of it can be found in the Tale of Bygone Years. Around 862, the Varangians were called to Rus', and one of the three Vikings named Truvor became the ruler of Izborsk. There is also a place there, reminiscent of a burial ground with a huge stone slab, it is believed that this prince is buried here. This burial is different in that stones were placed on the grave, and this was customary among the Vikings.

In those distant times, the territory of Izborsk was inhabited by Slavic peoples, in particular, the Krivichi tribes. This place is associated with many legends. According to one version, this settlement was called Slovensk, in honor of its founder, Sloven, who was the son of Gostomysl. It is assumed that he was buried here.

Initially, the settlement was located on a hill and was called the Truvorovo settlement. And later, when Princess Olga was at the reins of power, this place was in fact part of Pskov, its suburb. After the Kievan state collapsed, Izborsk had great importance, was an important outpost that served as the western defensive line of Pskov. In the Middle Ages, Izborsk often experienced besieges, which were staged by the knights of the Livonian Order.

Around 1303, Izborsk was moved from its former position to Zheravya Gora, and there, by 1330, under the leadership of a certain Selega, a fort was built, which has survived to this day.

In 1510, Izborsk joined Muscovy. During the time of Peter the Great, Izborsk was assigned to the Ingermanland province, which later became St. Petersburg. Finally, in 1719, the city was awarded the status of a county town. Later, in 1727, when Empress Catherine I ruled, Izborsk, by her decree, went to the Novgorod province. During the time of Catherine II, in 1772, he passed to the Pskov province, and central city Opochek was appointed. A few years later, in 1776, Pskov itself was designated as the central city. A year later, Izborsk, by order of the Empress, became a city without a county of Pskov governors. In 1782, the Pechora district was formed from part of the Pskov district, and Izborsk also entered it. Later, with the coming to power of Emperor Paul I, the Pechora district ceased to exist, and Izborsk received the status of a provincial town. From the 19th to the 20th centuries, Izborsk was defined in documents as a settlement adjacent to the Pskov district.

Previously, there were 4 active churches on the lands of Izborsk, namely:

Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker;
Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh the Wonderworker;
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin;
Church of the Holy Hierarch and Wonderworker Nicholas from Gorodische.

In the 20s, at the time of the Tartu Peace Treaty, this settlement entered the lands of Estonia. In 1940, Estonia became Soviet, Izborsk was part of the Estonian USSR. From 1941 to 1944 the city was under the control of the Nazis. In the middle of 1944, the Pskov region was created, along with this, the Izborsk volost appeared. At the beginning of 1945, the Pechora region was formed, where the city of Izborsk entered. Now it is located 30 kilometers west of the city of Pskov.

Usually the locals say Stary Izborsk in order to avoid confusion, as there is also Novy Izborsk not far away, which was built in the 19th century, and there is also a railway station with the same name. In 2009, Izborsk celebrated its 1150th anniversary since its founding, at the same time President Dmitry Medvedev gave this holiday the status of a state holiday.