Pechory is a small town in the Pskov region. This is the westernmost populated area in Russia, excluding the Kaliningrad region. The main attraction of the Pechora region is the Holy Caves. Actually, the word “Pechory” is translated from Old Slavonic as “caves”. So a very interesting adventure awaits curious travelers. They will visit an ancient and incredibly atmospheric place. There the temporal merges with the eternal, and the earthly with the heavenly.
Sights of the city of Pechora – TOP-3
The most interesting sights of Pechora are located in the Pskov-Pechora Lavra. They are steeped in ancient legends and will seem interesting to any tourist. You can explore them in one day by going on an excursion yourself.
Holy Dormition Pskov-Pechersky Monastery
- Address – International, 5.
Founded in 1473. It began with the microscopic monastery of John Shestnik (the traveler). He dug a grotto not far from the caves created by God and turned to the Orthodox Church with a request to illuminate the place.
On the day of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the new cave church was illuminated. She bears the name of her patron saint. The temple is called the Assumption Church.
Later the monastery grew to the size of the Pskov-Pechora Lavra. Now it has a very complex planned structure. It consists of several temples, a fortress, a sacristy, a bell tower and other interesting places that are worth seeing.
It is noteworthy that the monastery was never closed. Even during the difficult years of Soviet power, its doors were open to parishioners. This is due to the fact that in the period from 1920 to 1945. it was located on the territory of independent Estonia.
Today the monastery is thriving. It remains one of the most respected religious centers in Russia, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year who come here every day.
God-Ordained Holy Caves
- Coordinates on the map are 57.809401, 27.614391.
The first mention of them occurs in 1393. According to legend, monks from the Kiev Pechersk Lavra hid in the caves from the Tatars. Later they were ennobled.
Now the vaults have been lined with bricks and converted into a monastery cemetery. There are about ten thousand burials in the caves. Laymen and pilgrims, knights and priests rest in this incomprehensible and mysterious place. Coffins are not buried in the ground, but placed in special niches. At the same time, the smell of decay is completely absent.
The caves occupy a huge area. Seven streets lead to the burials. Tourists are not allowed into the farthest grottoes. Photography is also prohibited here.
Assumption Church
- Address: Bloody Path.
We are talking about the main and most ancient temple of the monastery. It was illuminated in 1473 and has only a front façade because the rest goes uphill. In the 19th century, colored domes were erected over the church. In shape they resemble the heads of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
Tips for staying in the city
Most tourists come to Pechory to visit the local monastery. The maximum influx of tourists occurs in the summer season, however, even in the cold season there is a large concentration of pilgrims here. The monastery is especially popular on major church holidays: Easter, Christmas and others. Therefore, to get to the territory of the monastery, you will have to spend some time in queues. Other attractions of the city are not in such demand; you can visit them freely at any time.
As a rule, it takes no more than two to three days to explore the city. The cultural program can be drawn up in accordance with the following plan:
- Dedicate the first day to visiting the Pskov-Pechersk Lavra.
It can take a whole day to explore all the temples and buildings of the monastery - The second day is worth exploring the unique architecture of Pechory: here you can find many buildings dating back to the period when the city was part of Estonia. Also on this day you can take a tour of the Historical Museum.
- If you have a third day, you can spend it on an excursion to the Seto People Museum.
If the purpose of the trip is to visit only the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery, then you can stay in the guest houses of the monastery. Also for travelers in Pechory there are about thirty accommodation options: hostels, apartments, hotels and guest houses. Most of them are located near the walls of the monastery.
Souvenir products in Pechory are mainly represented by Orthodox products. In the monastery shop you can buy church books, photographs of the monastery, icons and much more. They also sell popular Pechora bells, soap made by local monks and dishes with views of the monastery. There are also souvenirs in Pechory that are not related to the Orthodox faith:
- carved wood or birch bark, as well as wickerware;
In the souvenir shops of the city you can find beautiful carved items made of wood and birch bark, as well as various wicker items made from wicker - tues, baskets, trays, plates, bread bins and wall panels - Izborsk printed gingerbread cookies - for lovers of sweets;
- Socks and mittens made from dog hair, made by local residents.
What to see from museums in Pechory
There are several interesting museums in the city. Each of them demonstrates the history of the region and town in its own way. Here you can spend time on your own or with a guide with benefit and pleasure - both adults and children, especially schoolchildren.
City History Museum
- Address – International, 6.
It opened back in 1920. However, most of the exhibits were lost in the fire of war. In the middle of the last century, the collection began to take shape anew. The museum currently hosts several exhibitions. Some of them are aimed at demonstrating archaeological and ethnographic finds. Part is devoted to the study of the history of the USSR. There is an exhibition where ceramic and porcelain products are shown. Special attention is paid to fine arts.
Museum-Estate of the Seto People
- Address: Sigovo village.
Seto are a people who live on the border between Russia and Estonia. It has preserved its culture, traditions and mentality. The museum exposition is dedicated to this glorious ethnic group. The establishment is located on the territory of an old estate.
The complex includes a manor house, a barn, a barn and a bathhouse. Visitors can get acquainted with household items, costumes, furniture, and household utensils characteristic of Seto. The museum staff takes its guests into the fabulous world of legends, traditions and tales.
Flax Museum "Linen Province"
- Address - Rizhskaya st., 75B.
Created within the framework of the cultural and educational project “Linen Province”. This is a tribute to the past of the Pechora region, which once produced huge quantities of flax. The museum presents historical information about flax production in the Pskov region and stories about people who were involved in flax at one time or another.
Fascinating excursions are held here in the form of lively conversations. There are elements of theatrical performance. Those interested can familiarize themselves with the line of men's and women's linen clothing.
Settlements[ | ]
Since April 2015, the volost has included 175 settlements, including 1 city and 174 villages:[14][15]
List of settlements | |||
№ | Locality | Type | Population, people 2010 |
1 | Avdashevo | village | ↘23[16] |
2 | Andreykovo | village | ↘5[16] |
3 | Aristovo | village | ↗29[16] |
4 | Babino | village | ↘0[16] |
5 | Babino | village | ↘11[16] |
6 | Bebeshkino | village | ↘0[16] |
7 | Belousovo | village | ↗4[16] |
8 | Belkovo | village | ↘9[16] |
9 | Bielsko | village | →29[16] |
10 | Bereznyuk | village | ↘29[16] |
11 | Bogomolovo | village | ↘17[16] |
12 | Bodogovo | village | ↘1[16] |
13 | Bor-Belkovo | village | ↘1[16] |
14 | Bohrok | village | ↘12[16] |
15 | Hogweed | village | ↘14[16] |
16 | Brezdelevo | village | ↘11[16] |
17 | Ford | village | ↗6[16] |
18 | Bulatnovo | village | ↗4[16] |
19 | Buravenki | village | ↗5[16] |
20 | Buravtsy | village | ↘13[16] |
21 | Vastcy | village | ↘36[16] |
22 | Vashina Gora | village | ↗19[16] |
23 | Velier | village | ↘0[16] |
24 | Verebkovo | village | ↘32[16] |
25 | Verkhniy Krupsk | village | →15[16] |
26 | Veselkino | village | →0[16] |
27 | Volkovo | village | →0[16] |
28 | Volodino | village | ↘14[16] |
29 | Voronkino | village | ↗17[16] |
30 | Vruda | village | ↘1[16] |
31 | Vyazmovo | village | ↘1[16] |
32 | Golino | village | ↘15[16] |
33 | Goristnitsa | village | →0[16] |
34 | Goroncharovo | village | ↘1[16] |
35 | Gorokhovo | village | ↘11[16] |
36 | Gorushka | village | ↗7[16] |
37 | Grabilovo | village | ↘0[16] |
38 | Gusinets | village | ↘31[16] |
39 | Davydov The End | village | →0[16] |
40 | Davydov The End | village | ↗25[16] |
41 | Davydovo | village | ↘4[16] |
42 | Dekshino | village | ↗27[16] |
43 | Demidovo | village | ↗3[16] |
44 | Dubnik | village | ↗47[16] |
45 | Dubovo | village | ↘4[16] |
46 | Dubrovka | village | →6[16] |
47 | Dymkovo | village | →0[16] |
48 | Dyatlovo | village | ↘2[16] |
49 | Yemelyanovo | village | ↗17[16] |
50 | Zabelino | village | ↗12[16] |
51 | Zabolotye | village | →7[16] |
52 | Zabolotye | village | ↗15[16] |
53 | Zabrodye | village | →0[16] |
54 | Zadrebie | village | ↗10[16] |
55 | Zazhino | village | ↘17[16] |
56 | Zalesie | village | ↗229[16] |
57 | Zalozhye | village | ↘14[16] |
58 | Zamogilye | village | ↗7[16] |
59 | Zamsharye | village | ↘1[16] |
60 | Zaputye | village | →6[16] |
61 | Zatrube-Lebedy | village | ↘40[16] |
62 | Zatulye | village | →1[16] |
63 | Zekhnovo | village | ↘3[16] |
64 | Zuevo | village | ↘3[16] |
65 | Ignatovo | village | ↗6[16] |
66 | Izborsk | village | ↗789 |
67 | Indovino | village | →3[16] |
68 | Kamenka | village | ↘9[16] |
69 | Kachevo | village | ↘20[16] |
70 | Kashino | village | ↘18[16] |
71 | Kerino | village | ↗9[16] |
72 | Kirovo | village | ↘12[16] |
73 | Kovyazlovo | village | ↗6[16] |
74 | Kozye Zagorje | village | ↘19[16] |
75 | Kolosovka | village | ↘3[16] |
76 | Koltsovo | village | ↘0[16] |
77 | Ends | village | ↗31[16] |
78 | Kostino | village | ↘7[16] |
79 | Kosygino | village | ↘13[16] |
80 | Kotelevo | village | →0[16] |
81 | Kotya Gora | village | →0[16] |
82 | Wallets | village | ↘15[16] |
83 | Krantsovo | village | ↘5[16] |
84 | Crooked Leg | village | →2[16] |
85 | Kryakovo | village | ↘7[16] |
86 | Kudrovo | village | ↘13[16] |
87 | Kulanovo | village | ↗11[16] |
88 | Kurvitsa | village | →1[16] |
89 | Kurkovo | village | ↘4[16] |
90 | Kuchino | village | →3[16] |
91 | Lazarevo | village | ↘186[16] |
92 | Laptev-Kolkhoznoye | village | →8[16] |
93 | Laptevo-Sovkhoznoe | village | ↘1[16] |
94 | Lezgi | village | ↘25[16] |
95 | Lobana | village | ↘2[16] |
96 | Lopotovo | village | ↗29[16] |
97 | Lukovka | village | ↗4[16] |
98 | Lykovo | village | ↘11[16] |
99 | Small | village | ↘28[16] |
100 | Malgino | village | ↘0[16] |
101 | Mashkovo | village | ↘172[16] |
102 | Mitkovice Zagorje | village | ↘5[16] |
103 | Mitkovitsy | village | ↘25[16] |
104 | Mikhalevo | village | ↗4[16] |
105 | Mostok | village | ↘0[16] |
106 | Motovilovo | village | ↘6[16] |
107 | Motylino | village | →3[16] |
108 | Murashkino | village | ↘5[16] |
109 | Nastakhino | village | ↘0[16] |
110 | Natalkino | village | ↘3[16] |
111 | Nevskoe-Olokhovo | village | ↘17[16] |
112 | Nizhny Krupsk | village | ↘38[16] |
113 | New | village | ↘6[16] |
114 | New | village | ↘1[16] |
115 | New Butyrki | village | ↗442[16] |
116 | Pavlovo | village | ↗3[16] |
117 | Paltsevo | village | ↗5[16] |
118 | Panikovichi | village | ↘316[16] |
119 | Petrovsk | village | →14[16] |
120 | Pechorskoe-Olokhovo | village | →4[16] |
121 | Pechory | city | ↘9003[2] |
122 | Podavalitsy | village | ↘39[16] |
123 | Poddubye | village | ↘19[16] |
124 | Poddubye | village | ↗7[16] |
125 | Undergrowth | village | ↘188[16] |
126 | Pokolodovo | village | ↘0[16] |
127 | Polzokhnovo | village | ↘0[16] |
128 | Glades | village | ↘8[16] |
129 | Pometkovo | village | ↗1[16] |
130 | Poroslovo | village | ↘5[16] |
131 | Potolovo | village | →0[16] |
132 | Pond | village | ↘4[16] |
133 | Pyzhovo | village | ↗55[16] |
134 | Ragozina Gora | village | ↘2[16] |
135 | Rassolovo | village | ↗14[16] |
136 | Rachevo | village | ↘14[16] |
137 | Repino | village | ↗2[16] |
138 | Reshetovo | village | ↘1[16] |
139 | Rogovo | village | ↘0[16] |
140 | Russian Bor | village | ↘3[16] |
141 | Ryzhikovo | village | ↗13[16] |
142 | Rysevo | village | ↘12[16] |
143 | Saltanovo | village | ↘0[16] |
144 | Sigovo | village | ↘3[16] |
145 | Sitkovo | village | →0[16] |
146 | Slizovo | village | ↘0[16] |
147 | Smolnik | village | ↗13[16] |
148 | Sorokino | village | ↘0[16] |
149 | Stukolovo | village | ↘11[16] |
150 | Syromyatino | village | ↘18[16] |
151 | Taylovo | village | ↘61[16] |
152 | Taylovskie Khutori | village | →3[16] |
153 | Tarmakhino | village | ↘6[16] |
154 | Tereb | village | ↘4[16] |
155 | Tivikovo | village | ↗9[16] |
156 | Tretyakovo | village | ↘16[16] |
157 | Trinity | village | ↘4[16] |
158 | Trofimkovo | village | ↘8[16] |
159 | Turk | village | ↘31[16] |
160 | Ugarevo | village | ↗22[16] |
161 | Ulanovo | village | ↘12[16] |
162 | Ulyantsevo | village | ↘3[16] |
163 | Umkovichi | village | ↘6[16] |
164 | Usova Gora | village | ↘4[16] |
165 | Kherkovo | village | ↘1[16] |
166 | Chavydovo | village | ↗13[16] |
167 | Chaltsevo | village | ↘44[16] |
168 | Cheremnovo | village | ↘8[16] |
169 | Cherepovo | village | ↘0[16] |
170 | Chernoyarovo | village | ↘1[16] |
171 | Shlyakhovo | village | ↘2[16] |
172 | Shumilkino | village | ↘10[16] |
173 | Shumilovo | village | ↘0[16] |
174 | Yuntsevo | village | →0[16] |
175 | Yankino | village | →0[16] |
.
City monuments and memorials
Monument to V.I. Lenin
- Address: corner of Svoboda and Sadovaya streets.
The monument stands in the central square of the city. It is dedicated to Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. He gazes into the distance, as if pondering some important thought. The leader of the world proletariat is depicted in a three-piece suit, which he loved to wear during his lifetime. His right arm is bent at the elbow, and his left is pulled back.
This monument is in great demand among tourists who love to take interesting and original photos. Citizens of all ages enjoy taking pictures against its background. The administration complains that the monument to I.V. has not been preserved in the city. Stalin. There would be even more visitors.
Monument to P.Kh. Wittgenstein
- The address is the corner of Kashtanovaya and Svoboda streets.
Opened in 2014. Dedicated to the memory of the hero of the Patriotic War of 1812. Interestingly, they wanted to erect a monument to Pyotr Khristianovich during his lifetime, but he refused. For him, the best reward was the recognition of his compatriots. A noble warrior and a good family man, he left a good memory of himself. Therefore, a monument was erected in his honor.
The sketch for the monument was created in St. Petersburg . It took 3,000,000 rubles to implement the project. Now a bronze bust of the hero on a marble pedestal is one of the main decorations of the city of Pechora.
Memorial of the Great Patriotic War
- Address: Rabochaya Street.
It is a tall stele of two white columns, which are crowned with a commemorative inscription with the dates of the beginning and end of the war. At the very top there is a laurel wreath and a five-pointed star.
There are golden stars on the right and left sides of the monument. A paved path leads to it.
The memorial stands in one of the city squares. There are picturesque flower beds around it. This is a very beautiful place, which is often visited by city residents. There are always flowers at the foot of the stele.
Monument to the Venerable Martyr Cornelius
- Address: Podgornaya street.
Cornelius led the brethren of the Pskov-Pechora Monastery during its peak period. He was a prominent religious figure and spoke with Ivan the Terrible on equal terms. He had his own thoughts about the place of the church in government affairs.
According to rumors, Cornelius actively corresponded with people who were considered enemies of the Russian state. Having learned about this, the king ordered his head to be cut off. But when this happened, he personally carried the headless body to the Assumption Church.
The monument to the Venerable Martyr Cornelius was erected in Pechory in 2012. He is depicted in church vestments with a cross and a staff in his hands. People remember the untimely death of Cornelius and pay tribute to his deeds and actions.
Temple and church pearls
One can talk endlessly about the churches of the Pskov-Pechora Lavra. Each of them is a real treasure. And it’s not even about the cultural value of the objects. The decoration of Pechora churches is distinguished by splendor and luxury.
Sretenskaya Church
- Address: Holy Dormition Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery.
This Orthodox shrine was erected in the middle of the 16th century. Until the middle of the 19th century it served as a refectory. Then it was rebuilt into a temple. Made in a special pseudo-Russian style.
The shrines that are especially revered here are the relics of St. Semeon, the “Seeking the Lost” and “Three-Handed” icons. On the walls of the building there are paintings with illustrations of the Holy Scriptures.
The Sretenskaya Church has an unusually beautiful iconostasis. It is decorated with carvings and gilded columns. There are many ancient utensils in the temple. Hammered lamps and forged candlesticks have been preserved.
St. Michael's Cathedral
- Address: Holy Dormition Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery.
Illuminated at the beginning of the 19th century in honor of the victory over Napoleon. It is the largest building of the Lavra. The author is an Italian architect. He completed the cathedral in a classical style. There are two main values in the church - the Tenderness icon and the right hand of the holy martyr Tatiana. The cathedral is the dominant feature of the entire architectural ensemble of the Lavra. He is the most pompous and majestic.
Church of the Intercession
- Address: Pskov-Pechersky Monastery.
It has a common facade with the cave Assumption Cathedral. It is distinguished by its extraordinary beauty. Erected in the mid-18th century. The first service took place in 1759. The iconostasis of the temple is amazing. Wall paintings surprise with their art. The extraordinary silence inside the church leaves visitors in awe. Here you can feel the depth of centuries, the power of the Orthodox cultural tradition.
Annunciation Church
- Address: Mezhdunarodnaya st., 5.
The facade of this church is red. It became one of the first stone buildings of the monastery complex. Created in the 16th century. Adjacent to the Sretensky Church. It has a special architecture. Under the blue dome there is a belt of ceramic slabs. This element is characteristic of the early tradition of Pskov .
Church of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara
- Address - Cathedral Square, 1.
It is also worth mentioning this parish, which is not part of the monastery, but is only located near it. It belongs to the Orthodox part of the Seto people, as a result, services here are conducted not only in Church Slavonic, but also in Estonian.
The Varvara Church was built in 1779 - on the site where the chapel of St. Vmch. Barbarians. An interesting fact is that the shrine was not closed during the USSR, continuing to receive parishioners.
Temple of Saints Methodius and Cyril Equal to the Apostles, Slovenian teachers
- Address - st. Yuryevskaya.
Opened on August 29, 2022. Located on the territory of the Pilgrimage Center. It took four years to build. It pleases the eye with its majestic and noble appearance. The temple has an interesting color scheme. It stands on a high brown foundation. The outside of the building is lined with yellow-beige brick. And all the contours are painted dark brown. The domes are also brown. They have golden crosses on them.
Parishioners love to visit this temple. It is tall and bright, with excellent acoustics and beautiful decoration. Solemn services with soothing chants are held on weekends and holidays. Then many townspeople rush to the church to feel love and peace.
History and description of Pechory
The city of Pechory is the administrative center of the Pechora district, which is part of the Pskov region. The Pachkovka River flows through the city. The total area of the settlement is a little more than 20 square meters, and the number of residents does not exceed 10 thousand people.
Pechory is a quiet provincial town, famous for the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery
The history of the city goes back more than five centuries. The settlement was always located on the border of states, so it served as a trading center. Its name is derived from the ancient Russian name “pechery”, which today can be translated as “caves”. The emergence of the city is associated with the monastery of hermits who lived in this area in underground caves back in the 14th century. Pechory was first mentioned as a settlement at the end of the 15th century, it was then that the first temple was consecrated and the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery was officially established. Later, civilians began to settle around the monastery.
From the 16th to the beginning of the 18th century, the city played an important strategic role on the western border of the Russian state. During this period, the monastery was completely destroyed by the Livonians, rebuilt, surrounded by a fortress wall and acquired the name Pechora Fortress. Also in the 17th century, the city managed to repel several raids by Swedish and Polish invaders. At the very beginning of the 18th century, by decree of Peter I, the monastery was surrounded by an earthen rampart, a ditch with water and equipped with bastions. So Pechory became a national fortress. But in 1721, the city's defense mission ceased to be necessary, as the country's borders expanded.
The official status of the city of Pechora was received in 1782, at the same time becoming the main settlement of the Pechora district, and then a district city of the Pskov province. By the 19th century, the city's population began to grow, and its development was quite modest - small wooden houses. The development of construction began only in 1886, when railway tracks were laid through Pechory. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the city became part of the Estonian state, received a new name - Petseri and began to develop as a shopping center. After Estonia joined the USSR, Pechory became part of the Pskov region. Today, the city again plays the role of a northwestern outpost of the Russian Federation.
Architectural monuments and estates
The city of Pechora regularly suffered from enemy raids, so few ancient buildings remained in it. All of them deserve the closest attention.
Water tower
- Address - pl. Oktyabrskaya, 7.
Located near the central square of the city. Made of red brick. Founded in 1913. Under Soviet rule, a power station was added to it. There is a cafe in the building. The tower has important urban planning significance. It is the main vertical dominant of the city. In addition, this is the only building of the pre-revolutionary period in Pechory. It has the status of a cultural heritage site.
House of T.G. Rusakova
- Address - Pskovskaya st., 34.
Located on Pskov Square. Erected in the 1930s. The appearance was invented by the owner, a large timber merchant T.G. Rusakov. The house is wooden. Consists of two floors. Supported by a stone foundation. The facade is made in the neoclassical style. A very bright building. Attracts attention with its noble appearance.
Shopping arcades
- Address: Oktyabrskaya Square.
Located in the central square. They are famous for their uniqueness. The fact is that they were erected at the beginning of the 20th century. In those days, nothing like this was built anymore. And only in Pechory were shopping arcades erected by decision of the local administration. Now they are part of the architectural complex of Oktyabrskaya Square.
House of Culture of Pechory
- Address - st. Svobody, 29.
Central office of the MUK "District Culture Center". Can accommodate 300 visitors at a time. The House of Culture hosts interest clubs and hosts various cultural events.
RCC groups annually participate in the song and dance festival “Slavic Wreath”, which is held in neighboring Estonia. They regularly take part in city holiday events.
There is a school of continuing education for cultural workers at the House of Culture. This is a business meeting club where new interesting projects are discussed.
St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Address - st. Gagarina, 12A.
Oddly enough, in such a primordially Orthodox city as Pechory, there is a Lutheran church. It is located near the buildings of the District Administration, the Triangle Theater and the House of Culture. The construction of St. Peter's Church took place in 1926-1929. in the then independent Estonia.
Before this, there was a Lutheran parish in the city for Estonians living here. It was located in one of the schools. Today, the church regularly receives visitors; it houses an organ, once purchased for 1 million marks; when it is warm, organ music concerts are regularly held there.
Attractions in the surrounding area
Izborsk fortress
Address: Pechorskaya st., 39, Izborsk Phone: Website: www.museum-izborsk.ru
Looking at the fortress from afar, one gets the impression that it and the rock mass form something single and inextricably linked.
The fortress is also unique in its inaccessibility - the guards and army of the fortress repelled twenty enemy raids without ever being defeated.
The most striking and memorable buildings inside the citadel are considered to be the 14th-century St. Nicholas Cathedral, as well as the numerous towers of the fortress: Lukovka, Ryabinovka, Vyshka, Temnushka, Kolokolnaya and others.
The ancient settlement of Kamno and the Church of St. George
Temple address: Pskov region, Logozovskaya volost, village of Kamno, near the village of Fedorovshchina, near the Pskov - Izborsk highway How to get there: Kamno is located 8 km from Pskov towards the Riga highway at the source of the Kamenka River
The first chronicle records about the churchyard date back to 1239. At that time, fierce battles took place in the territory with Lithuanian troops who invaded the Pskov lands.
One of the most popular buildings for tourists on the territory of Kamno is the Church of St. George, which arose in the 15th century.
Malskaya Valley and Onufriev Hermitage
Address: Pechora district, village. Maly How to get there: the monastery is located 39 km from Pskov and 18 km from the Pechersky Monastery
In the small village of Maly on the shore of Lake Malskoye lies the Nativity of the Savior Monastery. Most tourists know it as Onufriev Hermitage.
The monastery received its name in memory of its first founder, St. Onufria. The area adjacent to the monastery, called Malskaya Valley, is considered one of the most unique natural reserves in the world. The fact is that the area has remained untouched since the 15th century, being a kind of symbol of purity and innocence. The nature of the region is infinitely rich: endangered species of plants and animals listed in the Red Book of our country have found their refuge here.
Seto Estate Museum in the village of Sigovo
How to get there: the village of Sigovo, 14 km west of the city of Izborsk, Pskov region Telephone: Website: vk.com/radajamuseum Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00, daily Cost: for adults - 20 rubles, for children and students - 10 rubles, group excursions - from 500 rubles.
In the small village of Sigovo there is an unusual and unique building of its kind - the Seto Tribe Estate Museum. The estate is the only museum in the world dedicated to the history, culture and life of the ancient Finno-Ugric people.
A variety of jewelry, antique chests of drawers and chests, and many items made from natural sheep wool are stored here, from hats, mittens to all kinds of blankets, rugs and towels. In addition to things, the shelves also contain equipment of that time, made by local blacksmith masters.
The forged tricycle was especially popular at that time. The product was prepared entirely by hand and exclusively to order, with the customers, as a rule, being the rich nobility.
Lake Velje
How to get there: Izborsk volost (9 km southwest of Izborsk), Pechora district, Pskov region
Almost every month, competitions and master classes are held on the lake from amateur fishermen and professionals who come here from different cities of our country. The lake waters are especially rich in bream, roach, perch, pike and crucian carp. The coastline is surrounded by a long forested area, consisting mainly of mixed species.
There is a recreation center next to the lake. You can also book excursions to these places.
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Unusual sights of Pechory
Yes, these are not the most prominent objects in the city. You can easily walk past the Archer's House and simply not notice the Lantern Monument. But you shouldn't do this. On the contrary, pay attention to the sights that have survived to this day thanks to active citizens.
Sagittarius house
- Address - st. Verkhovicha, 4.
This is a real monument of wooden architecture. It was built at the beginning of the 18th century. It is a two-tier log house on a low stone foundation.
The unique building has survived to this day. At one time, archers lived in it, who, on the orders of Ivan the Terrible, protected the monastery from foreigners. Then a whole Streletskaya settlement formed around the holy place. But only one house survived to us.
Now it is in disrepair. A group of concerned people is fighting for recognition of this object as an architectural monument.
Monument to the street lamp
- Coordinates on the map are 57.813082, 27.612690.
This is a relatively young monument. It appeared in 2011. Forged according to artistic sketches by Pskov craftsmen. The street lamp rises over three meters in height. It is stylized as antique. There are two forged birds sitting on top of it. The object symbolizes light, comfort, kindness and love for one’s native places.
Holy Spring of John the Baptist
- Coordinates: 57.815750, 27.626000.
It is located not far from the famous monastery - in the place where the Kamenets stream flows into the Pachkovka river. The water in the source is unusually clean and tasty.
The stone Church of St. John the Baptist was built above this place in the 19th century. It is crowned with a tiny dome with a golden cross. There is a staircase leading from the building to the key.
According to legend, in ancient times there was an ancient temple on this site. During the attack of foreigners, he completely went underground, and in its place a holy spring began to flow.
Linnas-Selyun Farm
- Coordinates: 57.770108, 27.702554.
This is a cozy comfortable house in the forest. It provides everything for a relaxing holiday away from the noisy city. There is a cozy double bed in the room. There is a beautiful table and everything you need to serve it.
There is a barbecue in the yard. There is a small terrace adjacent to the house, which offers stunning views of the forest. The owner treats guests to excellent kvass made with birch sap. A warm welcome is guaranteed to every visitor.
Around and for residents
However, the ambitious project is not only and not even so much for tourists, says Vyacheslav Fedyunin.
“Our task is to create interest for residents, so that residents love and respect their city, so that public spaces appear that are convenient for people, so that there is improvement. The city should become interesting and attractive for those who live there and who want to come there. And the tourist is the indicator that will tell us whether we are successful in implementing the project. Tourism brings with it the development of other areas,” emphasizes the head of the IDA.
For Pskov residents who often visit Estonia and Latvia, it is quite easy to visualize similar examples. This is both Estonian Tartu and Latvian Ventspils, a city of flowers and family holidays. In Russia, among such cities cozy for life and tourists, one can name the developing Zelenogradsk and Yantarny in the Kaliningrad region.
But you can’t just take and copy someone’s development model you like, Vyacheslav Fedyunin is sure.
Parks and squares of the city of Pechora
Recently, Pechory has been actively being improved. If earlier it was a cute town, but literally drowned in greenery, now it has parks and public gardens.
Malskaya Valley
- Address - Ski complex Malskaya Dolina, Training slope.
Active recreation park. Suitable for children and adults. Specializes in different types of services. In winter, Malskaya Dolina is a ski resort. It offers visitors eight trails of varying difficulty for alpine and cross-country skiing. There is a slope for cheesecakes. In summer, ATV rides, cycling, and rope courses are available. For lovers of outdoor recreation, camping is organized.
Park of Culture and Recreation "Triangle"
- Address: Gagarin Street.
Located in the center of the city. It got its name due to its triangular shape. A cozy green park with all the attributes of improvement. There are benches, lanterns, paths, and a fountain.
All public city events are held in this small area, surrounded on all sides by noisy streets. The townspeople love this park very much; they come there for walks with the whole family.
In the park there is a memorial “Grieving Mother with Son” - this is one of the most revered places among the residents of Pechory. 206 Soviet soldiers who died in the fire of the Great Patriotic War are buried here.
Topic: Sights of the Pskov region
Population[ | ]
Population | ||||||
2010[3] | 2012[4] | 2013[5] | 2014[6] | 2015[7] | 2016[8] | 2017[9] |
12 538 | ↘12 299 | ↘11 839 | ↘11 594 | ↘11 467 | ↗14 060 | ↘13 825 |
2018[10] | 2019[11] | 2020[12] | 2021[2] | |||
↘13 515 | ↘13 181 | ↘12 804 | ↘12 447 |
The total population of the urban settlement of Pechory and two rural settlements of Izborskaya and Panikovskaya volosts, united into the newly formed urban settlement of Pechory, as of January 1, 2015, was 14,179 people[13].
Objects of the Pskov-Pechora Lavra that are worth visiting
What is there not on the territory of the ancient monastery?! These are amazing ancient monuments that you definitely need to see.
Fortress
It was erected on the orders of Ivan the Terrible around the monastery. It is a powerful stone wall with nine towers and three gates. It goes along the slope, skirting a deep ravine where the Kamenets stream flows. Here is a list of fortress towers:
- Taylovskaya,
- Prison,
- Petrovskaya,
- Nikolskaya,
- Bottom gratings,
- Blagoveshchenskaya,
- Izborskaya,
- Tararygina,
- Upper gratings.
The length of the fortress walls is 726 m. The width is 2 m. At one time, the monastery withstood several major sieges. Its military history ended with the end of the Northern War and the movement of the western borders of Russia to the Baltic Sea.
Sacristy
The monastery treasury was built at the end of the 17th century. This is a three-tier building that is adjacent to the Sretensky Church. It can be found by its blue dome with gold stars. Now there is a warehouse on the first floor, a treasury on the second, and a monastery library on the third.
The sacristy contained objects of extraordinary historical and material value for Orthodoxy. Many of them were taken out by the Germans during the Great Patriotic War. Most of the relics were returned. However, 62 items disappeared without a trace.
Bloody path
The flourishing of the famous monastery is associated with the name of St. Cornelius. He was abbot of the monastery in the 16th century. The priest led a strict ascetic life and stood at the head of the brethren for more than 40 years. He built churches, strengthened the monastery, and performed works of mercy. However, he was killed by Ivan the Terrible for treason.
There are a lot of rumors around this story. According to legend, the king executed the monk with his own hand, in a fit of yet another madness. But there is historical evidence that proves that Cornelius was indeed inclined towards treason. And it was the executioner who executed him, and not God’s anointed.
However, these are things of a long time ago. It is important that the body of the martyr Ivan the Terrible brought to the walls of the Assumption Church with his own hand. And from then on, the blood-stained path began to be called the “bloody path.” Now anyone can follow this path.
Carriage of Empress Anna Ioannovna
Kept within the walls of the Pskov-Pechora Monastery. The Empress herself left it there. There are two versions of this event. According to the first, on the way Anna Ivanovna was caught in bad weather. Being extremely superstitious, she changed her means of transportation on the way back.
According to another version, a snake was found stuck in the wheels of the stroller. This was considered a bad omen. One way or another, the stroller is kept in the monastery. And it delights visitors with its archaic appearance.
See the sights of other cities in the Pskov region:
- Velikiye Luki, Gdov, Porkhov,
- Pushkin Mountains, Island,
- Sebezh, Izborsk.
The city of Pechory is a wonderful place for tourists. Here you can learn a lot of interesting things about the history of the country, the formation and development of the Russian Orthodox Church. The city's attractions are definitely worth seeing.
Table: how to get to Pechory
Departure city | Bus | Automobile |
Moscow | There are no flights. | Route length: 754 kilometers. Travel time: 8–11 hours. Routes: M9, P23. |
Pskov | Buses depart every 30–60 minutes. Travel time: 60–80 minutes. Ticket price: from 110 rubles. | Distance between cities: 50 kilometers. Travel time: 30–60 minutes. Route: A212. |
Saint Petersburg | There are no flights. | Route length: 336 kilometers. Travel time: 3–4 hours. Route: P23. |