Pskov attractions: Gdov and its environs

Gdov is a small town in the Pskov region, located on the bank of the Gdovka river. Every year, hundreds of tourists from all over Russia come here to see the local sights. Gdov attracts the attention of travelers primarily with its historical monuments. In the city, an ancient fortress is located, the most beautiful architecture of the 15th century. In this publication we will talk about the most interesting sights of Gdov and the surrounding area.

From the history of the city

The lands of the present city are mentioned in ancient Russian annals from the 10th century. Once these territories were part of the inheritance of Princess Olga. The name of the city first appeared in the First Pskov Chronicle of 1322. The mention is related to the next attack of the Livonian Order on the ancient Russian lands and the famous Battle of the Neva.

In the XV century. In the city was laid Gdov fortress. During its existence, it has withstood more than one siege. Thus, in 1581 Stefan Batory failed to destroy the massive walls. In the XVI century. In the course of the Russo-Swedish Gdov fortress was repeatedly subjected to siege. Today, hundreds of tourists come to these historic places every year to see the ancient sights. Gdov in the early XVII century is part of the St. Petersburg province. In 1944 he became part of the Pskov region. During the Second World War, in 1941, the city was captured by German troops. During the occupation, local attractions suffered very much. Gdov often became the arena of hostilities and only on February 4, 1944, was released.

Gdov fortress

Today, from the majestic structure, the so-called Gdov Kremlin, there were only ruins. But despite this, many tourists are attracted by these ancient sights. Gdov is a city that will tell every traveler the secrets and legends of the famous events of the past of the Pskov lands.

Initially, the fortress was built of wood and stone. Then it was rebuilt more than once. In the XV century. The wooden part of the walls was replaced by a stone one. Gdov fortress was completely destroyed during the Second World War. Today in this place you can see only the trees with elements of ancient fortifications. Three walls of the fortress have survived to this day.

On the site of the former fortress is now the Cathedral of the Sovereign Mother of God, erected in the XX century. This is the main shrine of the city.

City of Gdov: sights that are worth seeing to everyone

• Ancient shopping arcades located in the historic center of the city.
• Religious buildings of the XV - XIX century.
• Stone Cross of the XII century. On the bank of the river Gdovka.
• The ancient mansions, once belonged to local merchants - are wonderful examples of Pskov architecture of the 15th century.
• Gdov Museum of the history of the region is one of the most popular sights of the city. Here you can see the materials from the excavation of the fortress, as well as the personal belongings of the associate of M. Yu. Kutuzov P. P. Konovnitsyna, found in his ancestral estate of Kyarovo.

The most interesting sights of Gdov and its surroundings

• Church of St. Michael the Archangel. Located in the village Kobylya settlement. The temple was erected in the XV century. Not far from it, at the bottom of Peipsi Lake, is the famous Vorony stone, indicating the place of the Ice Battle.
• The farmstead of P. P. Konovnitsyn. It is located not far from the village of Verkholyane. PP Konovnitsyn is one of the participants in the Russo-Swedish war, an associate of M. Yu. Kutuzov. Personal belongings and everyday objects from his ancestral estate can now be seen in the Gdov Museum of History of the Territory. From the former manor to the present day only a small Trinity church has reached.
• Church of the Trinity. Settled in with. Housekeeping. A fine example of Pskov architecture of the XV century.