More recently, one of the oldest cities in Russia celebrated its 1,100th anniversary from the first mention in chronicles. They decided to celebrate this important event with the opening of the sculpture. Since 2003, there is a monument to Princess Olga. Pskov is a city whose statues will be discussed in the material.
Pride of the land
At the confluence of the Velikaya and Pskov rivers, one of the oldest points in Russia was upset. The city was first mentioned in 903. Over the long years of existence, many attractions have appeared here that are included in the list of the cultural heritage of the state. Therefore, this region is an important tourist center of the north-west of the country.
And recently, residents and guests of the city can enjoy the contemplation of yet another architectural landmark. Here a monument was installed to Princess Olga. Pskov decided to mark the occasion of the city’s birthday. This princess was immortalized for a reason. This woman is one of those who had the chance to rule a huge country and go down in history as a wise and
strong personality.The name of the princess, as well as the name of the city, is mentioned on the pages of the annals of Nestor. It notes that the young ruler Igor brought his wife Olga "from Pleskov." Many scientists believe that such a bride for his pupil was chosen by his predecessor Oleg. But people believe in a different, more romantic story of dating this couple. In particular, the popularity of this legend contributed to the erection of a monument to Princess Olga. Pskov, it should be noted, supports this version.
Fatal meeting
According to myth, the young prince Igor hunted near this city. When he needed to cross to the other side of the river, he turned to a man with a boat for help. Only after swimming a few meters, the man realized that in front of him was a young girl dressed in a man’s outfit. The young lady was so beautiful that the prince immediately began to look after her. But the woman refused him and said that, despite her poor family and defenselessness, she would rather drown than allow herself to be dishonored. Igor was very impressed with this answer.
The legend could end there, and a monument to Princess Olga in Pskov would never have appeared. The story continued and acquired a new plot. When Igor came to marry, he did not want foreign princesses and queens. The ruler asked me to find the girl from the boat for him. So a wise and strong beauty with a simple kind became a princess.
Olga city
Of course, many historians do not agree with the veracity of this legend. But the fact that the myth has no documentary evidence does not prevent the inhabitants of Pskov from being proud that the equally apostolic saint comes from their lands. In honor of the wise ruler, many monuments have been erected here that extol the famous compatriot.
Perhaps the only point where solemn events are held where there is a monument to Princess Olga is Pskov. A photo of this pedestal is in the albums of newlyweds, graduates and guests of the city. In addition to the sculptures of an outstanding woman, there are streets, bridges and churches that bear the name of the queen.
As already known, for the first time the city of Pskov is mentioned precisely because of the name of Olga. Consequently, in 2003, residents celebrated the 1,100th anniversary of the first mention. Of course, such an event could not do without the person who discovered this point to the world.
Queen's trick
The monument was placed in the Children's Park. Besides the fact that the statue has an aesthetic function, it is also called upon to draw people's attention to questions of religion in the present. In a certain philosophical style, a monument to Princess Olga (Pskov) is decorated. Vyacheslav Klykov, the author of this work, intended to remind passersby that faith was the strength and hope of the people.
The Equal-to-the-Apostles Saint is depicted here with a halo above his head. She has a cross in her right hand. This is a kind of reference to the fact that Olga was the first Russian ruler to adopt Christianity. According to legend, the squad after the death of Igor swore allegiance to the tsarina only under the condition that the woman would never marry again. The princess wore mourning for a long time. The beauty was not going to tie the knot again. However, Olga was so beautiful that the Byzantine ruler began to look after her. The woman rejected his suggestions and noted that the pagans should not be combined with the Orthodox.
Continuation of business
Then it was decided to christen the Queen of Kiev. But the ruler did not cheat on her late husband. By cunning and wisdom, she rejected the courtship of the king. It was because of fidelity that they erected a monument to Princess Olga. Pskov is now considered one of the most religious cities in Russia.
And this is true, because their countrywoman was one of the first to decide to adopt Christianity. The city singled out this religion among others because of mercy and kindness. But before embracing the new faith, the woman asked the emperor to become her godfather. After the ritual, she noted that they are now united by a spiritual bond, and therefore cannot marry.
Despite the fact that Olga was a Christian, her son Svyatoslav remained a pagan. But the grandson Vladimir understood the truth of the faith of his grandmother. That is why in the Children's Park next to the princess is the baptist of Russia. In his hands is the icon of the Savior. Looking at the pedestal, it seems that Olga is protecting her grandson. It should be noted that people believe that this saint is responsible for people who recently converted to Orthodoxy.
Family traditions
Many hidden meanings hide the monument to Princess Olga. Pskov did not spare money for the monument. Together with the pedestal, its height reaches 4.20 meters. On the basis of the depicted other saints who are considered the defenders of this region.
The ruler’s face is strict and beautiful. It expresses strength and confidence. But the appearance of Vladimir exudes calm and tranquility. Another idea that this monument popularizes is family values. The princess is depicted with a grandson for a reason. This is a symbol of the fact that only by transmitting traditions and rituals from parents to children, we manage to maintain our unique culture. We opened this sculpture to visitors on July 23, 2003. However, this is not the first monument that was erected in Pskov in honor of the princess.
The cruelty of the queen
The second pedestal is installed next to the Riga Hotel. Then the Russian Academy of Arts invited the city administration to put a statue of the queen. The management accepted this idea well. It was decided to erect a monument to Princess Olga (Pskov). Tsereteli Zubar portrayed a woman as a real conqueror. With one hand she holds a sword, with the other a shield. The woman's face is stern and impenetrable. That is how she seemed to the author when he became more familiar with the facts of her biography.
Reliable sources indicate that Olga was not a weak and defenseless queen. Many people of that time suffered from cruelty and revenge. In particular, the chronicle testifies that after the death of Igor, who died at the hands of the rebellious tribe of Drevlyans, their prince decided to marry Olga. When the matchmakers arrived in Kiev, the ruler ordered to bury them alive. The next time an even more distinguished delegation arrived. But the princess burned them in the bath.
Extraordinary image
When Olga herself went to the Drevlyans, about 5,000 representatives of the rebellious tribe were killed by order. And only after that the ruler went on a campaign with the army. The capital of enemies did not give up for a long time. However, the wise princess found a way out of this situation. With the help of birds, to the tails of which they tied a burning tow with sulfur, she burned the city. The rebellious Drevlyans were destroyed.
Of course, Olga’s biography differs in religious and historical texts. However, most people respect this queen for her mind, strength and wisdom. It is these features that the monument to Princess Olga (Pskov) depicts. On Riga Avenue, the ruler exudes confidence and power. Despite the controversial image of the queen in history, for the inhabitants of this city she remains a protector and a saint.