Gdov is a small city in the Pskov region, located on the banks of the Gdovka River. Every year, hundreds of tourists from all over Russia come here to explore local attractions. Gdov attracts the attention of travelers primarily with its historical monuments. In the city limits is an ancient fortress, beautiful architecture of the XV century. In this publication we will talk about the most interesting sights of Gdov and its environs.
From the history of the city
The lands of the present city are mentioned in ancient Russian chronicles from the 10th century. Once these territories were part of the inheritance of Princess Olga. The name of the city first appears in the First Pskov Annals of 1322. The mention is connected with the next attack of the Livonian warrant on the Old Russian lands and with the famous Neva battle.
In the XV century. in the city was laid Gdov Fortress. During its existence, it has withstood more than one siege. So, in 1581, the troops of Stephen Batory failed to destroy the massive walls . In the XVI century. during the Russo-Swedish Gdov Fortress was repeatedly besieged. Today, hundreds of tourists come to these historical places every year to see ancient sights. Gdov at the beginning of the XVII century is part of the St. Petersburg province. In 1944, it 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 were hit hard. Gdov more than once became the scene of hostilities and was only released on February 4, 1944.
Gdov Fortress
Today, from the magnificent structure, the so-called Gdovsk Kremlin, there are only ruins. But despite this, many tourists are attracted by these ancient sights. Gdov is a city that will tell every traveler secrets and legends about the famous events of the past Pskov lands.
Initially, the fortress was built of wood and stone. Then she was rebuilt more than once. In the XV century. the wooden part of the walls was replaced by stone. The Gdov Fortress was completely destroyed during the Second World War. Today, only shafts with elements of ancient fortifications can be seen at this place. Also, 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 worth seeing for everyone
- Ancient shopping malls located in the historic city center.
- Religious buildings of the XV - XIX century.
- 12th century stone cross on the banks of the river Gdovka.
- Old mansions that once belonged to local merchants are wonderful examples of Pskov architecture of the 15th century.
- The Gdov Museum of the History of the Region is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Here you can see materials from the excavations of the fortress, as well as personal belongings of associate M. Yu. Kutuzov P. P. Konovnitsyn, found in his ancestral estate of Kyarovo.
The most interesting sights of Gdov and its surroundings
- Church of St. Michael the Archangel. It is located in the village of Kobyl ancient settlement. The temple was erected in the XV century. Not far from it, at the bottom of Lake Peipsi, is the famous Raven Stone, indicating the place of the Battle of the Ice.
- The estate of P.P. Konovnitsyn. Located near the village of Verkholyan. P.P. Konovnitsyn is one of the participants in the Russian-Swedish war, an associate of M. Yu. Kutuzov. Personal things and household items from his family estate today can be seen in the Gdovsk Museum of the History of the Territory. From the former estate to our days only a small Trinity Church has survived.
- Trinity Church. Located in with. Homegirl. A wonderful example of Pskov architecture of the XV century.