City of Ostrov (Pskov region): history and sights

In the Pskov region there is a lake of the same name, into which flows the river called Velikaya. On it is the city of the Island, it also has an administrative center.

The importance of the island fortress in defending the borders of the Russian state

If you follow the chronicles, then around the 14th century, on the island, which was washed by the Great River on the one hand, and the Slobozhich Channel on the other, there was a fortress. At least, the mention of the battle of the inhabitants of Pskov with the Knights of the Livonian Order remained . The defenders fought desperately against the invaders. It is unlikely that they would have been lucky if the warriors from the Island did not come to the rescue, Vasil Onisimovich was the posadnik. For the attackers, this was a real surprise.

The fortress of 2 hectares on the island at that time was considered a rather powerful fortification stone structure. The main building material was gray limestone. The walls with five towers along the perimeter and crooked were a reliable fortification, protecting the northwest gate. Historical significance is the Island (Pskov region). Photos of the modern city can be seen in the article.

On the territory in 1542 the church of St. Nicholas was built, which from the point of view of architecture perfectly complemented the terrain, somewhat changing its gloomy appearance. The fortress on the island entered the suburban zone of Pskov, reliably covering the borders of its lands on the south side.

Livontsy repeatedly (in 1348, 1406, 1426) tried to seize part of the Russian territory. But each time they met the furious resistance of the Pskovites. Attempts to seize the island by the Germans and Lithuanians were made in the 15th century.

The year 1501 was successful for the Germans, led by an experienced warlord Walter von Plettenberg. The fortress could not stand their pressure. The assault was accompanied by intense shelling with fiery arrows and guns. The fortress flamed and could not withstand the onslaught. One part of the 4 thousandth garrison was destroyed, and the other was captured. Due to the fall of the fortress, the inhabitants were defenseless, looted and ruined. However, the city of Ostrov (Pskov region) was not long under occupation.

Russian lands

After nearly 80 years, the fortress stormed the Polish army of King Stephen Batory, but a few months later the Russian kingdom and the Rzeczpospolita signed the Zapol Peace Treaty (January 1582), according to which the city of Ostrov (Pskov region) was again a Russian territory.

It took almost half a century, when between Rus and Poland there was another military conflict (1632-1634), known in history as the Smolensk war. Enemies destroyed by fire Island. Until 1510, while the Island belonged to the Moscow kingdom, the administration was carried out by the posadnik, and also the veche was convened.

Island - county town

In 1700, Tsar Peter started a military company known in history as the Northern War. It was supposed to take away from Sweden the lands conquered by her in the beginning of the 17th century and thereby ensure Russia's access to the Baltic Sea. As it soon became clear, in 1708, as the Russian army progressed successfully, the need for the fortress of the island as such was no longer necessary. Therefore, it actually began to turn into an ordinary county town.

In 1772 (or 1777), the island (Pskov region) received the status of a district. By that time, 3 fortress towers remained intact. At the disposal of the parishioners there were 5 church temples. Only 71 buildings were stone from 521. On May 28, 1781, at an official level outside the city of the Island, its own coat of arms was fixed.

Trade Development

The governor of Novgorod Sivers in the second half of the 18th century noted that trade in flax could have all chances to become a promising direction. And so it happened. Indeed, until the end of the next century was the leader in this industry is the city of the Island (Pskov region). In 1864, a joint stock company was formed, which sells flax.

The city's attractions

The chain bridge, which connects the opposite banks of the Velikaya River, belongs to the main attractions of the Island. With good reason can be argued that this brainchild of engineer Krasnopolsky Mikhail Yakovlevich is a masterpiece in the field of domestic bridge construction.

The construction of the structure is formed by two 94-meter spans, which occupy both branches of the river. The chains of the sling have an arrow equal to half the length of one span. For the erection of the pillars, a selective calcareous slab was used. The cobble stone served as facing material. Three rows of pillars are made of granite slabs. In November 1853, the chain bridge was put into operation. The grand opening was held with the participation of the Russian Emperor Nicholas I.

There are other sights of the Island of the Pskov region:

• Military History Museum-Reserve.
• Monument to Claudia Nazarova.
• The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in 1542.
• Brotherly burial.
• Church of the Women of Myrrhbearers

All these places are magnificent and worthy of attention of the tourist.