It is no coincidence that Central Russia is considered the center of Orthodoxy. In this area, people are more religious and, accordingly, there are also more temples. The ancient Russian city of Pskov is no exception. The city has about 40 churches! There is no doubt that any Orthodox pilgrim should visit Pskov.
History of Pskov churches
The ancient Russian city of Pskov began its history in the Middle Ages. At the same time, the first Christian churches began to be built. Moreover, the city itself was built around the Trinity Church.
According to legend, the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga in 957 put a cross on that place and ordered to build a church. There still stands the Holy Trinity Cathedral - the heart of Pskov and the highest point of the city. In those days, the temple was a symbolic place where veche was held, it was decided which prince would rule the city, and so on.
Architecture of the temples of Pskov
When visiting the city for the first time, one cannot fail to notice that most of the temples built in the Middle Ages are somewhat similar. This is no coincidence, because a special architectural style of churches has developed in Pskov.
The architecture of Pskov churches is distinguished by its simplicity and modesty, without unnecessary decorations, everything is strict and concise. This simplicity shows the greatness of Orthodoxy.
The overall style is formed from the following details:
- There must be whitewashed temple walls.
- The church is most often single-domed (one dome).
- It is a tall and narrow temple rising to heaven.
- There is a characteristic belfry, which is located separately from the temple or on the slope of the church.
- The porch of the temple especially attracts attention. It always stands out with a special look - columns, arched entrance.
How to recognize the Pskov temple? Many scientists claim that it looks like a chest, unlike the Moscow temple, which looks like a cake.
Location of churches in Pskov
Most of the churches are located in the old city center. They are located along Sovetskaya and Leon Pozemsky streets. You can find the addresses of churches in Pskov in any guide - whether it's a navigator or a paper map. Here are just a few:
- Church of the Resurrection of Christ from the Stadium - st. Leon Pozemsky, 51;
- Cathedral of the Nativity of John the Baptist - st. Maxim Gorky, 1 A;
- Church of Peter and Paul from Buya - st. Karl Marx (Novgorodskaya), 2;
- St. Basil's Church on Gorka - Oktyabrsky Ave (Sergievskaya (formerly Trupekhovskaya) St.), 5;
- Church of the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia the Destroyer - Oktyabrsky Ave (Sergievskaya (formerly Trupekhovskaya) St.), 9;
- Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker from Torg - st. Nekrasova (Gubernatorskaya), 35;
- templeMid-Pentecost at the Spassky Compound - st. Detskaya (Spasskaya), 3.
Even the modern development of the city cannot drown out the greatness of the temples. On the contrary, they are perfectly combined.
The churches of Pskov are like islands of peace in a noisy city. When you enter the temple, you hear silence, and serenity in your heart. The churches are located in such a way that once inside, you feel that you are in a completely different world - the spiritual one.
Pskov is truly a real Russian city that keeps the spirit of Orthodoxy.
