Pskov: The Impregnable Fortress of Western Russia by energyaddict22

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· @energyaddict22 · (edited)
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Pskov: The Impregnable Fortress of Western Russia
# Castles and Forts Series #4 - Pskov Krom - Pskov, Russia
![pskov-2539926_1280.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1520969444/fni9xnlaf7pika2mkjhe.jpg)

Each of the posts in the series will focus on a castle and/or fort in the Baltic region. This includes Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Northwest Russia with a few more thrown in for good measure. I will also include other castles from around the world as my travels take me to some very interesting destinations. Take a look at my first post on the subject - https://steemit.com/history/@energyaddict22/castles-are-cool-defending-trade-forts-and-castles-part-1

If you enjoy the splendor, history, romanticism and even the economic/historical importance of castles like I do, then you will want to follow along and share these with your friends. I will also take suggestions on others that need to be included in the series.
![image.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1520969556/fimwvwk3xqr3wiisjztf.png)

## Pskov Krom (Kremlin) - City and Trade Center Fortress
**Built:** Early Construction 10th Century with Continual Upgrades until the 18th Century
**Current Status:** Mostly Intact/Small Ruins, Orthodox Cathedral and Museum
**Location:** Several Hours Southwest of St. Petersburg and 18 km from the Estonia/Russia Border
**Initial Purpose:** Protection from Raids by Finnic, Chud, and Livonian Pagans to Protect Citizens and Trade Routes
**Type:** Stone, multi-ringed, river fortress, with additional moat and anchored by large towers.

https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1520973610/mo1z9vkl0ecvekjmgvrp.png

https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1520973674/fx1ds2qcayydsjz0esw4.png

## History

Although the initial fortifications of earthen walls and wooden pickets began around 900 AD. The Pskov fortress evolved into one of the largest fortresses in Europe over the course of the next 700 - 800 years. At its peak in the 15th century, it featured a full 5 rings of walls surrounding the center of the fortification. The walls were anchored by a series of large stone towers and the entire defense system was laid along the banks of two rivers, the Valikaya and Pskova.

![pskov-2713252_1280.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1520975134/icmlkdepoa4fb67xq3fw.jpg)

To say that the fortress was stout and easily defended is an understatement. During the course of its lifetime up to the modern age (late 1800's), it has been engaged in 100's battles, dozens of sieges, and many wars. Only once has it fallen to enemies (1240 AD) and this occurred when a local war chief opened the gates to the Teutonic Knights in an act of deceit. The fortress and city were reclaimed not long after by Prince Alexander Nevsky.

## Gateway to Russia - Economic Significance of Pskov

Pskov grew to immense size and importance in Russia and Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages because of its location. Situated on the Velikaya River that runs north to the Baltic sea through Lake Pskov and Lake Peipus on its way to Narva, Pskov was able to manage both the import and export of large amounts of goods between Western European nations and Moscow, which could be reached further downriver. Additionally, Pskov maintained trade routes on land to the ports of Riga and Reval (now Tallinn). The sheer amount of goods and revenue generated through trade made Pskov one of, if not the most, significant city for Western Russia.

![IMG_20180106_102909.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1520976104/jzpm3negszvvgksunpxr.jpg)


Pskov's major exports were wax, flax, and suet (fat used in baking). It imported large quantities of salt, ferrous metals like copper, and cloth. It's role as a trading hub coupled with its stable form of government and laws enticed the Hanseatic League to incorporate the city into its fold.

![IMG_20180106_102901.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1520976391/xickh7qtkigah9ddeb1m.jpg)


## Today
Within the large area of the central keep lies the Trinity Cathedral, which is home to the Russian Orthodox Church. Many locally and beautifully made icons and other religious works of art can be found in the cathedral and services on the site are held daily.

![pskov 2.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1520976050/zzlh7cwlwtv2ogjmo8wz.jpg)

Three of the original five walls remain as well. Although the fortress proved impregnable during the middle ages, it proved no match for the Germans during WWI and WWII when the the area was occupied for great lengths of time. However, the fortress is fairly well renovated and work continues to improve its appearance despite its age. Excellent tours are available with extremely knowledgeable guides.

## Interesting Fact

It was in Pskov in 1917 on a railroad car that Czar Nicholas II of Russia abdicated the monarchy. Russia would exit WWI shortly thereafter and Russian territories would go through a variety of changes including a civil war, breakaway nations such as Estonia, Latvia, and Finland, and the transition to a Communist System. The Czar and his family would later be executed near Ekaterinburg.

![IMG_20180106_104935.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1520977031/u5nt01sgncfgckhgxrmz.jpg)


![image.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1520969556/fimwvwk3xqr3wiisjztf.png)

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Sources: The Routledge Handbook of Maritime Trade Around Europe 1300-1600
http://russiatrek.org
https://todiscoverrussia.com

Maps are credited or taken from Google Earth.
All photos are mine or downloaded from Pixabay.com.

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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jr.byers.58
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![image.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1520969556/fimwvwk3xqr3wiisjztf.png)
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@energyaddict22 ·
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@minnowsupport ·
<p>Congratulations!  This post has been upvoted from the communal account, @minnowsupport, by EnergyAddict from the Minnow Support Project. It's a witness project run by aggroed, ausbitbank, teamsteem, theprophet0, someguy123, neoxian, followbtcnews, and netuoso. The goal is to help Steemit grow by supporting Minnows.  Please find us at the <a href="https://discord.gg/HYj4yvw"> Peace, Abundance, and Liberty Network (PALnet) Discord Channel</a>.  It's a completely public and open space to all members of the Steemit community who voluntarily choose to be there.</p> <p>If you would like to delegate to the Minnow Support Project you can do so by clicking on the following links: <a href="https://v2.steemconnect.com/sign/delegateVestingShares?delegator=&amp;delegatee=minnowsupport&amp;vesting_shares=102530.639667%20VESTS">50SP</a>, <a href="https://v2.steemconnect.com/sign/delegateVestingShares?delegator=&amp;delegatee=minnowsupport&amp;vesting_shares=205303.639667%20VESTS">100SP</a>, <a href="https://v2.steemconnect.com/sign/delegateVestingShares?delegator=&amp;delegatee=minnowsupport&amp;vesting_shares=514303.639667%20VESTS">250SP</a>, <a href="https://v2.steemconnect.com/sign/delegateVestingShares?delegator=&amp;delegatee=minnowsupport&amp;vesting_shares=1025303.639667%20VESTS">500SP</a>, <a href="https://v2.steemconnect.com/sign/delegateVestingShares?delegator=&amp;delegatee=minnowsupport&amp;vesting_shares=2053030.639667%20VESTS">1000SP</a>, <a href="https://v2.steemconnect.com/sign/delegateVestingShares?delegator=&amp;delegatee=minnowsupport&amp;vesting_shares=10253030.639667%20VESTS">5000SP</a>. <br><strong>Be sure to leave at least 50SP undelegated on your account.</strong></p>
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**Your Post Has Been Featured on @Resteemable!** <br> Feature any Steemit post using resteemit.com! <br> **How It Works:** <br> 1. Take Any Steemit URL <br> 2. Erase `https://` <br> 3. Type `re`<br> Get Featured Instantly & Featured Posts are voted every 2.4hrs <br>[Join the Curation Team Here](https://goo.gl/forms/4sr0InoTxcyPRQSj2) | [Vote Resteemable for Witness](https://v2.steemconnect.com/sign/account-witness-vote?witness=resteemable&approve=1)
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@marymik23 ·
Привет! Спасибо за подписку!  
Была в Пскове пару лет назад, есть там на что посмотреть, да. По пути туда еще Торжок очаровал...
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@shashiprabha ·
sir your pot is so good .i up vote  you.pleas you should visit my blog and up vote me.
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