The Pskov Kremlin (Krom)
Begin at the Krom, the fortified heart of the city where the Velikaya and Pskova rivers meet. Behind its massive walls and towers rises the Trinity Cathedral, a working church whose iconostasis and relics make it the spiritual centre of the region as well as its most striking landmark.
Mirozhsky Monastery
Still a working monastery, the Mirozhsky is famous for its 12th-century frescoes — a rare, near-complete cycle of Byzantine-influenced wall painting that is UNESCO-listed and considered one of the treasures of early Russian art.
The Pogankin Chambers
This sturdy 17th-century merchant’s house is one of the finest examples of Pskov’s civil architecture. Today it forms part of the city’s museum-reserve, with collections on the history, art and silverwork of the Pskov lands.
Izborsk Fortress
About 30 km from the city, Izborsk is one of the oldest settlements in Russia, and its 14th-century stone fortress is the highlight. The walls look out over rolling hills and lakes, and the nearby Slovenian Springs make it an easy, rewarding half-day trip.
Dovmont Town
Just inside the Kremlin lie the foundations of Dovmont Town, a dense medieval quarter of churches and buildings named after a revered 13th-century prince. Walking its outlines is the closest you can get to the layout of old Pskov.
River Walks and Cruises
Pskov is a river city, and seeing it from the water — on a short cruise along the Velikaya, or simply from the embankments — gives you the best sense of how the fortress and churches sit in the landscape.
Getting There — the Honest Part
Pskov has a small airport (PKV) with limited domestic service; in practice most visitors arrive via St Petersburg (LED), about four hours away by road or rail. Reaching Russia at all is the harder part in 2026: there are no direct flights from North America, the UK or most of the EU, so travellers connect through hubs such as Istanbul, Dubai or Doha and fly on via Moscow. A consular visa is required in advance, foreign bank cards do not work inside the country, and several Western governments, including the US and UK, currently advise against travel to Russia — worth noting especially here, as Pskov sits right on the borders with Estonia and Latvia. Check your own government’s guidance before planning a trip.
FAQ
Is Pskov worth visiting?
For anyone drawn to medieval history and early Russian art it is exceptional — a compact city of fortresses, ancient churches and 12th-century frescoes, with more just outside in Izborsk.
How long do you need?
A full day for the city itself, and a second half-day for Izborsk and the surrounding countryside.
What is the nearest airport?
Pskov (PKV) has limited domestic flights; most visitors come via St Petersburg (LED). See the note above on reaching Russia from the West in 2026.