Pskov

Capital city, economic and cultural centre of Pskov oblast (region), northwestern Russian Federation, situated on the Velikaya River near the southern shore of Lake Pskov 300 km/186 mi southwest of St Petersburg; population (1996 est) 207,000. The city has industries producing building materials, engineering equipment (for example, electrical goods, radios, and textile machinery), textiles, and foodstuffs.

Pskov is one of the oldest and historically most important Russian cities, and contains many outstanding architectural monuments dating from the 12th to 17th centuries. It was known as an outpost of Novgorod from 903, and was capital of the independent Pskov Republic from 1348 to 1510. The city then became a Muscovite fortress, and until the building of St Petersburg was the foremost centre for trade between Russia and Western Europe. From 1941 to 1944 it was occupied by German forces and largely destroyed.

Notable sights in the town include the 13th-century Kremlin (including the massive golden-domed Trinity Cathedral) and Mirozhsky Monastery.

Pskov

Oblast (region) in the northwest Russian Federation; area 55,300 sq km/21,351 sq mi; population (1996) 832,000 (65% urban). There are engineering and metalworking industries; flax is grown, and there is dairy farming.

The region is located on the eastern shores of Lakes Peipus and Pskov, on the border with Estonia. It is mainly low-lying, with a mild continental climate. About 30% of the area is covered with mixed forests; there are also extensive peat bogs. Cities include Pskov and Velikiye-Luki.

During the 11th–14th centuries, Pskov was part of the Novgorod Republic. It became independent in 1348 and was absorbed by Muscovy in 1510.