Pskov the largest stone fortress in Europe. , Псков крупнейшая каменная крепость в Европе

Pskov is a city (since 903) on the NorthWest of Russia, the administrative center of the Pskov region and the Pskov area, located at the confluence of the Velikaya and the Pskova rivers. Pskov one of the oldest Russian cities, first mentioned in the Laurentian chronicle under the year 903. In 13481510 years the capital of the independent Pskov Republic. In 1510 attached to the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Until the early eighteenth century, Pskov was one of the largest cities of Russia and Europe, the most important defensive and commercial centre of the country. Pskov fortress was the fortress of the five rings (three of which are preserved to this day), making the Pskov virtually impregnable. Throughout its long history of Pskov has become a centre of reference for major fighting, but was captured only once, not counting the occupation during both world wars. After the founding of St. Petersburg Pskov lost its dominant position on the Western borders of the country, and after the end of the Northern