Things to do in Pskov
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R-16
Booming nightclub with a big dance floor and attached lounge. It’s next to the Tokyo restaurant.
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Pskov National Museum of History, Architecture & Art
A very rich 17th-century merchant built his fortress-like house and treasury here in the heart of Pskov, with walls 2m thick. The original building and a newer addition now house the Pskov National Museum of History, Architecture & Art, which comprises three separate museums and a wide range of displays. The 2nd floor of the new building houses the war collection, with photos and artefacts from WWII, as well as information on more recent conflicts like Afghanistan and Chechnya. More interesting is the 1st-floor picture gallery, which has works from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, including paintings by Nikitin, Tropinin and Zhukovsky, as well as representations from th…
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Pskov State Museum
The Pskov State Museum, located near the entrance to the kremlin, is a spartan collection of archaeological finds from the Old Town. The first floor contains displays include knives, jewellery and old keys dating back to the settlement’s earliest days when Scandinavian Vikings lived in the area. An attached room has revolving displays by local artists. A second exhibit upstairs, the fairly dry Chancery Chamber, presents old documents on the administration of Pskov during the 17th century.
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Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour
The attraction here is the Unesco-protected, nonworking Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, whose 12th-century frescos are considered to be one of the most complete representations of the biblical narrative to have survived the Mongols. The frescos have been partially restored after centuries of damage from flooding, whitewashing and scrubbing; 80% of what you see today is original. The artists are unknown but were almost certainly from Greece, based on the Byzantine-style of the frescos.
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Trinity Cathedral
The grandeur of the 1699 Trinity Cathedral, Pskov's principal sight, is heightened by the simplicity of the skeletal kremlin surrounding it. The gilded centre dome, as high as a 28-storey building, can be seen from 30km away on a clear day. The interior, with a large collection of bejewelled icons of the Madonna, is still undergoing restoration, though services have returned.
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Restaurant Rus
This restaurant, located atop the walls of the kremlin, is a throwback to medieval times. The cool stone interior is decorated with battle gear and the views of the Velikaya are taken through the crossbow slits in the walls. Dishes are unspectacular but fresh: marinated mushrooms and potatoes; crab and tomato salad; and salmon with tomatoes and mushrooms. English menu.
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Karl Freidrich
With its faux-fireplace and beer hall atmosphere, this place aims to recreate a little slice of Bavaria. The kitchen serves all kinds of calorie-laden dishes, including pork ribs (R190), pelmeni (R120) and cheese-stuffed veal (R320). Be aware that the prices on the English menu are lower than the Russian one (until you get the bill).
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Kafe Frigate
Overlooking the Velikaya River, Kafe Frigate specialises in seafood and the usual Russian favourites (bliny, borsch, chicken Kiev). The almost elegant, red-hued dining room is strung with rigging ropes and other nautical devices, although the real kitsch arrives in the evening when the ballad-singing band takes the stage.
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Bavaria
Although the ambience is lacking, Bavaria's eclectic menu (English available) and friendly service make it a good find. Dishes include perch in cabbage, stewed with beer; omelette with ham and mushrooms; and pork stuffed with plums, walnuts and cheese. The only drawback is Bavaria's location; it's about 200m south of pl Pobedy.
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Kafe V’Gorod N
The City N’ is a bright space with high ceilings, cosy nooks and friendly wait staff. Breakfast (served all day) includes pancakes, omelettes and tasty raisin porridge. Soups, salads and the usual range of meat and fish dishes are also available. Live music is played Monday through Friday. Free wi-fi is available.
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Noev Kovcheg
This smoky, underground restaurant is worth going to on Friday through to Sunday when the chef serves khash, a hearty Armenian dish made of meat (from cow's feet), chilli peppers, garlic and vodka, and served with lavash. If shin meat doesn't entice, you can always opt for shashlyk or dolmas.
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Sotstourprof Travel Agency
The Sotstourprof travel agency next to the museum offers Russian-language kremlin tours (R400) and guided excursions further afield to Pechory Monastery and Stary Izborsk. They might also be able to rustle up an English-speaking guide with enough warning.
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Gremyachaya Tower
Along the Pskova tributary, near a small spillway and the Epiphany Cathedral, is a lovely stretch of park, nice for strolling, picnicking or short hikes. Gremyachaya Tower, a decaying 16th-century fortress tower on the north bank, is open to explorers.
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Kafe Arsenal
The obvious attraction of this place is the location – right on top of the ancient city wall. The menu contains old Russian favourites like fried fish and pork, although most locals seem to come here for the beer.
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Kafe Cherskaya
One of several restaurants along this stretch of Oktyabrsky, Cherskaya has a casual vibe and boasts a cocktail menu as extensive as the food list. Cabbage soup, schnitzel and all the Russian favourites are on hand.
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Kafe Snezhinka
A rather minimalist affair, this music-filled café attracts Pskov's youth, who gather for coffee, beer and light Russian meals. Picture windows look out across Oktyabrsky pr onto Detsky Park.
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Platforma
This complex has a bowling alley (per hour R300 to R800), billiard tables (per hour R60 to R120), an internet café (per hour R50) and a tiny sports bar. It’s on the 4th floor.
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Club Jaguar
Featuring an eclectic menu and friendly service, Club Jaguar is a fine place for a meal. In addition to a good three-course business lunch, you can order sushi, salads, seafood and bliny.
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Chancery Chamber
In the same area as the Pskov State Musem, but up the stairs, is the fairly dry Chancery Chamber, which presents old documents on the administration of Pskov during the 17th century.
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Detsky Park
Detsky Park, right in the centre of town, is less bucolic but still pleasant. During summer, children enjoy the park's mechanised rides - and pony rides, no less.
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Café Gorenka
A good place for a snack or coffee, Gorenka has desserts displayed in the front counter; you can also order pizza, sandwiches, salads and ice cream.
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Menshikovikh
This souvenir shop has a good selection of pottery (particularly teapots and teacups), photos of Pskov’s churches and the odd frog figurine.
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Restaurant
Next door to the bus station is a simple Restaurant where you can grab a bite (eggs, bliny, open sandwiches) before catching your bus out of town.
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Chocolate Café
Hip little café with a retro Americana atmosphere specialising in coffees, teas and light meals (salads, sandwiches, bliny and pastas).
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Kafe Melnitsa
Bliny in all forms and flavours, plus cafeteria style grub (schnitzel, meat patties, potato salad), are available at this low-priced eatery.
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