This region, covers an area of 55,400 sq.km and home to 587,000 people, preserves the memory of key events in Russian history, from the legendary reign of Princess Olga to the heroic defense during the Great Patriotic War.
Pskov is the heart of the region, a city with over a thousand years of history. Its majestic Kremlin, snow-white churches from the 12th to 16th centuries, and the ancient chambers of the Pogankin merchants create a unique architectural ensemble, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
In addition to Pskov's antiquities, the Izborsk Fortress, Pushkin Hills, and the
Mikhailovskoye Museum-Reserve have gained worldwide fame. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit these sites annually, spurring the development of related infrastructure.
Ecotourism has been rapidly developing in recent years: picturesque lakes (including the legendary Lake Peipus),
Sebezhsky National Park, and numerous protected areas attract nature lovers from across Russia.
The second most important city, Velikiye Luki, is a key industrial and transportation hub that has retained its strategic importance since the Middle Ages.