Izborsk

The small village of Izborsk is mentioned in the Tale of Bygone Years or Russian Primary Chronicle. In 862, when the legendary Varangian princes were invited to Rus, Izborsk was ruled by Prince Truvor. The site of the historical settlement and cross of Truvor still survive.

The original ancient settlement was not large and a new fortress was built on Crane Hill in the early fourteenth century. This fort was made of stone and had six battle turrets (the Germans called Izborsk an “iron town”). In the fourteenth century, a cathedral was built in the fortress in honour of St Nicholas, patron saint of Izborsk.