Izborsk

Izborsk is one of the most ancient towns in Russia, mentioned in “The Tale of Bygone Years” in 862. The reserve “Izborsk” is the unique combination of historical and archeological monuments, monuments of defense, cultural and civil architecture, nature and landscape. The origin of Izborsk is the old town site, which appeared earlier than fortress on Zheraya hill. Architectural and archeological, natural and historical composition of Old Izborsk’s town site or Truvor’s old town site of VII-XVIII century includes remaining earth walls and stone fortresses of one of the oldest in Russia town-fortress. The headland town site over the Old Town site lake is separated from the cemetery, which now is also used, by earth wall and moat. On the cemetery still you can see ancient stone slab on which based crosses with specific symbols. One of the crosses refers to XV century and got the name “Truvor’s cross” after the name of legendary founder of the town.