Monument to Princess Olga, Pskov: history, photo

Most recently, one of the oldest cities of Russia celebrated its 1100th anniversary from the first mention in the annals. This important event decided to celebrate the opening of the sculpture. Since 2003, there is a monument to Princess Olga. Pskov is a city whose statues will be discussed in the material.

Pride of the province

At the confluence of the Great and Pskov rivers one of the oldest points in Russia was upset. For the first time the city is mentioned in 903. Over the long years of its existence, many sights appeared that are on the list of the cultural heritage of the state. Therefore, this region is an important tourist center of the north-west of the country.

And recently residents and visitors of the city can enjoy contemplation of another architectural landmark. Here a monument to Princess Olga was erected. Pskov decided to timed this event to the birthday of the city. This princess was immortalized for good reason. This woman is one of those who have the chance to rule a huge country and go down in history as a wise and strong person.

The name of the princess, like the name of the city, is mentioned in the pages of the chronicle of Nestor. It notes that the young ruler Igor was brought his wife Olga "from Pleskova." Many scholars believe that his predecessor Oleg chose this bride for his pupil. But people believe in another, more romantic story of dating this couple. In particular, the popularity of this legend contributed to the fact that they installed a monument to Princess Olga. Pskov, it should be noted, supports this version.

Fateful encounter

According to the myth, the young prince Igor hunted near this city. When he had to move to the other side of the river, he turned to the man with the boat for help. Only after swimming several meters, the man realized that before him was a young girl dressed in a man's outfit. The young lady was so beautiful that the prince at once started courting her. But the woman denied him and said that, despite the poor family and defenselessness, she would rather drown than allow herself to be dishonored. Igor's answer was very impressive.

On this legend could have ended, and never would have appeared a monument to Princess Olga in Pskov. History continued and acquired a new plot. When Igor came to get married, he did not want foreign princesses and queens. The governor asked me to find the same girl from the boat for him. So a wise and strong beauty from a simple family became a princess.

City of Olga

Of course, many historians do not agree with the veracity of this legend. But the fact that the myth has no documentary evidence does not prevent the inhabitants of Pskov from being proud of the fact that the Equal of the Apostles Saint comes from their edges. In honor of the wise ruler, many monuments were erected here, which are extolled by a famous countrywoman.

Perhaps, the only point where solemn events are held there, where the monument to Princess Olga is, is Pskov. Photos of this pedestal are in the albums of the newlyweds, graduates and guests of the city. In addition to the sculptures of an outstanding woman, there are streets, bridges and churches that bear the name of the queen.

As already known, for the first time the city of Pskov is mentioned precisely because of the name of Olga. Consequently, in 2003, residents celebrated the 1100th anniversary of the first mention day. Of course, such an event could not do without the person who opened this item to the world.

The trick of the queen

The monument was erected in the Children's Park. In addition, that the statue performs an aesthetic function, it is also called upon to draw people's attention to the questions of religion in the present. In a certain philosophical style, a monument to Princess Olga (Pskov) is decorated. Klykov Vyacheslav, the author of this work, intended to remind passers-by that faith is the strength and hope of the people.

The holy apostle here is depicted with a halo above his head. She has a cross in her right hand. These are original references to the fact that Olga was the first Russian ruler to accept Christianity. According to the legend, the squad after Igor's death swore allegiance to the queen only on the condition that the woman will never marry again. The princess wore mourning for a long time. Beauty was not going to bind herself again by marriage. However, Olga was so beautiful that the Byzantine ruler began to take care of her. The woman rejected his proposals and noted that the Gentiles should not combine with the Orthodox.

Continuation of the case

Then it was decided to christen the Queen of Kiev. But the ruler did not change the late husband. With cunning and wisdom she rejected the courtship of the king. It is because of the fidelity that the monument to Princess Olga was erected. Pskov is now considered one of the most religious cities in Russia.

And this is true, because their countrywoman was one of the first to decide to adopt Christianity. This city was selected by the city because of charity and kindness. But before accepting a new faith, the woman asked the emperor to become her godfather. After the ritual, she noted that now they are united by a spiritual connection, and therefore, can not get married.

Despite the fact that Olga was a Christian, her son Svyatoslav remained a pagan. But grandson Vladimir realized the truth of the grandmother's faith. That's why in the Children's Park next to the princess is the Baptist of Russia. In his hands is the icon of the Savior. Looking at the pedestal, it seems that Olga protects her grandson. It should be noted that the people believe that it is this saint who is responsible for people who have recently converted to Orthodoxy.

Family traditions

Many hidden meanings hid the monument to Princess Olga. Pskov did not spare money for the monument. Together with the pedestal, its height reaches 4.20 meters. On the basis are depicted other saints, who are considered defenders of this land.

The face of the ruler is strict and beautiful. It expresses strength and confidence. But the appearance of Vladimir radiates tranquility and pacification. Another idea that this monument popularizes is family values. Princess depicted with his grandson for good reason. It is a symbol that only by transferring traditions and rituals from parents to children, we manage to maintain our unique culture. They opened this sculpture for visitors on July 23, 2003. However, this is not the first monument erected in Pskov in honor of the princess.

Cruelty of the Queen

The second pedestal is installed next to the hotel "Rizhskaya". Then the Russian Academy of Arts invited the city administration to put a statue of the queen. The management accepted this idea well. It was decided to establish a monument to Princess Olga (Pskov). Tsereteli Zubar portrayed a woman as a true conqueror. With one hand she holds the sword, the other - the shield. The woman's face is strict and impenetrable. It was this she seemed to the author when he got acquainted with the facts of her biography in more detail.

Reliable sources testify that Olga was not a weak and defenseless queen. Many people of that time suffered from cruelty and revenge. In particular, the chronicle testifies that after the death of Igor, who died at the hands of the disobedient tribe of the Drevlyans, their prince decided to take Olga as his wife. When the matchmakers arrived in Kiev, the ruler ordered them to be buried alive. The next time came even more distinguished delegation. But the princess burned them in a bath.

Unconventional image

When Olga herself went to the Drevlyans, then on the order were killed about 5000 representatives of a recalcitrant tribe. And only after that the ruler went on a campaign with the army. For a long time the capital of enemies did not surrender. However, the wise princess found a way out of this situation. With the help of birds, to the tails of which they tied a burning patch of sulfur, they burned the city. Defiant Drevlyane were destroyed.

Of course, Olga's biography differs in religious and historical texts. However, most people respect this queen for her intelligence, strength and wisdom. It is these features that represent the monument to Princess Olga (Pskov). On Rizhsky avenue the ruler radiates confidence and power. Despite the contradictory image of the queen in history, for the inhabitants of this city she remains a defender and a saint.