Rybnitskaya Tower, Pskov, Gate tower in Pskov, Russia.
The Rybnitskaya Tower is a gate tower at the edge of the Pskov Kremlin complex, positioned where the Velikaya and Pskova rivers meet. The structure rises approximately 20 meters high and forms part of the fortification system that once protected this medieval city.
The tower was built in the 15th century and served the Pskov Republic as a key part of its defense system against external threats. Its construction reflects the military needs of the city during that period.
This gate tower displays architectural features typical of medieval Russian fortifications and reflects the military knowledge developed in the Pskov region. Visitors can observe these building techniques today by examining its stonework and design.
The tower stands a few metres from the excavated foundation of the original gate tower in the south-western part of Dovmont's Town, inside the Pskov Kremlin. The Holy Gates passage below it reopened after the 2010 fire and the tower was fully restored by 2013. The gate is a passage point between the Kremlin and the Pskova riverbank, so expect foot traffic rather than a separate ticket office.
The tower visitors see today is a 1971–72 reconstruction by Moscow architect A. V. Vorobyov, built a few metres from the excavated foundation of the medieval gate tower. In 1969 Vasily Belyetsky had uncovered that foundation in the south-western part of Dovmont's Town, but the new tower was placed on an arbitrarily chosen spot.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,203 contributors worldwide.