Ostrov, Administrative center in Pskov Oblast, Russia
Ostrov is a small town on the bank of the Velikaya River, around 55 kilometers south of Pskov in Pskov Oblast, Russia. Streets and low buildings stretch along the river, which winds through flat terrain with scattered trees and fields.
The settlement began in the 13th century as a military fortress to protect the southern border. It was first mentioned in written sources in 1342 and grew over centuries into a trading post and later into a district center.
The name comes from the Russian word for island, recalling the position between river branches where the first fortress once stood. Today the town serves as a quiet center for administration and local crafts in the region.
The town sits on the railway line between Saint Petersburg and the Latvian border, making it easy to reach by train. Roads connect it to Pskov and surrounding villages, so day trips into the region are straightforward.
Between 1941 and 1944, a group of residents secretly organized resistance against the German occupation. The underground movement helped pass information and carry out sabotage actions until Soviet troops liberated the town.
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