Old Castle (castle On The Hill). Izborsk Fortress, Pskov Region, Russia, Europe. Stock Image

Photo of the old fortress tower against the blue sky. the Old fortifications of the border town Izborsk, Russia, Northern Europe. The Izborsk fortress is considered the beginning of the founding of the ancient city of Izborsk, first mentioned in the chronicle "Tale of bygone years". Izborsko strengthening many centuries defended the Western borders of Russia. Ancient Izborsk was founded at the turn of VII and VIII centuries on the arrow lake Cape. In the X century from the tribal centre of the kriviches, developed in the early medieval city, a major center of Handicrafts and trade. In XI-XIII centuries wooden fortress was rebuilt in stone. In 1233, and in the summer of 1240 Izborsk was twice captured by the Germans in 1240 the knights took the fortress by storm on the second day of the siege. Kicked the German knights Pskovityanka after the victory of Alexander Nevsky on the ice of lake Peipus in 1242. In the early fourteenth century to strengthen the settlement, the fortress was rebuilt at a new location 1.5 km from the old — at first wooden, and in 1330 the Pskov Posadnik Salagou rebuilt in stone. In 1342 the fortress for eleven days was in the siege of Livonians, however, was not taken. Left with nothing and the Germans, who in the summer of 1367 18 days laid siege to the city. In 1581, Izborsk was taken by the troops of Stephan Batory. In the time of Troubles, the fortress succumbed to the forces of Alexander Lisowski, and after the great Northern war lost its