Gdov

From Free net encyclopedia

Gdov (Template:Lang-ru) is a town in Pskov Oblast, Russia, situated on the river Gdovka, just two kilometers from its outflow into Chudskoye Lake. Population: 5,171 (2002 Census).

Gdov was founded in the 14th century, as an outpost guarding the city of Pskov. In 1431–1434, Pskovians built a fortress there, remains of which can be seen so this very day. The town was attacked on numerous occasions by Swedes and Poles, but was finally returned to Russia in 1617.

In 1780, Gdov formally acquired the status of a town; its coat of arms was granted on May 28, 1781. Between 1874 and 1912 Gdov issued stamps for the Zemstvo post. The first stamp, worth two kopeks, appeared on April 16, 1874. Stamp production ceased, however, with the coming of World War I. On May 1919, the Northern Army, under General Rodzianko, captured Gdov, along with Pskov and Yamburg.

In 1944, the Wehrmacht destroyed Gdov's churches, which have been ranked among the loveliest specimens of Pskovian medieval architecture. The town's historic monuments have been partly restored after the World War II.

[edit]