Ostrov

 The first mention of the Ostrov dates back to 1341. In the end of the 14th century it was already a stone fortress. In the 15th century the strobghold defeated many attacks by Lithuanians and Livonians. In 1501, during the First Livonian War, the Ostrov was destroyed by artillery fire and taken by Livonian knights under the command of Master Voltaire von Plettenberg. In 1581 the Ostrov was on the way of Stephen Batory's route to Pskov and was also taken. Today, elements of the fortress walls (largely hidden in the ground) and the st. Nicholas Church  (1542) have survived from the fortress.

 st. Nicholas Church  (1542)

 ramparts at the bank of the river Velikaia

 ruins of the fortress walls

 st. Nicholas Church  (1542)

Tags: castles and fortresses, 14 century, 15 century, 16 century, Livonia and North-West Russia in the 15th century, Routes of the Livonian War, Pskovian Land