The name Pechory is derived from the Russian word for a cave “pesсhеra” and relates to the system of caves here. In 15th century these caves became part of the Pskovo-Pechorsky Svyato-Uspensky Monastery, which is today the city’s most famous sight. It is one of the largest and most revered monasteries in Russia, and was never closed during the Soviet period, thanks largely to the fact that the city was part of Estonia during the interwar years.