Pskov is one of the oldest cities in Russia with records of it dating back to the beginning of the 10th century when the prince of Kiev married a girl named Olga from the city. Princess Olga went on to become perhaps the most important woman in mediaeval Russian history and her connection with Pskov is still celebrated today. Like its historical sister-city of Novgorod Veliky, Pskov too became the centre of a mediaeval  republic and is also famous for its magnificent kremlin, known as the Krom, and its multitude of beautiful old churches. It is also a City of Military Glory, due to its role over the centuries in shielding Russia from the west.