The ancient settlement of Izborsk is located 30 kilometers from Pskov. Once a strategically significant city-fortress today has the administrative status of a village. This fact does not bother the huge number of tourists and pilgrims who come here from all over Russia and other countries. In Izborsk, you can see a well-preserved medieval fortress and visit a unique natural monument - Slovenian springs. In Orthodox culture, springs are revered as saints.
The city of Izborsk stands on the Slovenian springs
Modern scientists managed to establish that Izborsk was founded earlier than Pskov. It was possible to confirm this information thanks to archaeological finds. The first official written mention of a settlement in this area dates back to 862. The fortress of Izborsk was rebuilt many times, restored and regularly attacked by the troops of neighboring states. Today the village is part of the Pechora region and is located a few kilometers from the border of Russia with Estonia. There are many springs and natural springs in the vicinity of Izborsk. The most famous are Slovenian keys. They are located within walking distance from the ancient fortress, and it is quite possible that they existed at the time of its foundation. For the first time this natural attraction is mentioned in the "Book of the Big Drawing", the 17th century. Modern scientists agree that in fact this source is at least a thousand years old.
Name origin: popular version
When hearing about the Slovenian Keys for the first time, many people think that the springs are somewhere in Slovenia. Where did such an unexpected name come from in the Pskov region? It can be assumed that the sources in the entire history of their existence have never changed their name. It is "Slovenian" that they are called in the "Book of the Big Drawing". Local residents associate many beliefs with springs, passed down from time immemorial by word of mouth. Where did the keys get their name from? The most common version is that the name of the sources was given in honor of Prince Sloven. According to some versions, it is he who is the founder of Izborsk. Perhaps even the city was once called Slovensk. According to one of the legends, it was renamed after the tragic death of the son of Prince Izbor. But the keys and other geographical objects (for example, the Slovenian field) retained their original names.
Tales and myths about Izborsk waters
Almost every picturesque natural attraction is shrouded in myths and superstitions. Slovenian springs in Izborsk are no exception. The legend says,that once on the Slovenian field a particularly bloody battle took place between the defenders of the city and the Lithuanians. During the battle, so many soldiers shed blood that the whole earth was saturated with it. And the miraculous springs turned crimson, and then completely dried up. This depressed all the inhabitants of Izborsk. But one young man was especially saddened. Most recently, he lost his mother, but at the same time he remained pure in soul and strong in spirit. The young man fervently prayed every night that the springs would again fill with crystal clear water. Once a prayer had a vision, during which it was said that as soon as the inhabitants of Izborsk named the springs in honor of the twelve apostles and held a prayer service, the water would return. The young man told the townspeople about this revelation. And as soon as all the necessary actions were completed, the sources came to life again.
Keys of the Twelve Apostles or Slovenian sources?
Today, Slovenian sources are also often referred to as the keys of the Twelve Apostles. What is the correct name? The official version is still the name Slovenian Keys. The second name is associated with the most popular legend about this natural wonder. In addition, it is believed that once there really were 12 springs. Today there are fewer of them, some have dried up. Sometimes this place is called the Slovenian Keys of the Twelve Apostles. And this is quite reasonable. The most famous keys in Izborsk today are a recognized Orthodox shrine. For more than 15 years, the waters of the springs have been annually consecrated on Bright Week in honor of the iconMother of God "Life-Giving Spring". Orthodox people believe that the water in these springs is holy and can wash away many hardships.
What Slovenian sources look like today
The Keys of the Twelve Apostles is not only an Orthodox shrine, but also an amazingly beautiful natural object. There are many springs in the vicinity of Izborsk, this is due to a combination of two factors: the terrain and the flow of underground rivers to the east. The strongest springs are on the western slope of the Izborsko-Malskaya valley. What do Slovenian keys look like? The photo does not convey all the grandeur and beauty of this natural attraction. Cascades of water break out in thin streams from an almost vertical rock and rush down from a few meters to merge into a single stream. This small river flows into the large Gorodishchenskoye Lake. The springs are very powerful, throwing out about 4 liters of water every second.
Modern legends about the ancient waters of Izborsk
In ancient times, people believed that there would always be water in Slovenian springs, even when the world ends. It is also believed that the springs dry up before some global disasters. It is widely believed that the last time this happened was before the start of the Great Patriotic War. Slovenian keys in Izborsk are endowed with a variety of magical properties. At the same time, each spring is responsible for its own area. So, having bathed in one key, one can expect the fulfillment of desires,associated with love, in the second - with we alth, and in the third - with he alth. The secret is that no one knows which source is which. And this means that those wishing to diversify well-being should plunge into all the keys.
Can I drink water from Slovenian springs?
Izborskaya water is consecrated annually and allowed to be taken free of charge by everyone. In addition, you can wash yourself in Slovenian springs, and the most courageous tourists and pilgrims even manage to swim. Before pouring out near Gorodishchenskoye Lake, the waters pass through clay and limestone. This is a natural filtration process that ensures every drop is crystal clear. According to legend, Slovenian springs are healing. And this is true - the waters of the springs are distinguished by a high content of mineral s alts and calcium. And this means that one should be very careful when tasting the natural gift presented by an unusual attraction. In 2013, the Rospotrebnadzor of the Pskov region conducted a study of water samples taken from the famous Slovenian springs. According to the results of the examination, the samples do not fully comply with sanitary and hygienic standards in terms of microbiological indicators. Rospotrebnadzor recommends refraining from eating raw Izborsk water. For safe consumption of liquid, it is enough just to boil it.
Coordinates and directions
Izborsk is located about 30 kilometers from Pskov. The village today is a major tourist center and it is visited regularlysuburban buses and fixed-route taxis run from the regional center. By private car from Pskov, you can quickly get to Izborsk along the A-212 highway. The main attraction of the village is the ancient Izborsk fortress. The famous springs are located on the left side of the ancient monument. Where are the Slovenian keys in Izborsk? How to get to them? It will not be possible to drive up to the springs themselves, since this territory is part of a protected natural and historical monument. The car will have to be left near the fortress and then move on foot. For the convenience of tourists in the historical center of the city there are signs to the main attractions. The exact coordinates of the sources are: 57.714344°, 27.860846°. Slovenian springs look majestic and picturesque at any time of the year. This natural wonder should be seen by everyone with their own eyes!
