Abstract. The Pskov Krom is the most striking monument of Russian history and culture. The main topic of the article is the role and history of the Pskov Krom during the period of the crusader Latin aggression against the Pskov land in the 1230s–1240s. The key issues addressed in the work are what the Pskov citadel was like in 1239–1242 and whether it was occupied by the Livonians and their allies. The research basis of the work consists of evidence from medieval Russian chronicles and Livonian chroniclers. These include: materials from the Pskov and Novgorod chronicles, the Elder Livonian Rhymed Chronicle, the Livonian Chronicle by Hermann Wartbergh, and the Nienstedt Chronicle. The relevance of this work is primarily related to the problem of preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the Russian Northwest, as well as to defining the historical appearance and significance of the monuments, since these structures in Pskov played a particularly important role in the first half of the 13th century. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the controversial issues in the history of Pskov–Livonian–Novgorod relations are examined in the context of the role and significance of the Pskov Krom in that era. The liberation of Pskov, and subsequently Izborsk, from Western conquerors by Prince Alexander Nevsky was an important stage in the war of the Russian principalities and lands against the coalition of Latin states in Northern and Northeastern Europe in 1240-1242.

Key words: Pskov Krom, Izborsk, defensive structures, the Livonian Order, Western conquerors, Prince Alexander Nevsky.