Description of the attraction
Knyazhna, or Knyazhya Gora, is a hill-like settlement located on the right bank of the small Yavon River, 8 kilometers from the village of Demyansk, not far from the village of Peski, Demyansk District, Novgorod Region. According to research scientists, the location and shape of the hill in the floodplain meadow speaks of its artificial origin.
The height of Knyazhnaya Gora is 29 meters. Its upper platform has an absolutely flat surface. Its dimensions are 86 meters by 50 meters. The circumference of the upper section is 331 meters.
Archaeological research carried out in 1980 allows us to conclude that the first settlement in this area was formed at the end of the 1st millennium AD. Also, as a result of another research activity, ancient objects dating back to the 10th century were found on Knyazhnaya Gora. Scientists have made the assumption that the most ancient settlement Demon existed on this land. Artisans and merchants lived here. Around the settlement in the 11th century, a wooden fortress was erected to protect the approaches to Novgorod by land and water. It was called Demon-na-Yavoni. But in the 16th century, the settlement moved from Knyazhya Gora about 8 kilometers to the west, to the place of the modern village of Demyansk. The reason that made people leave their habitable place and master a new one is still unknown.
During the Great Patriotic War, fierce battles took place on these lands (the well-known Demyansk offensive operation). On the top of Knyazhnaya Gora there is an Orthodox cross with the inscription "Victory Sim".
There are many legends and legends about Princess Gora. One of them tells that a long time ago a young prince and a princess lived in this area. They lived well and happily, but the war began, and the prince had to go on a campaign with his retinue. A little time passed, but from the prince - no news. The princess was sad, grieved and forgot her betrothed. She met another fellow and fell in love with him. They often met on the banks of the Yavon River. And then the prince returned from the campaign. He learned from his servants about the princess's betrayal. Greatly saddened, the prince ordered to call the princess to him. He did not give her to a monastery, did not imprison her, but ordered her to carry sand in her sleeve to the place where she left her loyalty. So the princess did: day after day she wore sand. In that place, a hill was formed, and then a mountain. A lot of time has passed, a lot has changed since then, but the mountain remains in the same place, and the people call it the Prince's Mountain.
Another legend says that a young prince and a princess came to this place. And this land was cursed. A werewolf flew over the tent all night. She dropped a feather, which hit the prince on the chest, and in the morning he was found dead. The princess did not leave this place, but all her life she carried the earth to the grave. Thus, Princess Hora appeared.
In good weather, the mountain offers a stunningly beautiful view of the picturesque hills, forests, fields and the Yavon River.
