The Kremlin, called Krom by Pskov residents, is located on a rocky cape at the confluence of the Velikaya and Pskova Rivers. The Krom is Pskov's religious, historical-architectural, and urban-development centre. Archaeologists have found a pagan settlement in Pskov dating back to the middle of the first millennium A. D.
The Kremlin's wooden walls were built during the 8th – 10th centuries, and the first stone fortifications appeared during the 10 – 13th centuries. Construction of new Kremlin towers was subsequently launched. Fortress walls were reinforced, and their height was raised. The Kremlin could be reached via two southern gateways, of which only the Velikiye (Troitskiye – Trinity) Gateway survives. The gateways were reliably defended by the Troitskaya (Trinity) Tower and a Zakhab, a type of a medieval Russian fortification. The first Kremlin wall called the Persi, and was built in the southern sector, standing over 20 m tall. A deep moat called the Greblya was dug parallel to the base of persies (walls), turning the Kremlin into an impregnable fortress. The Kremlin which lacked any permanent population was the venue for Veche (popular assembly). Its depots, guarded by the vicious "Krom Dogs," stored surplus food. Anyone caught stealing in the Kremlin was branded a public enemy and executed. The Troitsky (Trinity) Cathedral, the main church in Pskov and the Pskov Region, is located in the Kremlin.
The Veche Square, which was built during the 13th – 16th centuries, was the political centre of medieval Pskov. The Veche Bell-Tower (build on persies), the Boyar (Nobility) Council building, and the Republican Archive were all located on this square. The Veche Rostrum was located near the walls of the Troitsky (Trinity) Cathedral.
Pskov residents would gather on the central square after the bell rang. Any Pskov household owner, including boyars (noblemen), merchants, and artisans had the right to attend Veche assemblies. The participants represented all of the city's self-governing "ends," or districts, which had equal rights at the Veche. Every district also had its own Veche linked with two city suburbs.
The Veche tackled all the important issues of the Pskov State, including: the declaration of war, the conclusion of peace treaties, the summoning of princes, the election of governors, and the levying of taxes. In 1397, the Veche passed the Pskovskaya Sudnaya Gramota (Pskovian Code Legislation) governing all aspects of the Republic's life. The Veche bell rang for the last time on January 13, 1510. After that, the Pskov Veche Republic was formally abolished and incorporated into Moscow Rus (Muscovy).