Meshchovsk

Meshchovsk (Мещовск) is a town in Kaluga Oblast, Russia, located on the Tureya River 85 km south-west of Kaluga at 54.32444°N, 35.28083°W.

It was first mentioned in Russian chronicles in connection with the Mongol invasion of Rus in 1238. During the Middle Ages it was the patrimony of Princes Mezetsky.

Catherine II of Russia confirmed its municipal rights in 1776.

It was the birthplace in 1846 of Vyacheslav von Plehve, the German-descended director of the tsarist Russian Police and later Minister of the Interior.

Notable buildings include the old (1678-96) and new (1829-54) Orthodox cathedrals, both dedicated to the feast of the Annunciation. Population: 4,540 (2002 Census).