Historic landmarks in Smolensk

Historic Landmarks of Smolensk

Smolensk’s historical landscape is defined by its 16th-century Kremlin, a massive fortification designed by architect Fyodor Kon. This list features the remaining defensive towers, including the museum-housed Gromovaya and the riverside Veselukha. Complementing these fortifications are significant memorials, such as the 1812 monument to Napoleon’s defeat, the bronze Deer sculpture from East Prussia, and tributes to composer Mikhail Glinka, reflecting the city’s strategic military importance and cultural heritage.

Historic Landmarks of Smolensk — Map

Alexxx1979 / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Gromovaa basna

A 16th-century round tower housing the "Shield of Russia" museum. It features restored interiors across four levels detailing the history of the fortress.

B

Basna Orel

A 16-sided corner tower of the Smolensk Kremlin. It was partially destroyed during the 1812 war and later reconstructed.

C

Zaaltarnaa basna

A rectangular defensive tower situated behind the altar of the Assumption Cathedral complex.

D

Basna Veseluha

A corner tower built on a high slope overlooking the Dnieper River, offering wide views of the surrounding landscape.

Evgeny / CC-BY-SA

E

Zasitnikam Smolenska 1812 goda

A cast-iron monument in Lopatinsky Garden dedicated to the Russian troops who fought during the 1812 Battle of Smolensk.

Evgeny / CC-BY-SA

F

Olen

A bronze deer sculpture created by German artist Richard Friese. It was brought to the city from East Prussia following World War II.

Dennis Jarvis / CC BY-SA 2.0

G

Pamatnik Glinke

A monument to composer Mikhail Glinka, featuring an ornate iron fence with musical scores from his major works.

Evgeny / CC-BY-SA

H

Vecnyj ogon

A memorial site at the base of the fortress wall honoring the soldiers who died during the defense of Smolensk in World War II.

I

Administracia Smolenskoj oblasti

A prominent example of mid-20th-century Stalinist architecture located on the city's central square.

J

Nikolskaa basna

A 16th-century gate tower that historically served as the eastern entrance to the city’s fortress.

K

Kololna uspenskogo sobora

An 18th-century Baroque bell tower belonging to the Cathedral of the Assumption, standing separately from the main church building.

L

Kopytenskaa basna

A gate tower of the Smolensk Kremlin, historically used as a passage for livestock.

M

Mahovaa basna

A rectangular fortress tower that currently houses a museum dedicated to the city's military history.

N

Avraamievskaa basna

A defensive tower named after the nearby Avraamiev Monastery, located on the eastern section of the wall.

O

Basna Pozdnakova

A rectangular tower of the 16th-century fortress wall, part of the eastern fortifications.

P

Krasnaa basna

A defensive tower on the northern section of the Kremlin wall, also known as the Kostyrevskaya tower.

Q

Basna Donec

A rectangular tower of the fortress wall located near the Dnieper River.

R

Patnickaa basna

A gate tower on the northern wall that historically provided access to the river crossing.

Other Lists

Smolensk Essentials Historic Churches & Monasteries