Best things to do in Smolensk

Smolensk Essentials

Smolensk, known as the 'Shield of Russia,' preserves a formidable military and religious heritage. This selection features the massive Smolensk Fortress wall, including the Gromovaya and Orel towers, and the hilltop Dormition Cathedral. Significant historical sites include three rare 12th-century pre-Mongol churches—Sts. Peter and Paul, St. John the Evangelist, and St. Michael the Archangel. Cultural highlights encompass the 17th-century city forge, the oldest secular building in town, and monuments dedicated to composer Mikhail Glinka and the defenders of 1812.

Smolensk Essentials — Map

Evgeny / CC-BY-SA

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Dormition Cathedral in Smolensk

The Cathedral Church of the Dormition, dominating the city of Smolensk, Russia, from Cathedral Hill, has been the principal church of the…

Alexxx1979 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Gromovaa basna

A restored tower of the Smolensk Fortress wall housing the 'Shield of Russia' museum, which details the city's military history and defense.

Ludvig14 / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Cerkov Svatogo Arhangela Mihaila

Built in 1191, this is one of three surviving pre-Mongol churches in Smolensk. It is noted for its tall, slender proportions and unique 12th-century architecture.

Evgeny / CC-BY-SA

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Zasitnikam Smolenska 1812 goda

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

Shmatkovalex / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Lopatinskij sad

A central park established in 1874 on the site of a former fortress, containing sections of the medieval wall, historical monuments, and a pond.

Николай Смолянкин / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Sad Blone

One of the oldest parks in the city, laid out in 1830. It features the Glinka Monument and a bronze deer sculpture brought from East Prussia after WWII.

Krassotkin / CC0

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Cerkov Sv. Pervoverhovnyh apostolov Petra i Pavla

Built in 1146, this is the oldest of the city's three pre-Mongol churches, showcasing classic 12th-century Kievan Rus' architecture.

r.g.filippov / CC-BY-SA

H

Muzej-zapovednik, otdel istorii

The Historical Museum covers the region's development from ancient times through the Middle Ages to the 20th century, located within a 19th-century building.

Николай Смолянкин / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Smolenskaa hudozestvennaa galerea

Housed in the former Civic Chamber, this gallery displays a collection of Russian and European art, including works by Repin, Shishkin, and Aivazovsky.

Evgeny / CC-BY-SA

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Olen

A bronze sculpture of a deer created by German artist Richard Friese in 1910, originally located at Kaiser Wilhelm II’s hunting lodge in East Prussia.

Dennis Jarvis / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Pamatnik Glinke

Unveiled in 1885, this is the world's first monument dedicated to the composer Mikhail Glinka, featuring an intricate bronze fence shaped like musical staves.

r.g.filippov / CC-BY-SA

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Cerkov Svatogo apostola Ioanna Bogoslova

Constructed in 1173 by Prince Roman Rostislavich, this is one of the three remaining pre-Mongol stone churches in Smolensk.

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Gorodskaa kuznica XVII veka

A small stone building dating back to the late 17th century, recognized as the oldest surviving non-religious structure in Smolensk.

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Basna Orel

A corner tower of the Smolensk Fortress wall, also known as the Eagle Tower, which offers views of the surviving sections of the 16th-century fortifications.

Other Lists

Historic Landmarks of Smolensk Historic Churches & Monasteries