Smolensk: sights and places of interest

Smolensk is a beautiful, ancient city with a rich military history. More than once this city-hero, destroyed to its foundations, was reborn from the ashes. We will make a small virtual tour of the marvelous city, stretching among the green hills, admire the most picturesque corners of it.

The Smolensk fortress wall

It is impossible to imagine Smolensk, whose sights reflect the military past of the city, without visiting the fortress wall. This unique building was built in the late 16th century under the guidance of architect Fyodor Konya. The purpose of this large-scale construction at that time was to protect not only the city, but also the western border of Russia from the invasion of foreigners. The Smolensk wall of the 16th-17th centuries was an unassailable stone barrier, encircling the whole city. Defensive abilities of the wall were strengthened due to the equipment of the earth ditch and the shaft around it. To date, only some fragments of the structure have been preserved, for example, 17 towers out of 38. Today, any excursion around Smolensk begins precisely with this greatest monument of Russian architectural architecture, a witness of the most tragic events in the history of Rus.

Assumption Cathedral

Smolensk, whose sights are associated with the military past, many tourists are associated with a unique architectural monument - the Assumption Cathedral.

The cathedral, located in the center of the city, was built in honor of the two-month defense of the city from the Poles in the 17th century. The design of the cathedral, rich in wood carvings, is made in the style of Ukrainian baroque. Its pride is a delightful iconostasis, executed by a two-layered carving and crowned with gilded columns.

Museums of Smolensk

Art Gallery

In addition to the most famous places, there is much more interesting, for which it's worth visiting Smolensk. Attractions of the city are supplemented with a list of the most unusual museums. Art lovers can visit the Art Gallery, which presents paintings by Russian artists, from Levitan to Aivazovsky, as well as the works of famous Italian, French and Spanish masters.

City Forge

History lovers will be interested in a small building, covered with tiles, in which the museum "City Forge" is located. Here really from the 18th to the 20th century the Smolensk smithy was located. Visitors to the museum will be able to see the real anvil, forge horn, as well as antique dishes and weapons. The tour will be conducted by a man dressed in the fashion of the 18th century.

Fairytale Museum

If you choose a tour to Smolensk with children, you will definitely be taken to a fairy tale museum dedicated to folk traditions and folklore. Here, together with the children, you will plunge into a fabulous atmosphere, you will be able to look through the old alphabet or touch toys made by masters of the 18-19th centuries.

Vodka Museum

Another unusual museum, which you will not find in other cities of Russia, is a museum of Russian vodka. Expositions, located in one of the churches of the fortress wall, are devoted to alcoholic beverages. Under the old music you can taste delicious hops.

So, Smolensk, whose sights keep the glorious history of the city, will please you with its beauty and hospitality.