Smolensk
17 places
Thunder Tower
Smolensk, area of southern section of fortress wall
Thunder Tower located in the southern section of Smolensk's fortress wall is the first reconstructed tower of the fortress in its original form. It features an exhibition with a fortress model and details of XVI-XVII century weaponry, as well as access to the upper battlement walkway. Since January 2024, the tower has become a museum dedicated to the history of the city's XVII-century defense. Its construction was overseen by architect Fedor Coney as part of the Smolensk fortress.
Mahova Tower
Smolensk, Barklaya De Tolli St, 7
Mahovaya Tower — a small quadrangular building of Smolensk Fortress located at Barclay de Tolly Street, 7 in Smolensk. Its height reaches 18.5 meters and walls are about 1.6 meters thick. The plan of the tower is square with sides approximately 8 meters long. The name of the tower is associated with Ivan Mahovtsev's name who commanded the garrison during the city's defense in the early 17th century. Today it is part of the museum "Smolensk Fortress".
Historical Museum
Smolensk, Lenina St, 8
The Historical Museum in Smolensk is located at Lenina Street, 8. Founded in 1888 by local historian S.D. Pisarev in the building of city hall. It is the oldest museum within the Smolensk Museum-Reserve system, showcasing collections that depict the multi-century history of Smolensk land. Visitors can view authentic items from peasant life, tools and blacksmith crafts from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Lopatinsky Garden
Smolensk, Lenina St, 2a
Lopatinsky Garden is located in the center of Smolensk at Lenin Street, 2A. It was founded by Governor Alexander Lopatin's order instead of destroyed Royal Fortress in 1873 under Emperor Alexander II's decree. The park covers an area of about 12 hectares. Here historical city landmarks harmoniously coexist with modern recreation infrastructure for residents and visitors of Smolensk.
RussianAntiquityMuseum
Smolensk, Tenishevoy St, 7
The "Russian Antiquity" Museum in Smolensk is located at Tenisheva Street, 7. Founded by Princess M.K. Tenisheva at the turn of the XIX–XX centuries, it became the city's first public museum. The exhibition includes over 1300 exhibits reflecting Russian folk crafts, ornaments, everyday life and clothing. The museum building, built in 1905 by architect S. Malutin, is an outstanding example of the Russian style in Smolensk region.
Conenkov Museum of Sculpture
Smolensk, Mayakovskogo St, 7
The T.S. Konenkov Sculpture Museum in Smolensk opened on April 30, 1973. Located on Mayakovsky Street, it is dedicated to the work of the famous Russian sculptor born in Karachovichi village, Smolensk region. The museum's collection includes over 90 unique works by the artist, particularly noted for his mythical wooden sculptures. The exhibition was primarily formed from pieces transferred from the artist's Moscow studio.
Smolenskaya Region during Great Patriotic War Museum
Smolensk, Dzerzhinskogo St, 4a
The Museum "Smolenskaya Land in the Years of Great Patriotic War" is located in Smolensk on Dzerzhinsky Street, 4A. Visitors can view authentic photos, documents and exhibits depicting occupation, underground resistance and partisan movement. An open area allows to inspect combat vehicles such as Katyusha, T-34 tanks, IS-2, ZIS-5, Shilka and MiG-23M. Exhibition includes an audio diorama "Birth of Soviet Guard" and a real partisan dugout. The museum is one of the most popular in the city and contributes to understanding the role of Smolensk region in defending the country and liberating Eastern Europe.
Boulogne Gardens
Smolensk, garden Blonie
Blonie Garden is located in the historical center of Smolensk and is one of the main walking areas of the city. Nearby are monuments to composer Mikhail Glinka and literary hero Turkun, as well as his creator Alexander Tvardovsky. The garden is part of the traditional tourist route along with Victory Square and Lopatinsky Garden. It is known as a popular public space for walks and meetings of city residents serving as an easy start to acquaintance with the historical part of Smolensk.
Heroes' Memory Square
Smolensk, at the southern section of Smolensk Fortress Wall
Heroes' Square is located near the southern part of Smolensk Fortress Wall. There is a monument "Thankful Russia - heroes of 1812", Eternal Flame and buried soldiers who fought during World War II. This is the central memorial space of the city connected with memory about defenders of Smolensk and Russia in the wars of 1812 and 1941-1945 years. Originally, the territory was called Heroes' Boulevard since 1912.
Smolensk Fortress Wall
Smolensk, Bolshaya Sovetskaya St, 30/11
Smolensk Fortress Wall — one of the largest fortresses in the world built at the end of the 16th century during the peak period of Smolensk as an important trade and political center of Russia. Construction began by order of Tsar Feodor Ioannovich on December 15, 1595 under the supervision of famous Russian architect Fedor Coney. The wall is a key architectural and historical symbol of the city reflecting its power and significance at that time.
Smolensk State Academic Drama Theatre named after A.S. Griboedov
Smolensk, Lenina Sq, 4
Smolensk State Academic Drama Theatre named after A.S. Griboedov is located at Lenina Square, 4 in the center of Smolensk city. Founded in the 18th century, it is one of the oldest theaters in Russia. Today, the theater bears the name of outstanding Russian diplomat and writer Alexander Sergeyevich Griboedov since 2004. Regularly, both classical theatrical performances and contemporary plays are held here, making it an important cultural venue for the region.
Smolensk Planetarium Yuri A. Gagarin
Smolensk, Voykova St, 9
Smolensk Planetarium named after Y.A. Gagarin is located at Voykov Street, 9 in Smolensk. This institution offers visitors engaging full-dome programs about space, astronomy and recent scientific discoveries. Special attention is given to studying dark matter and experiments of the European Center for Nuclear Research CERN. The planetarium has become an important family educational platform, contributing to the formation of a scientific worldview among residents and guests of the city. It also helps develop the image of Smolensk as a cultural and educational center.
Uspensky Cathedral
Smolensk, Sobornaya Gora St, 5
The Uspensky cathedral cathedral is located on Cathedral hill in Smolensk. It is a significant Russian church built to commemorate the city's defense in the 17th century. The main relics here are the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary "Odigitria", Saint Mercury's sandals and the shroud "Deposition from the Cross". The stone building was founded by Vladimir Monomakh in 1101, becoming one of the city's key spiritual and architectural landmarks.
St. Pyotr and St. Paul's Cathedral
Smolensk, Kashena St, 20
The Church in honor of Saints Apostles Pyotr and Paul in Smolensk is a monument of pre-Mongol architecture built in 1146 under Prince Rostislav Mstislavich. The complex includes the Church of Pyotr and Paul from the 12th century, the Church of Saint Barbara from the 18th century, and related buildings. It is one of the key testimonies to early stone architecture of the city and an obligatory point on the route for studying ancient history of Smolensk.
St. John the Theologian Church on Varzhar Street
Smolensk, Bolshaya Krasnoflotskaya St, 15
St. John the Theologian Church on Varzha in Smolensk is one of few surviving examples of pre-Mongol ancient Russian architecture. Built by Prince Roman Rostislavich at the site of an old crossing over the Dniepr River in early XIII century. Estimated construction date - around 1173. In XVII century after capture by Polish forces it was converted to a Catholic church. Today it's an important historical and cultural monument reflecting features of Western Russian architecture of the XII century.
Smolensk State Museum-Reserve Art Gallery
Smolensk, Kommunisticheskaya St, 4
The Art Gallery of Smolensk State Museum-Reserve is situated in a historic structure from the 19th century at 4 Communistic Street, Smolensk. It showcases a distinctive collection of works by Russian artists such as Aivazovsky, Kuindzhi, Serov, Repin, Korovin, and other notable masters. Notably, it features the collection of Old Russian art by Princess M.K. Tenisheva. The gallery provides visitors with a permanent display comprising more than 500 artifacts presented across 14 rooms. This edifice stands out as one of the city's architectural treasures.
Mikhail Archangel Church (Svirskaya)
Smolensk, Parkovaya St, 2a
Mikhail Archangel Church in Smolensk located on Park Avenue is a unique monument of ancient Russian architecture dated to 1180-1190s. It is one of the most significant pre-Mongolian churches in the city, setting a pioneering direction for architectural development in Western Rus'. The temple served as a prototype for St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Church in Novgorod built by Smolensk craftsmen. Its significance is highlighted by its inclusion in the list of the city's most valuable historical structures.
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