Highlights of Smolensk

Highlights of Russia
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Smolensk

The building was erected in the XII century by order of Davyd Rostislavich. According to the chronicle, it was included in the complex of buildings of the princely court. In the 18th and 19th centuries, a warm chapel, a stone bell tower and a school for street children were attached to the temple. After the restoration of the 1990s, the church acquired its original appearance of the pre-Mongol era. Today the building is an important architectural monument.

Smolensk Kremlin

The fortress wall, built in the XVI - early XVII centuries had a great importance for the defense of the western borders of the Russian state. More than once the wall stopped the advance of enemy armies. In 1812, during the attack of Napoleon’s troops, most of the fortifications were destroyed. 18 towers and about 3.5 km of wall fragments have survived. Today the building is recognized as an architectural monument.

Railway station building

The station is located on the Moscow railway branch. From the station, trains depart to near and far abroad. The first station building was erected at the end of the XIX century, but in 1944 it was destroyed as a result of the bombing. The modern building appeared in the 1950s, today it can be considered one of the city attractions. For many tourists from nearby countries, the station building is the face of the city and all of Russia.

Peter and Paul Church and the Church of St. Barbara

The churches of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara and Peter and Paul stand close to each other. The first was built in the middle of the XVIII century at the expense of local merchants, the second is a unique architectural monument of the pre-Mongol era. The temple complex includes the church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul of the XII century, the church of St. Barbara of the XVIII century and the buildings on the outskirts: the Orthodox Book store, workshops, office premises.

Lopatinsky garden

Central City Park, created by order of the governor of Lopatin in 1874. Today its area is 10 hectares. The place where the garden is located has a rich and mysterious history – earlier the Royal Bastion built by the Poles was here, used for a long time as a prison. In the XIX century it was replaced by a restaurant and a summer theater, later a park appeared.

Embankment of the Dnieper River

Since 2013, it has been one of the sights of Smolensk and a favorite place for walking of citizens and tourists. The embankment of the Dnieper in Smolensk is a grandiose project dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of the city, which it celebrated in September 2013. In fact, the opening took place in the summer of 2014. There are several viewing platforms on the embankment, a lot of benches for recreation are set up, as well as a playground. In the summer of 2015, a monument to Prince Vladimir was erected on the Smolensk embankment.

Drama Theater named after Griboedov

Smolensk State Drama Theater named after Griboedov is a theater in the city of Smolensk, one of the oldest existing drama theaters in Russia. It was founded in 1780. The modern building in the style of the monumental Stalinist Empire style was built in 1939. The performances are held in two halls - large and small, designed for 885 and 60 people, respectively. The theater has a modern repertoire and performances for children.

Blonie's Garden

One of the parks in Smolensk, founded in 1830. Earlier there was a square in its place. Today it is one of the most pleasant and picturesque places in the city. Here are the sculpture of the Stag and the monument to the composer Glinka. Sometimes the garden is even called the name of the maestro. Another local landmark is a small light and music fountain.

Assumption Cathedral

Smolensk Cathedral Church, located on the Cathedral Hill. It was built at the beginning of the XVII century in memory of the defense of the city from the army of the Commonwealth on the site of the old church of the XII century. The main shrine of the church is the relics of St. Mercury. There is also the only surviving relic of St. Mercury of Smolensk - iron sandals.