Drozdovo: Memorial Sites and Regional Discoveries

Drozdovo has two clearly identifiable memorial sites: an obelisk and a Poklonny cross. They give the place a specific cultural and historical significance. The Smolensk Oblast also offers its own themes in archaeology, nature, and ethnographic culture. When choosing where to stay, consider whether you are mainly interested in local memorial sites or also want to explore regional destinations and activities. You can tailor your holiday apartment search to your travel interests.

Memorial Sites in Drozdovo

In Drozdovo, an obelisk commemorates fallen compatriots. It stands at the site where A. I. Novikova, a Komsomol member and partisan, lost her life. A second memorial site is a Poklonny cross on the grounds of the destroyed church. It was erected in 2018 in honor of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.

On August 26, 2018, the cross was consecrated with the blessing of Bishop Sergius, the then ruling bishop of the Vyazma Diocese. The two memorial sites emphasize different things: the obelisk links the commemoration of fallen compatriots with a named individual; the cross is dedicated to a religious figure and stands at the former church site.

Archaeology and Nature in the Smolensk Oblast

The Gnyozdovo archaeological complex in the Smolensk Oblast is the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe dating from the period when the Old Russian state was emerging. Today, about 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement remain there. The complex is protected by the state as an archaeological monument of national, that is, federal, significance.

Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park offers another regional perspective. It was established on April 15, 1992, in the territory of the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts to protect unique natural complexes; recreation, education, science, and culture are also among its stated aims. A viewpoint on the high southern shore of Lake Sapsho offers views of the lake and several islands.

The “K istokam” eco-trail is a circular route that begins in the village of Stary Dvor. Two viewpoints at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho were set up along the route in 2023–2024. A track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME helps visitors walk the trail independently. The circular route and the two named viewpoints are therefore the main orientation points.

The barefoot trail in Boroviki offers a different nature experience: it has 14 sections, each six meters long, with different natural surfaces to walk on barefoot. At the end, you can wash your feet and, if you wish, stroll through the Aptekarsky sad. The “Poozerye bez baryerov” eco-trail was created in 2017 and is intended for people with health limitations. It begins near the “Baklanovo” Eco Center building.

Guided Experiences at “Stargrad”

A guided tour of the “Stargrad” ethnographic village introduces visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs and shows everyday objects, weapons, and clothing. The village can only be visited as part of a guided group. The extended tour program adds practical activities: the “Babiy kut” workshop focuses on traditional women’s crafts, and participants can make their own souvenirs. At “Polevaya kuznya,” they can mint coins and make chain mail.

The extended program also includes the “Srednevekovy tir” area, where visitors can shoot bows and slingshots and throw axes and javelins. Another activity is a water-based exercise in the Viking oak boat “Fornkor”; participants can sail and row on one of the national park’s deepest lakes. Visits for the extended program activities must be arranged in advance; the same rule applies that “Stargrad” can only be visited as part of a guided group.

Discover more travel destinations: Sliznevo, Sloykovo, Novye Bateki, Baranovo, Baskakovo, Vysokoye, Yasennaya, Bibirevo.

For the regional travel overview: Smolensk Oblast.