Kholm-Zhirkovskiy District: Nature and Remembrance

Nature and remembrance give Kholm-Zhirkovskiy District distinct points of interest. In the southern part of the village of Nakhimovskoye, a park and pond form a complex natural monument of regional significance. The natural monument has aesthetic, recreational and educational value. Here, several perspectives come together: the importance of the landscape, its recreational value and its role as a place of learning.

Nature and remembrance in Kholm-Zhirkovskiy District

Another focal point is the Field of Remembrance and Victory Park. It welcomes visitors arriving in the settlement of Kholm-Zhirkovsky from the Moscow–Minsk highway. The trees planted in Victory Park commemorate the courage and glory of all those who defended their homeland. The natural monument and memorial site thus represent two different themes for a trip: nature and recreation on the one hand, and remembrance of the defenders of the homeland on the other.

The Field of Remembrance is accessible to travellers with limited mobility. Confirm the arrangements before your trip. This accessibility information applies to the Field of Remembrance. When choosing a holiday rental or holiday home, you can consider which theme you would like to shape your stay more. The different focal points offer practical guidance without merging the natural monument and memorial site into a single theme.

Nature and culture in Smolensk Oblast

Elsewhere in Smolensk Oblast, travellers can also encounter natural and cultural attractions that offer their own regional perspectives. In Smolensk lies the Gnyozdovo archaeological complex. Today, around 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement have been preserved there. Gnyozdovo is the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe dating from the period when the Old Russian state was formed, and it is protected by the state as a monument of national, federal significance. Its focus is archaeology and early history.

Smolenskoe Poosere National Park offers a different perspective. It was established on 15 April 1992 in the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts of Smolensk Oblast to protect unique natural complexes and serve recreational, educational, scientific and cultural purposes. The “K istokam” ecological trail is a circular route that starts in the village of Stary Dvor. Two viewpoints at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho were established in 2023–2024. A track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME helps visitors follow the route independently. The trail thus combines a circular route with specific viewpoints and digital navigation.

The “Stargrad” ethnographic village focuses on culture. Visits are possible only as part of an excursion group. A guided tour introduces visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs and showcases household items, weapons and clothing. The extended programme also includes the “Babiy kut” workshop on traditional women’s crafts, where participants can make souvenirs themselves. At the “Polevaya kuhnya” workshop, they can mint coins and make chain mail. Plan your visit as a group activity and check in advance with the organisers about taking part in the workshops.

Another historical attraction is the Khmelita estate, the centrepiece of the A. S. Griboyedov Museum Reserve. It is located in Vyazemsky District of Smolensk Oblast. The estate has belonged to the Griboyedov family since 1680 and forms the centre of the museum reserve. For orientation, Khmelita is 260 kilometres from Moscow, 200 kilometres from Smolensk and 37 kilometres from Vyazma. These regional attractions are clearly distinct: Gnyozdovo represents archaeology, Smolenskoe Poosere represents nature and trails, “Stargrad” offers guided cultural experiences, and Khmelita tells the story of an estate.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Roslavlsky District, Yartsevskiy District, Sychyovsky District, Sychevskiy District, Kardymovskiy District, Shumyachskiy District, Smolensk, Smolenskiy District.

Back to the regional travel guide: Smolensk Oblast.