Monastyrshchina: History and Memorial Sites

Discover Monastyrshchina through its local history museum and several memorial sites, each with a different historical focus. The memorials are located at various prominent spots in the town and commemorate specific events and groups.

Memorial Sites with Different Focuses

In the centre of Monastyrshchina, the Heroes’ Alley was opened on 13 October 2007 at the foot of the monument to A. I. Koldunov. It commemorates the contributions of Monastyrshchina’s residents—soldiers and workers—to the homeland. Its date, location and dedication make the alley a distinct memorial site in the centre.

Opened in 1978, the memorial commemorates the residents’ patriotic service and the courage and bravery of Soviet tank crews during the war. A T-34 tank was placed on a pedestal on the southeastern edge of the town, at a site of fierce fighting during the liberation. It thus brings together the remembrance of local residents and tank crews and a specific site of the liberation.

At the entrance to Monastyrshchina, on the old Smolensk Road, a memorial to the Red Army soldiers who liberated Monastyrshchinsky District in September 1943 was erected on 25 September 1983. Another memorial was unveiled on 19 June 2009. It commemorates fallen internationalist soldiers who took part in combat operations in Afghanistan and the Chechen Republic.

Local History Museum and Cultural History

The programme at the Monastyrshchina Local History Museum includes guided tours, exhibitions, lectures and museum classes. These offer different ways to explore local history, from visiting an exhibition to attending a lecture or taking part in a museum class. If you want to plan a particular activity, check the schedule in advance.

More Places to Explore in Smolensk Oblast

Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park focuses on protecting unique natural areas for recreation, education, science and culture. The park was established on 15 April 1992 in the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts. The “K Istokam” eco-trail is a circular route that starts in the village of Stary Dvor. Two viewpoints were built at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho in 2023–2024. A track for apps such as GeoTracker or MAPS.ME helps visitors walk the trail independently.

The Gnezdovo archaeological complex is also part of the historical heritage of Smolensk Oblast. It is considered 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. The complex is protected by the state as an archaeological monument of state (federal) significance.

A guided tour of the “Stargrad” ethnographic village explores the way of life of the ancient Slavs and showcases household items, weapons and clothing. Visits are possible only as part of a guided tour group. The extended tour programme includes the “Babiy Kut” workshop on traditional women’s crafts, where visitors can make souvenirs, and “Polevaya Kuznya”, which offers coin stamping and chain mail making. At the “Srednevekovy Tir” area, activities include archery, sling shooting, and throwing axes and sulitsa spears. The extended programme also offers lunch featuring historical dishes from the naval and field kitchens, cooked in cauldrons over an open fire. Arrange these activities in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Klushino, Vyazma, Bibirevo, Lipuny, Stepanovo, Gorodnya, Tesovo, Dolginovo.

Return to the main travel overview: Smolensk Oblast.