Smolensk: Fortress Wall, Cathedral and Art

Smolensk brings together preserved fortress architecture, a cathedral history dating back to the 12th century, and an art gallery featuring Old Russian icons from the 15th to the 19th century and Western European paintings. These give you different cultural focuses when planning your trip: architecture and urban history on the one hand, and art collections on the other. When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide which of these aspects you would most like to explore in Smolensk.

Fortress Wall and Cathedral

The Smolensk Fortress Wall is a monument of Russian military architecture; 17 towers and 10 sections of the wall have been preserved. The drivable Dnieper Gates are also part of the fortress wall. They were built on the bank of the Dnieper at the site of the destroyed Frolov Tower.

The Dormition Cathedral was founded in 1101 on the orders of Vladimir Monomakh and was the first monument of monumental architecture in the Smolensk region. A cathedral of the same name, dating from the 12th century, stood on the site where Smolensk’s Dormition Cathedral was built in memory of the city’s defence from 1609 to 1611.

The embroidered burial shroud “Lamentation” is kept in the cathedral. It was made in the workshop of Princess Evfrosinia Staritskaya, an aunt of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. Before visiting, check whether the shroud is currently on display and accessible.

Other buildings also tell the story of Smolensk: the former building of the “Russian Antiquities” Museum was built between 1903 and 1905; the museum opened to visitors in 1909. A monument to composer Mikhail Glinka stands in Blonye Garden; it was ceremonially unveiled on his birthday in 1885.

Art Gallery: Collections and Tour

Across three floors and 14 rooms, the art gallery displays around 500 exhibits of painting, sculpture, graphic art and porcelain. A general tour with an experienced guide takes about an hour and leads visitors through all the rooms and exhibits, in historical-chronological order, from the 15th to the 20th century. Check whether this tour is currently available before making plans.

The collection of Old Russian art includes icons from the 15th to the 19th century associated with Princess M. K. Tenisheva. A substantial collection of Western European paintings includes Italian, Dutch, Flemish and Hollandish paintings from their respective golden ages. The gallery thus offers a view of both religious art and various European painting traditions.

More to Explore in Smolensk Oblast

Beyond the city, Smolensk Oblast offers other historical and natural attractions. Today, the Gnezdovo archaeological complex has around 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement. Gnezdovo is the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe from the period when the Old Russian state was emerging; as an archaeological monument of federal significance, it is protected by the state.

Another highlight in Smolensk Oblast is Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park. 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. On the high southern shore of Lake Sapsho, there is a viewpoint with a picturesque view of the lake and several islands.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Katyn', Lipuny, Gerchiki, Yartsevo, Roslavl, Demidov, Desnogorsk, Safonovo.

Go to the main travel overview: Smolensk Oblast.