Smolensk is one of the oldest cities in Russia: the first mention of it dates back to 863. Situated on the important trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks," the city served for centuries as a reliable shield on Rus''s western borders—it was often called the "key city" and "the shield of Russia."
Smolensk's history is replete with heroic pages: a long siege during the Time of Troubles, a key role in the Patriotic War of 1812, and fierce battles and large-scale resistance during the Great Patriotic War—for which Smolensk was awarded the title of "Hero City" in 1985.
Among its main attractions is the Smolensk Fortress Wall, built in the late 16th and early 17th centuries under the supervision of architect Fyodor Kon. Fragments of the wall and several towers, including the Thunder Tower with a museum exhibit, remain to this day.
The city's dominant feature is the Assumption Cathedral on Cathedral Hill: it stands on the site of a church founded by Vladimir Monomakh. Smolensk also boasts ancient churches from the pre-Mongol period, such as the churches of Peter and Paul, Michael the Archangel, and John the Evangelist.
It's worth strolling through Blonye Garden (named after M.I. Glinka), the oldest city park, where you can see the famous bronze sculpture of a deer. Near the city is the Gnezdovo archaeological complex, with burial mounds and finds from the Viking Age. * * *
Subscribe to my Channels "© Vladimir Cat - Life and Travel"
on Telegram:
https://t.me/Vladimir_Cat_Traveler
and Max:
https://max.ru/join/GHo-YUhJFCPN27FVH...
where I host online travel reports and answer subscribers' questions!
My YouTube Channels:
1. Main - "Vladimir Cat - Travel" - / vladimircat
2. "Vladimir Cat - Smartphone Reports" - / @vladimir_cat_online
– these typically feature 20-25 new, interesting films a month about traveling around the world and Russia, children's lives, performances, and concerts – the very essence of my life, passion, and work.
And also:
https://vk.com/vladimir_cat_photographer
https://vk.com/vladimir_cat_traveler
https://rutube.ru/channel/40264589
https://dzen.ru/vladimir_cat
IG: Vladimir_Cat

☆ Any suggestions?
Email me at Foto-Kot@yandex.ru, and not a single comment or email will go unanswered!

P.S. If I haven't responded, it means I haven't read your email or comment yet!

For the media and any information platforms: you may use or copy materials from this video, in whole or in part, but only with attribution (photographer Vladimir Kot) and a link to this video.

P.S. Film:

shot with a Xiaomi Mi 11 smartphone

edited with DJI Mimo software
* *
Dear friends, who would like to support our KOTopensioner walks, travels, and stories about them? My Sberbank card is linked to my phone:

+79036618506 ("Vladimir Vladimirovich").

Sometimes even 100 rubles can be the starting point for our next walk, or even a trip!

P.S. I don't allow sponsorships or donations on my channels on principle! But I wouldn't refuse help—from the heart—from friends of the Channel!

And our only "sponsor" right now—alas—is the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation.