The Lost World of Smolensk Streets

Have you already seen the main attractions of the city, but want to look where the tourist has not gone? We will walk along the cobblestones of the oldest streets, admire the city from unusual angles, feel the coziness and color of the corners hidden from view, where time stopped. You will find the real Smolensk on seven hills!

What is it, a city on 7 hills? We will begin a walk on the Spassky Hill, where ancient churches, the building of the theological academy of the XIX century and the house in which Napoleon himself wanted to stay and where a secret political club was going. Descending from the hill, we look into the colorful courtyard, which offers the most unusual view of the city and the Assumption Cathedral. And near the holy spring, which is considered miraculous by the Smolensk people, I will tell you how St. Abraham of Smolensk saved the city from a terrible drought.

Descending from the Cathedral Hill to the Dnieper, you will learn why the coastal street for several centuries was called the Great, what the Smolensk people wrote in birch bark letters and who were called Germans. I will show you a church standing on the site of the "Triumph Arch of Russia", and from the balcony of which Napoleon shot at Russian troops.

The Resurrection Hill, to which we will climb the old cobblestone pavement, holds many mysteries. Is it true that the Resurrection Church stands on the site of the ancient pagan temple of Perun? And what object of high secrecy is hiding underground and the existence of which even many Smolensk do not suspect? We will talk about the personal fate of Smolensk merchants who influenced the flourishing of charity and temple building in the city.