The history of the Smolensk region since ancient times. History of Smolensk

Section 1. SURNAMES AS A SPECIAL TYPE OF NAME OF A PERSON: Section 2. HISTORY OF SURNAMES OF THE SMOLENSK REGION IN THE ETHNO-SOCIAL ASPECT:

§ 1. Historical and geographical essay on the Smolensk region (you are on this page now)

§ 3. Surnames of the Smolensk nobility:

3.3. Smolensk noble families in the historical and cultural area:
Section 3. SURNAMES OF MODERN SMOLENSCHINA:

§ 1. Surnames formed from rare forms of baptismal names:

§ 2. Surnames formed from non-baptismal names:

1. SURNAME ACCENT

2. DECLECTION OF SURNAMES

LITERATURE
LIST OF DICTIONARIES AND ABBREVIATIONS
LIST OF SOURCES AND ABBREVIATIONS
SURNAME INDEX read

Smolensk. Fortress wall with Veselukha tower in 1912
Author of the photo: S. M. Prokudin-Gorsky

The history of the formation and development of surnames Smolensk region can be objectively presented only against the background of the history of the development of this territory.

The history of the Smolensk region, according to scientists, includes several periods: 1) from ancient times to 1404, i.e. the time when the Lithuanian prince Vitovt conquered Smolensk, 2) Lithuanian - from 1404 to 1514, the time of the liberation of Smolensk lands and their entry into the Moscow state, 3) Moscow - from 1514 to 1611, the year the region was captured by the Poles, 4) Polish - from 1611 to 1654 (and separate territories- until 1686), 5) Great Russian - until 1812, when the entire Smolensk region was engulfed in the Patriotic War, devastated and devastated (Bugoslavsky, 1914, p. 1). Periodization can be continued: 1) the period from 1812 to 1861, the year of the abolition of serfdom, 2) pre-revolutionary (from 1861 to 1917), 3) post-revolutionary (from 1917 to the present).

Let us immediately point out that the difficult historical destinies of the region (it is well known that Smolensk is the “key city”, the “outpost of Moscow”, on its coat of arms there is a phoenix bird, reviving the city from the ashes more than 20 times) are directly reflected both in the geography of the Smolensk region and and in the history of Smolensk dialects and the Smolensk family system.

It is interesting to note that during its heyday - the XII century - the Smolensk principality in its territory was twice the territory of the modern Smolensk region, included part of the Mogilev, Vitebsk, Moscow, Kaluga, Bryansk, Pskov, Oryol and Tver lands. But by the beginning of the 15th century, the principality lost its former power, noticeably narrowed its territory and was conquered by Lithuania. In the XV century, as part of the Lithuanian state, a new rise of the Smolensk region began: the Vyazma, Dorogobuzh, Belsky, Gzhatsky, Velikoluksky and some other territories returned to it again. However, starting from the second half of the century, the Russians recapture the lost regions one by one, the integrity of the Smolensk Territory is again violated, and by 1514, when Grand Duke Vasily Ivanovich finally annexed the Smolensk principality to Moscow, it included approximately the same lands as at the beginning of the century.

The 16th century - the period when the Smolensk Territory became part of the Muscovite State - was the century of strengthening the borders, expanding the territory of the Smolensk region. So, from 1596, an original document has been preserved - “The Case of the Construction of the Fortress Wall”, which allows not only to fully imagine all the stages of the construction of this unique structure, “the necklace of all Great Russia”, but also to determine the territorial boundaries: a document containing the painting of the villages of the Smolensk region.

However, since the beginning of the 17th century, Smolensk land was again invaded - this time by the Polish. It was during this "Polish" period that the closest ties between Smolensk and Belarusians, Ukrainians and Poles developed. The entire territory of the region became part of the Commonwealth.

After the re-annexation of the Smolensk region to Muscovite Russia, Eternal peace 1686 Smolensk land received for some time territorial integrity and certain boundaries. First, Peter I, and then Catherine II, tried to strengthen and legalize the borders of the province, which remained until the revolution of 1917. The Smolensk region included ancient lands, such as Belsky, Vyazemsky, Gzhatsky, Dorogobuzh, Dukhovshchinsky, Elninsky, Krasninsky, Porechsky, Roslavl, Smolensky, Sychevsky, Yukhnovsky counties.

We do not aim in detail, by years, to indicate the accession or secession from the Smolensk region of some small specific territories: we will give only a particular example.

The Krasny district center, which, under Prince Rostislav the Great, had been a specific city since 1155, then became a shtetl, a workers' settlement, and now is an urban-type settlement, passed "from hand to hand" more than once. Its name also changed - Red - Red - Red.

Separate territorial changes in the region took place throughout the 19th century and until the mid-30s of the 20th century: some areas were part of the Smolensk region, then left it, the border with neighboring Belarus, Russian regions (Tver, Kaluga, Pskov, Bryansk) changed more than once ). In the 30s of the twentieth century, the process of “cutting and sewing” of the territory, the justification for which was, as they said then, “the adaptation of old administrative-territorial units to new economic and political needs”, separated from the Smolensk region some ancient Smolensk and important regions (Belsky and Yukhnovsky).

As you can see, the history of the Smolensk Territory is complex and contradictory. More than once or twice, Smolensk lands changed hands, falling into the cycle of military and political events, changing borders, administrative designation.

How does the history of the region and its geographical position on the development of the family system of the region?

Even in the era of the existence of the Smolensk principality, trade relations were developing with the Baltic states, the German lands (let us point out the letters of the XII-XIV centuries, well known to historians and linguists). The study of the anthroponymy of that period indicates a fairly wide interaction of the anthroponymic vocabulary of the Smolensk Territory and the designated territories.

The Lithuanian period in the history of the Smolensk region is ambiguously assessed by researchers, however, in linguistic terms, we immediately note that the 15th century did not seriously affect the Smolensk dialects of the past. Although it cannot be said that such a long entry of the Smolensk Territory, together with other Western Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian lands, into one state, naturally, should have had an impact on the naming of the Smolensk people. In our opinion, this is primarily due to the migration of the population of the Lithuanian-Russian territories. In addition, according to A.I. Sobolevsky, “Smolensk was an intermediary between Russia and the rest of Europe, European education and culture poured into Smolensk and further into Russia” (1909, p. 109).

But the Polish period was very seriously reflected in the fate of the Smolensk region. Smolensk, the center of the region, presented a terrible picture after its capture by the Poles. The city was empty and was a ruined uninhabited space, enclosed by a wall (Pisarev, 1898, p. 46). This space began to be rebuilt and populated by new people, immigrants from Lithuania and Poland. A new class was formed - the philistine landowners. The Russian language was abolished from office work, all documents were drawn up in Polish or Latin. Thus, the fact that the Smolensk Territory was part of the Polish-Lithuanian state had, according to language historians, a serious impact both on the fate of the Smolensk dialect of that time and on the naming of the inhabitants of the region.

After the final annexation of Smolensk to Moscow in 1654, the reorganization of the region began. Settlers from different Russian regions poured in a wide stream. Many Moscow service people, clerks, and scribes appeared. A policy of assimilation of a special privileged class of the nobility - the Smolensk gentry - with visitors was carried out.

Until 1812, the connections of the Smolensk Territory with the Baltic, Polish and German lands are still active, trade is developing, as the borders have become safe. In 1708, the Smolensk Voivodeship was transformed into a province, and from 1719 the province became a province of Riga with 5 large counties according to the number of main cities. At this time, there are a large number mixed marriages, which undoubtedly affected both ethnic composition edge, and on its anthroponymy. In 1775, the Smolensk province was re-formed with 12 counties, but trade was declining, the importance of the region was declining, the migration of the population was noticeably reduced, which led to a certain stabilization of the names of the inhabitants.

Here we restrict ourselves to detailed description individual historically difficult periods in the fate of the Smolensk region, which introduced certain, sometimes quite serious changes in the development of the anthroponymic system of the region. Although we will immediately point out that subsequent eras had their own characteristics: as already noted, until the 30s of the twentieth century there was no complete completion in the formation territorial boundaries Smolensk region, serious extralinguistic factors were October Revolution 1917, the Great Patriotic War and some other events. Limitations in the description are primarily related to the amount of work, as well as the fact that early XIX century, the corpus of surnames of the Smolensk Territory was basically formed - this is the main component of the three-term formula for naming a Russian person. But, of course, we take into account all the historical factors that influenced the development of the family system of the Smolensk Territory in the period after 1812.

Currently, the territory of the Smolensk region includes 25 districts: Velizhsky, Vyazemsky, Gagarinsky, Glinkovsky, Demidovsky, Dorogobuzhsky, Dukhovshchinsky, Elninsky, Ershichsky, Kardymovsky, Krasninsky, Monastyrshchensky, Novo-Duginsky, Pochinkovsky, Roslavl, Rudnyansky, Safonovsky, Smolensky, Sychevsky, Temkinsky, Ugransky, Khislavichsky, Kholm-Zhirkovsky, Shumyachsky, Yartsevsky.

The Smolensk region is adjacent to the Bryansk, Kaluga, Moscow, Pskov, Tver regions of Russia, the Vitebsk and Mogilev regions of Belarus.

Special mention should be made of the former Belsky district, which is currently part of the Tver region as a district. In the history of the region, this territory, originally Smolensk, has changed its administrative affiliation more than once. No exception is recent times, when Belyans raised the issue of transferring to the Smolensk region (1992), which has not yet been resolved, but a positive result is also possible.

City in Russia, the administrative center of the Smolensk region. Hero City (1985). It is located in the upper reaches, between the Dukhovshchinskaya and Krasninsko-Smolenskaya uplands.

City in the Middle Ages

The first dated mention of Smolensk is found in the Ustyug chronicle and refers to 863. The chronicler noted that "the city is great and many people." Probably, initially Smolensk was the center of the Krivichi tribe that lived here and was located 10 km west of the present city, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe modern village of Gnezdova. The name of the city is most often associated with the word "resin", which was driven and sold locals for the repair of ships passing along the Dnieper. In some sources there is early name settlements - Smolenets. Arising on the trade route, in the upper reaches of the Dnieper, Smolensk had great importance for the whole, was a major military, commercial and craft center. Smolensk princes repeatedly became the Grand Dukes of Kyiv.

Christianity came to Smolensk in 1013, but the first stone temple appeared in the city only a century later, in 1101. Then he ordered to lay the Smolensk Assumption Cathedral on the Cathedral Hill. XII - the beginning of the XIII century became the heyday of the Smolensk principality: mass stone construction was carried out in Smolensk, the churches of Peter and Paul, John the Evangelist, Michael the Archangel were erected. At that time, Smolensk had about 30-35 thousand inhabitants and, in terms of the number of architectural monuments, was second only to Kyiv and. In the first half of the 12th century, near Smolensk, in the bay of the Smyadyn River, the Borisoglebsky Monastery was founded. Construction was going on at the place where in 1015 the people of Svyatopolk the Accursed killed the Murom prince Gleb, who became one of the first Russian saints.

The first period of prosperity of the Smolensk principality is closely connected with the names of the grandson of Vladimir Monomakh, Prince Rostislav Mstislavovich, and his sons Davyd and Roman. About Davyd, the chronicle testifies that he "loved books to read and had a sharp memory", and about Roman - that he was "a great scholar of all sciences."

In 1230-1232, almost the entire population of Smolensk was struck by a pestilence, and in 1238 troops approached the city, but the Smolensk residents managed to repel the attack. In the XIII century, the Smolensk principality experienced a constant external threat, primarily from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the west and the Grand Duchy of Moscow in the east. The aggressive campaigns of warlike neighbors ravaged Smolensk and caused significant damage to its development. Fires also led to negative consequences for the city: in 1194, 1308, 1340 and 1415, Smolensk burned out almost completely.

Between Lithuania and Moscow

In 1404, after a two-month siege, the troops of the Lithuanian prince Vitovt captured Smolensk, and since then the city has been part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania for 110 years. In 1410, the Smolensk regiments as part of the Lithuanian-Polish army took part in against the forces of the Teutonic Order. In 1440, the Smolensk people, dissatisfied with the infringement of the rights of the Orthodox, rebelled against the Lithuanian governor and elected a new voivode - Prince Andrei Dorogobuzhsky, and a ruler - Prince Yuri Mstislavsky. However, the very next year, the Lithuanians returned Smolensk under their control.

In 1514, the Moscow Grand Duke recaptured Smolensk from Lithuania: Moscow had made such attempts before, but only now was it successful. Realizing that the enemy would make attempts to return Smolensk, in 1595 the tsar issued a decree on the construction of a stone fortress in Smolensk. The “sovereign master” from Moscow, Fyodor Kon, was entrusted with leading the process. Boris Godunov himself was present at the laying of the fortress. Craftsmen and materials arrived in Smolensk from all over the country, and as a result, in just seven years, a fortress was built in the city with a length of about 6 km with 38 towers. Contemporaries called it "The Stone Necklace of All Russia". About 3 km of the wall and 17 towers of the fortress have survived to this day.

On August 4, Napoleon's troops approached Smolensk. The next day the city was taken: having blown up the fortress wall in several places, the French entered Smolensk. During the fighting, a strong fire broke out in the city: more than 1.5 thousand philistine houses and about 300 shops died in the fire. In Smolensk, the French executed Lieutenant Colonel P.I. Engelhardt, who oversaw the organization partisan detachments in the Smolensk province.

After the end of the Patriotic War of 1812, Smolensk was in ruins. Of the 15 thousand inhabitants of the city, 600 survived. In 1816, the state allocated funds from the treasury to help the townspeople, and in 1817 a new plan for the restoration of Smolensk, developed by the architect Geste, was approved. The architect abandoned the ray scheme of the city's development, preferring to it the historically established network of streets with a slight straightening inside the fortress. In the 1830s, at the time when N.I. Khmelnitsky, intensive development took place in the provincial center: Smolensk "took a decent look and was decorated with pavements, stone buildings and bridges." At the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century, another wave of active stone construction and infrastructure development took place in the city. In the middle of the 19th century, Smolensk became an important railway junction connecting Moscow, Riga, Brest and Oryol. In 1901, the first power plant appeared in Smolensk, followed by a tram. In 1912, the city celebrated the 100th anniversary of the war with Napoleon with pomp: a number of monuments to that war appeared in Smolensk, including the famous Alley of Heroes with busts of military leaders.

Smolensk during the Soviet period

Among ancient cities Russia Smolensk takes special place. No wonder the foreigners called him « holy city» and "Key to Moscow" . For them, he was the first Russian city , the embodiment of the Russian spirit and faith.

The first dated mention of Smolensk in Ustyug Chronicle refers to the year 863: according to the chronicler, Smolensk was then "the city is great and many people" . outstanding monument national history and culture that era is located near Smolensk Gnezdovsky burial mound - the largest archaeological site of its kind in Russia.

Originating on an ancient trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks" (from the Baltic to the Black Sea), in the upper reaches Dnipro , Smolensk, along with Novgorod and Kyiv, was the third capital of the Old Russian state.

Smolensk was of great importance for the whole Kievan Rus: he was a major point of trade and handicraft production, a military fortress. Smolensk princes became great several times Kyiv princes. Smolensk controlled and power in Veliky Novgorod.

From 1136 Prince Rostislav of Smolensk established an independent Smolensk diocese. According to various sources, during this period in Smolensk there were 5 to 8 monasteries. They had large collections of books, annals . The spread of education among the population is also evidenced by the birch-bark letters and graffiti found on the walls found in Smolensk. ancient Russian churches.

The close economic and cultural ties between Smolensk and the West are evidenced by trade agreements of the first half 13th century between Smolensk, Riga and about. Gotland.

XII century - the beginning of the XIII century - the heyday Smolensk principality. In count monuments of pre-Mongolian architecture the city was in third place after Kyiv and Novgorod. In the same period, Smolensk became one of the prominent centers of Orthodoxy Ancient Russia . The most important Orthodox shrine was Smolensky Assumption Cathedral set in stone Prince Vladimir Monomakh in 1101. One of the most revered icons in Russia was the one kept in the Assumption Cathedral icon of the Mother of God of Smolensk Hodegetria - a copy from the ancient Byzantine image of Hodegetria, which was the main shrine of Tsargrad. The name of this miraculous icon Smolensk in Russia testifies to the ancient greatness of Smolensk - capital of the Grand Duchy of Smolensk.

Since the thirteenth century, Smolensk principality was under attack their powerful neighbors: first Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and then the Grand Duchy of Moscow. succession aggressive campaigns ruined Smolensk, cities and villages of the Smolensk land, caused serious damage to the cultural development of the region. Only from the middle of the 16th century did the geopolitical position of the Smolensk region relatively stabilize: it was included in a dynamically growing Moscow State. Smolensk became western gate on the way to the capital of Muscovite Russia. To strengthen the Russian borders at the beginning of the 17th century, a the largest stone fortress of the state , symbolizing the greatness and strength of Russia. "Stone necklace of all Russia" called her contemporaries.

But not only a military confrontation with the leading European countries determined the development of Smolensk. Importance There was also a spiritual confrontation between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. At the beginning of the 17th century Smolensk is a powerful stronghold Orthodox faith on the western borders of Russia. In the city was at least 13 large monasteries.

The Age of Troubles became the most difficult test for Russian state. Only the unity of the people and civic patriotism, for the first time realized by Russian society, saved Russian statehood and independence of the country. It is no coincidence that in newest Russia a new holiday was established - national unity day, celebrated annually November 4 as a symbol of the unity of the state and civil beginning in the life of our Fatherland. Smolensk played a key role in the years of the most difficult trials of the Time of Troubles. The legendary, heroic 20-month defense of the city in 1609 - 1611 under the leadership of the governor Mikhail Shein from the army Polish King Sigismund III , destroyed the plans of this ambitious monarch to occupy the Russian throne, gave time to rally the forces of Russian society. The Smolensk nobles refused to swear allegiance to the Polish king and became the stronghold of the 1st and 2nd zemstvo militias. Exactly Smolensk, Vyazma and Dorogobuzh nobles were the first to enter the army Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, liberated Moscow from the Poles. The outstanding patriotism of the Smolensk people saved Russia and Russian statehood, but the price of this feat was extremely high. The city lay in ruins, a significant part of the inhabitants died. Smolensk and the Smolensk people made a sacred sacrifice in the name of saving Russia. The importance of Smolensk as the most important cultural and economic center of the country on its western borders has declined sharply.

As a result of the Deulino truce in 1618, Smolensk remained with Poland. Only in 1654 Smolensk was returned to Russia, becoming for many years a front-line city in the long wars with Poland.

The devastating ruin of Smolensk and the Smolensk Territory in a long confrontation with the Catholic West led to the decline of city life. Slowly and gradually the city was reborn and rebuilt.

At the beginning of the 18th century, Smolensk was one of the headquarters Peter I, from where he supervised the construction of defensive structures on the western and southwestern borders of Russia during Northern war with Sweden. It was this circumstance that predetermined the birth in 1708 Smolensk province - among the first eight Russian provinces.

Over the next century, the main parish churches were erected in stone in Smolensk, including the newly rebuilt and consecrated Holy Dormition Cathedral , many public buildings were built, a gymnasium, a commercial school, cadet corps, the largest provincial printing house was launched, a printed history of the city was published - one of the first such publications in Russia. This significant cultural and economic rise of the city was tragically interrupted by another grandiose invasion - the invasion of the army Napoleon.

The role of Smolensk in Patriotic War of 1812 cannot be overestimated. It was in Smolensk that the war with Napoleon turned into the first Patriotic War for Russia. Smolensk nobles initiated the creation militia to repulse the enemy, and Smolensk land - a place of mass partisan movement . The defense of the city by Russian troops is one of the most heroic and tragic pages of Russian history. Burning Smolensk, in fact, was brought to the altar of the future victory of our Fatherland. It is symbolic that it was the icon of the Smolensk Mother of God Hodegetria, taken out of Smolensk, that was consecrated by the Russian army before the start of Battle of Borodino , the field marshal prayed in front of her M.I. Kutuzov on the eve of the battle.

After the end of the Patriotic War of 1812, Smolensk lay in ruins. Recovery dragged on for many decades. In the middle of the 19th century, the first Railway that contributed to the growth industrial production. On the turn of XIX-XX centuries Smolensk - famous in the country Cultural Center, largely due to the activities of the philanthropist M.K. Tenisheva. The city has opened several museums , philanthropy developed actively.

New cultural and economic rise of Smolensk happened in the 1930s. Smolensk became the capital of the vast Western Region, which united the territories of neighboring provinces. A large construction of residential and administrative buildings was carried out in the city, industrial enterprises and infrastructure facilities were erected.

Another difficult test for our country was Great Patriotic War 1941 - 1945 And Smolensk , as in previous eras, showed a feat of self-sacrifice, courage and patriotism. In the battles on Smolensk land, the German armies suffered heavy losses and were stopped, which gave time to prepare for the defense of Moscow. During the years of occupation, Smolensk suffered enormous damage: industrial enterprises and a railway junction were destroyed, architectural monuments were turned into ruins. The restoration of the city again dragged on for decades.

On December 3, 1966, Smolensk was awarded Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class. On September 23, 1983, the Order of Lenin was added to this award. And on May 6, 1985, Smolensk was awarded a medal "Golden Star" and awarded the title "Hero City" .

The city of Smolensk is the regional center of the Smolensk region. The population is 356,000 people. The city is located in the western part of Russia. The distance from Moscow to Smolensk is 400 kilometers.

Smolensk - ancient, located on the Dnieper River. Since ancient times, representatives of the Slavic tribes - Smolensk - lived here. This Slavic tribe was lucky, the city, which was located on the rivers, was doomed to wealth. Trade here was brisk. Merchant ships that came from one river were dragged overland to another, thus connecting the most diverse cultures.

So in Byzantium, for example, Smolensk was very famous. The Byzantines considered him rich and big city. Remember Askold and Dir? Varangians who came to Russia, together with Rurik. So, when they sailed along the Dnieper with a squad, they did not dare to take Smolensk, and captured the less protected Kyiv.

In 882, Prince Oleg left Novgorod and sailed along the Dnieper towards Kyiv. On the way, he subjugated the cities that came across to him along the way. Smolensk was no exception, and in 990 the inhabitants of the city were baptized.

When Vladimir the Red Sun died, strife began in Russia. So Svyatopolk killed his brother Boris. Prince Gleb, who ruled upon learning of the death of his brother, rushed to Kyiv. On the way, he was overtaken by the killers of Svyatopolk. Gleb could resist his brother's detachments, but did not want to. The prince did not want to shed brotherly blood. Gleb's team succumbed to his mood, as a result, she became completely shy. Prince Gleb was hacked to death by his own cook, by order of Svyatopolk's people.

Four years passed, and Gleb's brother was able to find his body. The body turned out to be incorruptible, many miracles and healings took place on it. On the site of the murder of Gleb, the Borisoglebsky Monastery was erected.

In 1238, the Tatar-Mongol hordes of Batu organized another campaign against Russia. Batu's troops were approaching Smolensk. The townspeople were unaware of the danger that threatened them. They say that one of the inhabitants of Smolensk, by the name of Mercury, fervently prayed in the Assumption Cathedral in front of the icon of the Mother of God Hodegetria. Suddenly, Mercury heard a voice that said that there were hordes of enemies not far from Smolensk. Mother of God, promising her help, ordered Mercury to go out at night and attack Batu's troops. Mercury did not disobey and, going out at night, killed many Tatar-Mongols. Early in the morning, Batu's army retreated. Mercury, who accepted death, was canonized as a saint. Smolensk, on the other hand, escaped ruin, and submitted to the khan only in 1274.

In 1404 Lithuanians attacked the city of Smolensk. The city was under siege for three months. Prince Smolensky Yuri decided to go to Moscow for help. Smolensk was surrendered by traitors. For 110 years, the ancient Russian city was under the rule of Lithuania. The Smolensk clergy, however, continued to be under the jurisdiction of the Moscow metropolitan. The population felt a spiritual connection with the rest of the Russian people. Soon, the Catholics of Lithuania began to oppress the Orthodox inhabitants in every possible way. The persecution of the Orthodox became an excuse for Moscow to go to war for Smolensk. So the city again became part of the Russian state. It happened in 1514.

In 1593, the construction of the Smolensk fortress began. Until that moment, the city was surrounded only by an oak wall. The city was located on the western borders of Russia, and its proximity to Poland and Lithuania simply obligated to turn the city into an impregnable fortress. What was done, the construction ended in 1602. During the Time of Troubles, Smolensk had to hold an almost two-year siege of the Polish troops. Unfortunately, the traitors who participated in the construction of the fortress handed over the weaknesses in the wall to the Poles. Polish invaders broke into the city. The streets of Smolensk have become a battlefield. There were fights on every street. The townspeople, who could not hold weapons in their hands, locked themselves in the Assumption Cathedral, built back in 1103. When the Poles began to storm the cathedral, the inhabitants found gunpowder in the cellars. The cathedral was blown up. The Poles were horrified by what they saw. For 43 years the city was in the power of the Poles. In 1654, Smolensk returned to the Russian state.

In 1812, the inhabitants had a hard time. Napoleon's troops, entering the Russian land, immediately found themselves near Smolensk. As a result of long battles, the Russian army managed to gain time. This is a considerable merit of the general, Dokhturov, Neversky. The heroic defense of the inhabitants did not allow Napoleon to break into the borders with lightning speed. Russian Empire. The retreat route of Napoleon's troops again lay through Smolensk. The city had a hard time in years. After the invasion of Napoleon, the population of the city was only 6,000 people. The city was in decline. Russian emperors did a lot to restore Smolensk after the war.

The city remembers its heroes. On Dzerzhinskaya street, there is a square in memory of heroes. In this park there are busts of heroes patriotic war 1812, and a monument with the inscription "Grateful Russia - to the heroes of 1812".

Smolensk today is a developed industrial center. On the territory of the city there are such factories as: "Izmeritel", "Iceberg", "Iskra", "Crystal", "Sharm", and others. The city actively trades in manufactured products with the neighboring, friendly state of Belarus.

What can you see in Smolensk? The city itself is a historical and cultural monument of Russian history. How many have seen these walls. Unfortunately, due to frequent enemy raids, many sights have not been preserved. While on a tourist trip in Smolensk, be sure to visit the temples of the city: the Church of Peter and Paul, the Church of Michael the Archangel, the Church of St. John the Theologian.

As in any old Russian city, there are many monasteries here, be sure to visit Spaso-Preobrazhensky Avraamiev Male Monastery. Do not ignore the Assumption Cathedral, the one that was blown up by the townspeople during the Polish intervention. Today it has been restored. It is also worth visiting the Talashkino Museum, which contains various paintings and antiques. There is also an Art Gallery in Smolensk, where a collection of paintings by Russian and foreign artists is presented. You can just walk around the city and enjoy it. Walk along the central streets, where old buildings have been preserved, there are shops and food outlets. The Smolenskoye Poozerye park is located in the Smolensk region. Here are the cleanest lakes and beautiful nature. In the park, there is also a manor.

monument to the heroes of the war of 1812 photo

The city of Smolensk is very hospitable. The people here are kind and intelligent. It is felt that the border is not far away, there are many citizens of Belarus in Smolensk.

Hotels in Smolensk: "Patriot" (on Kirov Street), "Manor" (Bakunin Street), "Smolensk" (Glinka Street), "New Hotel" (Gubenko Street), "Central" (Lenin Street), " Medlen (Rumyantsev St.), Rossiya (Dzerzhinsky St.).