Baskakovo is home to a preserved or newly established military burial site. Nearby is the spring of Saint Paraskeva Pyatnitsa near Brylyovo, about seven kilometres from the Church of the Transfiguration in Baskakovo. The burial site in the village and the spring in the surrounding area therefore offer different points of interest. If you plan to visit the spring, check access before your visit.
Cultural history in Smolensk Oblast
The archaeological complex of Gnyozdovo is located in the wider destination of Smolensk Oblast. Today, about 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement remain there. Gnyozdovo 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 state (federal) significance, the complex is under state protection. Its numbers and protected status give the site a historical focus distinct from the Khmelita estate.
Also in Smolensk Oblast is the A. S. Griboyedov State Historical, Cultural and Natural Museum-Reserve “Khmelita” in Vyazemsky District. The Khmelita estate has been owned by the Griboyedov family since 1680 and is the centrepiece of the museum-reserve. Khmelita is 260 kilometres from Moscow, 200 kilometres from Smolensk and 37 kilometres from Vyazma. The region’s cultural attractions thus offer a distinction between archaeological remains and the history of a family estate.
Nature trails in Smolensk Oblast
Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park was established on 15 April 1992 in Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts of Smolensk Oblast. Its purpose is to protect unique natural complexes for recreation, education, science and culture. Visitors interested in trails in the park will find different ways to explore it: the “K istokam” loop trail, a trail designed for people with health limitations, and a barefoot trail.
The “K istokam” ecological trail starts in the village of Stary Dvor and forms a loop. A track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME can help you walk it independently. In 2023–2024, two viewpoints were set up at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho. The “Poozerye bez baryerov” ecological trail was created in 2017 and is designed for people with health limitations. It starts near the building of the “Baklanovo” Ecocentre.
The barefoot trail in Boroviki offers another way to experience natural surfaces. It comprises 14 sections, each six metres long, with different natural surfaces to walk on barefoot. At the end, you can wash your feet and, if you wish, stroll through the Aptekarsky sad. The trail’s description thus combines a clearly defined route with the option of visiting the garden afterwards—or not.
Guided experiences in Smolensk Oblast
The ethnographic village of “Stargrad” is also located in Smolensk Oblast. Guided tours introduce visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs and show everyday objects, weapons and clothing. Visits are possible only as part of a guided group. If you are looking for more activities beyond the basic tour, you can plan the extended tour programme; its components should be agreed in advance.
The extended programme includes the “Babiy kut” workshop on traditional women’s crafts, where participants can make souvenirs themselves. At the “Polevaya kuznya” workshop, they can mint coins and make chainmail. The “Srednevekovy tir” area offers archery and slingshot shooting, as well as axe and sulitsa throwing. The programme also includes an on-water activity in the Viking oak boat “Fornkor”: participants can sail and row on one of the national park’s deepest lakes. The extended offer also includes lunch based on old recipes, with historical dishes from maritime and field kitchens, prepared in cauldrons over an open fire. When arranging your tour, confirm which of these activities are available for your visit; the group requirement applies to visits to the village.
In the wider destination of Smolensk Oblast, the “Katyn” Memorial also offers group and individual tours of the grounds, its exhibitions and displays. Tours can be requested in advance or booked in person on the day of your visit, subject to availability. Check the current opening hours and booking details before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Svishchevo, Novye Bateki, Smolensk, Yartsevo, Krasny, Vskhody, Bibirevo, Krotovo.
Go to the wider travel overview: Smolensk Oblast.
