In Krotovo, remembrance of Soviet soldiers is the focus of a clearly defined historic site. The mass grave contains the remains of 2,907 soldiers who died in combat. A sculpture depicts a Soviet Army soldier and a woman in a nurse’s uniform. The memorial also includes a red-brick wall with metal plaques bearing the names of those buried there. The sculpture and wall combine the depiction of two figures with remembrance by name. This gives the site a distinctive character for travelers interested in military graves and commemorative culture.
Getting to Krotovo
The Yartsevo–Krotovo bus route is listed in the municipal route directory, with several intermediate stops and a stop in Krotovo. Check the current timetable before traveling so you can plan your journey for your chosen travel date.
Culture and Nature in Smolensk Oblast
The archaeological complex of Gnyozdovo is located in the wider destination of Smolensk Oblast. About 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement have been preserved there. The complex is considered the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe from the period when the Old Russian state was emerging. As a monument of state (federal) significance, it is under state protection. While Krotovo focuses on commemorating soldiers who fell in combat, Gnyozdovo draws attention to archaeological evidence.
Another distinct cultural destination in Smolensk Oblast is the A. S. Griboyedov State Historical, Cultural and Natural Museum Reserve “Khmelita” in Vyazemsky District. It is located 260 km from Moscow, 200 km from Smolensk, and 37 km from Vyazma. The Khmelita estate is at the heart of the museum reserve and has been owned by the Griboyedov family since 1680. The distances to these three cities provide regional context without implying that they are the location of Krotovo.
One of the natural attractions in Smolensk Oblast is Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park. It was established on April 15, 1992, in the territory of Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts to protect unique natural complexes for recreational, educational, scientific, and cultural purposes.
The “K istokam” circular trail begins in the village of Stary Dvor. A track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME helps visitors walk the nature trail independently. In 2023–2024, two viewpoints were built along the route by Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho. A viewpoint on the high southern shore of Lake Sapsho offers a picturesque view of the lake and several islands.
The barefoot trail in Boroviki is also located in the wider destination of Smolensk Oblast. It consists of 14 sections, each six meters long, with different natural surfaces to walk on barefoot. At the end, you can wash your feet and, if you wish, stroll through Aptekarsky sad. This trail offers a different focus from the viewpoints: here, the changing ground surfaces take center stage, while there, the views of lakes and islands do.
Discover more destinations: Vysokoye, Sloboda, Sliznevo, Monastyrshchina, Baskakovo, Sloykovo, Przhevalskoye, Rudnya
For the wider travel overview: Smolensk Oblast.
