In Pechorsk, provincial Baroque and Art Nouveau wall paintings meet in a single building—two historical layers separated by a considerable span of time.
The church in Pechorsk
The Church of Saints Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk was founded in 1768. It was designed in the provincial Baroque style; its wall paintings were created in the Art Nouveau style and date from the early 20th century. The dates therefore refer to different aspects: the Baroque designation describes the church’s style, while Art Nouveau and the early 20th century describe the wall paintings. This creates a precise subject for cultural history, encompassing the building and its later artistic decoration.
More cultural destinations in Smolensk Oblast
In Smolensk Oblast, the Gnyozdovo archaeological complex offers a different perspective on history. Today, about 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement remain there. The complex is the largest group of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe dating from the period when the Old Russian state was taking shape. As an archaeological monument of state, or federal, significance, it is protected by the state. While the church in Pechorsk represents architecture and wall painting, the focus here is on the settlement and archaeological monuments.
The “Stargrad” ethnographic village is also one of the destinations in Smolensk Oblast. A guided tour introduces visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs and showcases everyday objects, weapons, and clothing. Visits are possible only as part of a guided group. The extended tour programme includes several hands-on activities: the “Babiy kut” workshop focuses on traditional women’s crafts, where participants can make souvenirs themselves. At “Polevaya kuznia,” visitors can mint coins and make chain mail. The “Srednevekovy tir” area includes shooting with a bow and slingshot, as well as throwing axes and sulitsa spears.
The extended programme also includes a water-based activity in the “Fornkor” Viking oak boat, as well as a lunch featuring historic dishes from maritime and field cooking. The food is prepared in cauldrons over an open fire. During the boat activity, participants can sail and row on one of the national park’s deepest lakes. Since these activities are part of the extended programme and visits take place only in a guided group, arrange your tour in advance and confirm the activities you want when making your enquiry.
Nature destinations in Smolensk Oblast
Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park was established on 15 April 1992 in the territory of the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts. Its purpose is to protect unique natural complexes for recreation, education, science, and culture. A viewpoint on the high southern shore of Lake Sapsho offers views of the lake and several islands.
The “K istokam” eco-trail is a circular route that starts in the village of Stary Dvor. A track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME helps visitors follow it independently. Two viewpoints were added to the trail at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho in 2023–2024. The app track will help you find your way around the loop independently, and there are also two viewpoints along the trail.
Other trails in Smolensk Oblast have different focuses. The “Poozerye bez baryerov” eco-trail was created in 2017 for people with health conditions and begins near the “Baklanovo” Eco-Centre building. In Boroviki, the barefoot trail runs across 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. This brings together a trail designed for a specifically named group and a path with changing surfaces as two distinct nature experiences.
Discover more destinations: Klushino, Demidov, Svishchevo, Sloykovo, Baskakovo, Krasny, Dolginovo, Gorodnya.
Return to the regional travel overview: Smolensk Oblast.
