Smolensk in 3 Russian words
This city has served as the “shield of Russia” for centuries and reliably protected the western borders of the state. Here are three of its main symbols.
1. УСПЕНСКИЙ СОБОР (The Assumption Cathedral)
Located on a hill in the center of the city, the Assumption Cathedral is the main calling card of Smolensk. It was erected at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries in memory of the heroic defense of the city from Polish troops in 1609-1611. The cathedral miraculously survived the wars against Napoleon and Nazi Germany. However, during the German occupation, the especially revered icon of the Mother of God (‘Hodegetria’) disappeared without a trace.
2. ПТИЦА ГАМАЮН (The Gamayun bird)
The mythical bird of paradise ‘Gamayun’ symbolizes happiness, wealth, peace, prosperity and rebirth after wars. The bird is depicted on the coat of arms of Smolensk – it sits on a black cannon with a golden gun carriage.
3. СМОЛЕНСКАЯ КРЕПОСТНАЯ СТЕНА (Smolensk fortress wall)
Once, the Smolensk fortress wall was one of the most impressive in the world. Its total length was 6.5 km, its height reached 19 meters, while the width was up to 4.5 meters in places. The wall, with its 38 powerful towers, reliably protected the city from any enemies. However, over time, the need for it disappeared and, today, less than half of its former grandeur has survived.
