Smolensk Oblast

[[file:Gagarin town banner Smolensk Oblast - Gagarin town}} Assumption Gothic Church in Smolensk - Smolensk's Assumption Gothic Church

Smolensk Oblast is a region in Central Russia, which borders Bryansk Oblast to the southwest, Belarus to the west, Pskov Oblast to the northwest, Tver Oblast to the north, Moscow Oblast to the east, and Kaluga Oblast to the southeast.

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Cities

• Smolensk — the region's capital is one of the oldest cities of Russia (9th century) and home to examples of 12th century architecture, a large kremlin, and a particularly important Gothic Church of the Assumption; the historic center was rebuilt after the destructive Battle of Smolensk in WWII
• Dorogobuzh|wikidata= — an ancient town, worth a visit for nearby monasteries and churches
• Roslavl|wikidata= — an old market town, now a small city
• Vyazma — a small city with a long history, largely rebuilt after the German occupation in WWII, home to the stunning three-tented Hodegetria Church, as well as numerous baroque churches, a monastery, and city cathedral

More Destinations

• Smolensk Lakes National Park]

Smolensk Oblast Halal Travel Guide

Smolensk Oblast is home to some of Russia's oldest cities. It is also the site of much of the most fierce warfare Russia has experienced, from the Mongol conquest, to Medieval wars for supremacy between Russia, Poland, and Lithuania, to the Napoleonic Invasion, to the two World Wars of the 20th century. Few original structures have survived these centuries of conflict, but Russia has faithfully rebuilt the most important of Smolensk Oblast's cultural monuments. The capital, Smolensk, is a major tourist destination in its own right, and is a convenient hub for adventuring the region.

Local Language in Smolensk Oblast

You should expect that few residents of Smolensk Oblast outside of the main university have anything greater than a rudimentary command of any languages other than Russian.

Travel to Smolensk Oblast

Smolensk is a short (by Russian standards) train ride away from Moscow and a fairly easy trip from Saint Petersburg. No major airlines fly into Smolensk airport (LNX).

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Smolensk Oblast

Nearby Pskov Oblast is a similar destination—a historic borderland region—that makes a fine complement to Smolensk travel. Trains also depart from Smolensk to Minsk, Belarus.