Smolensk: Russia's Historic Gateway City

Smolensk stands as one of Russia's most ancient cities, with a history spanning over 1,160 years. Located on the banks of the Dnieper River, 374 kilometers west of Moscow, this remarkable city has served as the guardian of Russia's western frontier for centuries. It's no coincidence that Smolensk bears the epithets "Key City," "Shield City," and "Fortress City" — each name reflects the heroic destiny of a place through which every major military campaign in Russian history has passed.

Today, Smolensk serves as the administrative center of Smolensk Ob...