Kholm-Zhirkovskiy District: Nature and Memorial Sites

Nature and remembrance give Kholm-Zhirkovskiy District two distinct focal points. A natural monument is located in the village of Nakhimovskoye; a memorial site welcomes visitors as they enter the settlement of Kholm-Zhirkovsky. Both offer concrete starting points when planning your trip around the themes of landscape and remembrance.

Natural Monument in Nakhimovskoye

In the southern part of the village of Nakhimovskoye, there is a park and a pond that are considered a regional complex natural monument. Its stated values include aesthetics, recreation, and education. The site thus combines significance for the landscape and recreation with an educational aspect. Those interested in nature and local history will find a different focus here than at the memorial sites in the settlement of Kholm-Zhirkovsky.

Field of Remembrance and Victory Park

The Field of Remembrance and Victory Park welcomes visitors entering the settlement of Kholm-Zhirkovsky from the Moscow–Minsk highway. Its location makes the memorial site a prominent landmark on arrival. The Field of Remembrance is accessible to travelers with limited mobility. Check the conditions before your visit.

The trees planted in Victory Park commemorate the courage and glory of all those who defended their homeland. The natural monument and memorial site therefore offer different focal points: the park and pond in Nakhimovskoye represent nature, recreation, and education; at Victory Park, the visit is shaped by remembrance of those who defended their homeland.

More Places to Explore in Smolensk Oblast

The wider destination of Smolensk Oblast also offers distinctive cultural and natural themes.

Today, around 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement remain at the Gnyozdovo archaeological complex. It is considered the largest archaeological monument complex in Russia and Europe from the period when the Old Russian state was formed. It is also protected by the state as an archaeological monument of federal significance. Those interested in early history will find several aspects in one place: preserved burial mounds, a settlement, and a protected archaeological complex.

Another historical highlight is the Khmelita estate, the center of the A. S. Griboyedov State Historical, Cultural, and Natural Museum-Reserve. It is located in Vyazemsky District of Smolensk Oblast, 260 km from Moscow, 200 km from Smolensk, and 37 km from Vyazma. The estate has been owned by the Griboyedov family since 1680. This long family history and the estate's central role in the museum-reserve give the place a distinctive character.

Smolenskoye Poozerje National Park was established on April 15, 1992, in the territory of Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts. Its purpose is 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 Geotracker or MAPS.ME supports independent hiking. Two viewpoints on Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho were established in 2023–2024. Another viewpoint on the high southern shore of Lake Sapsho offers views of the lake and several islands. The circular trail, app track, and viewpoints thus offer different ways to experience the landscape.

At the “Stargrad” ethnographic village, guided tours introduce visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs and showcase household items, weapons, and clothing. Visits are possible only as part of a guided group. The extended program includes workshops in traditional women's crafts, where participants can make souvenirs themselves, as well as a blacksmith's workshop where coins can be minted and chain mail made. Activities in the “Medieval Shooting Range” area include archery, slingshot shooting, and throwing axes and sulitsy. The extended program also includes lunch featuring historical dishes from maritime and travel cuisine, prepared in cauldrons over an open fire. Confirm the availability of these program activities when making arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Smolenskiy District, Roslavlsky District, Yartsevskiy District, Smolensk, Yelninsky District, Dukhovshchinsky District, Shumyachskiy District, Sychyovsky District.

For the wider travel overview: Smolensk Oblast.