Monument to the Defenders of Smolensk 1812
A rare surviving monument from the 1812 war, this striking black and gold structure commemorates Smolensk's defenders.
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Monument to the Defenders of Smolensk 1812
Best Time
Best views of details
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare surviving monument from the 1812 war, this striking black and gold structure commemorates Smolensk's defenders.
"A unique monument that has survived to this day, a beautiful combination of black and gold."
📸 Capture the Gold
The black and gold contrast is striking. Visit on a sunny day for the best light!
🚶 Stroll through Lopatinsky Garden
The monument is in a beautiful park. Enjoy a walk around the garden after your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Chapel Monument
Lopatinsky Garden
An octagonal pyramid topped with a gilded dome and cross, adorned with columns and eagles.
Historical Medallions
Base of the monument
Features 1812 war medals and an image of the Mother of God Hodegetria, rich with historical symbolism.
Battle Plan Engraving
Monument base
A detailed plan of the battle that took place in Smolensk on August 5, 1812, etched into the monument.
Captured French Cannons
Near the monument
Two original French cannons from the war, adding a powerful military context to the site.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Gold
The black and gold contrast is striking. Visit on a sunny day for the best light!
🚶 Stroll through Lopatinsky Garden
The monument is in a beautiful park. Enjoy a walk around the garden after your visit.
🧐 Appreciate the History
Read up on the 1812 war to fully grasp the monument's significance.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Gold
The black and gold contrast is striking. Visit on a sunny day for the best light!
🚶 Stroll through Lopatinsky Garden
The monument is in a beautiful park. Enjoy a walk around the garden after your visit.
🧐 Appreciate the History
Read up on the 1812 war to fully grasp the monument's significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the monument for its historical significance and striking black and gold design, noting its unique survival from the 1812 war era. Its location in the pleasant Lopatinsky Garden adds to the overall positive experience, though some mention that more detailed historical information on-site would be beneficial.
"The monument to the defenders of Smolensk on August 4-5, 1812, is one of the landmarks of the city of Smolensk. The monument is the first monument in honor of the Patriotic War of 1812 in Smolensk and was opened on the day of the 29th anniversary of the liberation of the city from the French conquerors - November 5, 1841 in Lopatinsky Garden."
Алексей Синица
"A unique monument that has survived to this day.
In 1835, Nicholas I ordered the installation of 16 standard cast iron monuments at the sites of the most important battles of the Patriotic War. Unfortunately, the entire project was not implemented: only seven monuments were erected.
The first monument was erected on the Borodino field, then monuments followed in Smolensk and Kovno (today it is Kaunas in Lithuania), monuments also appeared in Krasnoe (Smolensk region), Maloyaroslavets (Kaluga region), and the now Belarusian cities of Polotsk and Klyastitsy. Unfortunately, there were not enough funds for the rest...
The Smolensk monument survived, the other six were destroyed in the 1930s. To date, five monuments have been restored."
Dmitriy V. Makarov
"The monument to the defenders of Smolensk on August 4-5, 1812 was erected in the Lopatin Garden in 1841.
Author: Antonio Adamini.
On a round three-tiered base there is a chapel monument in the form of an octagonal pyramid with a cylindrical base. At the top of the pyramid there is an onion dome with a gilded cross, on the base there are 8 columns with gilded double-headed eagles. Between the columns there are medals from 1812 and an image of the icon of the Mother of God Hodegetria. The monument presents a plan of the battle that took place in Smolensk on August 5, 1812."
Михаил Цветов
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monument is located in Lopatinsky Garden in Smolensk. You can reach it by local bus routes that stop near the park. Walking from the city center is also an option if you enjoy exploring.
Parking availability can vary, especially on weekends. It's advisable to check for designated parking areas around Lopatinsky Garden or consider public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the monument is located in Lopatinsky Garden, which is generally accessible to the public without an entrance fee.
As the monument is outdoors in a public park, it is accessible during daylight hours. Lopatinsky Garden's specific opening and closing times may apply.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A visit to the monument itself can take about 30-60 minutes, allowing time to admire its details and read any informational plaques. If you plan to explore Lopatinsky Garden, allocate more time.
While official guided tours might not be consistently available, local guides may offer historical tours of Smolensk that include the monument. Informational signs at the site can also provide context.
The monument is located in a park, and accessibility can depend on the park's pathways. The immediate area around the monument might have uneven surfaces.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the monument's golden elements. Midday can be harsh but still offers good visibility.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be respectful of the site and other visitors.
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Historical Significance and Design
The monument's location in Lopatinsky Garden was strategically chosen, near the Royal Bastion where French forces first attacked the city. Adding to its historical weight are two captured French cannons placed nearby in 1873, serving as a tangible testament to the conflict. The intricate details, including a detailed plan of the battle that occurred on August 5, 1812, etched into the monument, offer visitors a direct connection to the events it commemorates.
This monument is not just a structure; it's a narrative etched in stone and metal. Its survival and restoration make it a crucial historical landmark for understanding Smolensk's resilience and its place in Russian history. The striking combination of black and gold elements, especially when illuminated by sunlight, makes it a visually impressive site for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors.
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