Smolensk Region in 3 Russian words
This western region of the country has served as Russia's reliable shield against foreign invasion for centuries. Here are three of its main symbols.
1. ЮРИЙ ГАГАРИН (Yuri Gagarin)
The first man in space was born in the village of Klushino on March 9, 1934. Gagarin's childhood coincided with German occupation. The Nazis converted his home into a repair shop for communications equipment. In 1945, the family moved to the neighboring town of Gzhatsk, now called Gagarin.
2. УСПЕНСКИЙ СОБОР (Dormition Cathedral)
This is the most recognizable symbol in Smolensk. The Cathedral of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary was founded in 1101. It was severely damaged during numerous foreign invasions and was largely rebuilt in the 17th century. During the French occupation of the city in 1812, the spear of Saint Mercury of Smolensk disappeared from the cathedral. This happened despite the fact that Napoleon, who was fascinated by the church's beauty, had placed it under guard.
3. ДНЕПР (The Dnieper)
The fourth-longest river in Europe (2,201 km) originates in Smolensk Region, namely in the small Mshara Swamp near the village of Bocharovo. There, the river is still shallow and its width is no more than 30 meters.
