Kholm-Zhirkovskiy District: Nature and Remembrance

• The park and pond in the south of Nakhimovskoye form a regionally significant complex natural monument with aesthetic, recreational, and educational value.
• The Field of Remembrance with Victory Park welcomes visitors entering the settlement of Kholm-Zhirkovsky from the Moscow–Minsk highway.
• The Field of Remembrance is accessible to travelers with limited mobility.

The park and pond in the southern part of Nakhimovskoye are designated as a complex natural monument of regional significance. Its explicitly stated values include aesthetics, recreation, and education. This makes it possible to consider the site both as a nature destination and in terms of its recreational and educational value. If you want to take different aspects of a landscape site into account when choosing a destination, these three values provide a concrete guide.

The Field of Remembrance with Victory Park represents a different focus. It welcomes visitors entering the settlement of Kholm-Zhirkovsky from the Moscow–Minsk highway. The trees planted in Victory Park commemorate the courage and glory of all those who defended their homeland. The Field of Remembrance is accessible to travelers with limited mobility; confirm the conditions before your visit.

The two local themes are easy to distinguish: the natural monument offers landscape, recreation, and education as points of interest, while the Field of Remembrance is defined by the site's dedication and the commemorative trees in Victory Park. When looking for a hotel in Kholm-Zhirkovskiy District, you can use these interests as an initial filter. This lets you choose your focus based on the places described, without treating a nature visit and a remembrance visit as the same experience.

The wider destination of Smolensk Oblast offers other distinct nature and cultural themes. In Smolensk lies the Gnyozdovo archaeological complex, where around 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement have been preserved. It is the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe from the period when the Old Russian state was taking shape. As an archaeological monument of state (federal) significance, it is under state protection.

Another way to explore history is the Khmelita estate in Vyazemsky District, Smolensk Oblast. It has belonged to the Griboyedov family since 1680 and is the centerpiece of the A. S. Griboyedov “Khmelita” State Historical, Cultural, and Nature Museum-Reserve. For an overview of the region, these offer two distinct themes: archaeological remains at Gnyozdovo and the estate history associated with the Griboyedovs at Khmelita.

The Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park is an example of a destination for nature lovers and hikers in Smolensk Oblast. It was established on April 15, 1992, in the territories of Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts to protect unique natural complexes and serve recreational, educational, scientific, and cultural purposes. The “K istokam” circular trail starts in the village of Stary Dvor; a track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME can help you hike it independently. Two viewpoints were established at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho in 2023–2024.

The “Stargrad” ethnographic village adds to the cultural themes of Smolensk Oblast. A guided tour introduces visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs through household items, weapons, and clothing. Visits are only possible as part of a guided group. The extended program includes, among other things, the “Babiy kut” workshop on traditional women’s crafts, where you can make souvenirs yourself, and “Polevaya kuznia,” featuring coin minting and chainmail making. Confirm program details in advance when arranging your visit.

Discover more destinations: Shumyachskiy District, Sychevskiy District, Sychyovsky District, Yelninsky District, Smolensk, Dukhovshchinsky District, Roslavlsky District, Kardymovskiy District.

What does the natural monument in Nakhimovskoye include?

It includes the park and pond in the southern part of the village. The ensemble is a regionally significant complex natural monument with aesthetic, recreational, and educational value.

What do the trees in Victory Park represent?

They commemorate the courage and glory of all those who defended their homeland.

Can you visit “Stargrad” without a guide?

No. The ethnographic village can only be visited as part of a guided group. It is recommended that you arrange the activities in the extended program in advance.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Smolensk Oblast.