Novye Bateki
Accommodation in Novye Bateki
Novye Bateki has two distinct points of interest: an archaeological fortified settlement in the surrounding area and a public bathhouse that opened to visitors after extensive renovation.
Key facts about Novye Bateki
- The fortified settlement lies 300 meters northwest of Novyye Bateki, on the right bank of the Olsha.
- It is dated from the 6th century BC to the 3rd century AD.
- A horse-shaped amulet pendant was found during excavations in 1959.
- A public bathhouse opened to visitors in Novyye Bateki after extensive renovation.
How is the fortified settlement dated?
The archaeological fortified settlement is located near Novyye Bateki, 300 meters to the northwest on the right bank of the Olsha. It is dated from the 6th century BC to the 3rd century AD. The site is associated with the Early Iron Age culture.
The recorded settlement history of the Smolensk region goes back further: Dnieper-Dvina tribes inhabited the region from the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD. This regional period therefore began two centuries earlier than the date assigned to the fortified settlement; both accounts extend to the 3rd century AD. This distinction helps differentiate the history of the archaeological site from the broader regional context.
A horse-shaped amulet pendant was found during excavations at the fortified settlement near Novyye Bateki in 1959. The pendant is part of the collection of the Smolensk Historical Museum. It adds a specific archaeological find—with a known discovery year and clearly identifiable form—to the dating evidence.
What does the bathhouse add?
The bathhouse offers a different point of interest from the archaeological site. A public bathhouse opened to visitors in Novyye Bateki after extensive renovation. Visitors can therefore explore two distinct aspects of the area: the history of the nearby fortified settlement and a bathhouse in the village.
What is there to see in Smolensk Oblast?
Smolensk Oblast also offers archaeological and natural attractions. Today, around 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement remain at the Gnezdovo archaeological complex. It is the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe dating from the period when the Old Russian state was forming. As an archaeological monument of national, federal significance, it is protected by the state.
Another regional highlight is Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park. It was established on April 15, 1992, in the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts to protect unique natural complexes for recreation, education, scientific research, and cultural purposes. Smolensk Oblast thus offers archaeological and natural landscapes as distinct areas of interest.
The “K istokam” ecological trail is a loop route that begins in the village of Stary Dvor. Two viewpoints at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho were established along the route in 2023–2024. A track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME helps visitors walk the loop independently. The starting point, viewpoints, and app track each provide a different kind of guidance: the village starting point, specific viewpoints at two lakes, and digital help with navigating the route.
Discover more destinations: Rudnya, Tesovo, Rykshino, Luzhki, Vysokoye, Staroye Selo, Vyazma and Stepanovo.
FAQ
How old is the fortified settlement near Novye Bateki?
It is dated from the 6th century BC to the 3rd century AD and is associated with the Early Iron Age culture.
What was found during the 1959 excavations?
A horse-shaped amulet pendant was found. It is part of the collection of the Smolensk Historical Museum.
What is known about the bathhouse?
A public bathhouse opened to visitors in Novyye Bateki after extensive renovation.
For the broader travel guide: Smolensk Oblast.
