Discover Petschorsk

• The Church of Saints Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk was founded in Petschorsk in 1768.
• It is designed in the provincial Baroque style.
• Its wall paintings are in the Art Nouveau style and date from the early 20th century.

The church’s founding in 1768 and its wall paintings from the early 20th century point to different periods. The style descriptions also differ: the church is classified as provincial Baroque, while the paintings are in the Art Nouveau style. This makes it possible to distinguish the building’s history from its later interior decoration.

The church offers a specific cultural connection to Petschorsk for planning your trip. If you are interested in historic architecture, this example helps you understand two aspects of the place: the church’s founding and the period of its wall paintings. The details relate to different parts of its history and should not be combined into a single construction date.

If you also consider the wider destination of Smolensk Oblast, the Gnezdovo archaeological complex adds another historical period. Today, about 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement remain there. Gnezdovo is the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe from the period when the Old Russian state was emerging, and it is protected by the state as a monument of national—more precisely, federal—significance.

The region’s cultural heritage also includes the A. S. Griboyedov State Historical, Cultural and Natural Museum Reserve “Khmelita” in Vyazemsky District, Smolensk Oblast. The Khmelita estate has belonged to the Griboyedov family since 1680 and is the centerpiece of the museum reserve. The reserve is 260 kilometers from Moscow, 200 kilometers from Smolensk, and 37 kilometers from Vyazma. These examples complement the local connection to Petschorsk with other cultural attractions in the oblast.

Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park was established on April 15, 1992, in the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts. Its purpose is to protect unique natural complexes for recreation, educational, scientific, and cultural activities.

The “K istokam” eco-trail is a circular route that begins in the village of Stary Dvor. A track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME can help you follow the trail independently. Two viewing platforms were built at Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho in 2023–2024. The route description thus combines a circular trail with named viewpoints and a digital navigation aid.

Another regional walking option is the barefoot trail in Boroviki. It consists of 14 sections, each six meters long, with different natural surfaces. Visitors walk the sections barefoot. At the end, you can wash your feet and, if you wish, take a walk through the Aptekarskiy Sad.

Tours of the “Stargrad” ethnographic village introduce visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs and show everyday objects, weapons, and clothing. Visits are only possible as part of a guided group. The extended program also includes the “Babiy kut” workshop on traditional women’s crafts, where you can make souvenirs, and “Polevaya Kuznya,” where participants can mint coins and make chain mail. If you would like to include these activities in your plans, confirm their availability when arranging the tour.

Discover more destinations: Baranovo, Vysokoye, Roslavl, Sloboda, Krotovo, Novye Bateki, Krasny, Vskhody.

When was the church in Petschorsk founded?

The Church of Saints Anthony and Theodosius of Pechersk was founded in 1768.

What are the church’s stylistic features?

The church is designed in the provincial Baroque style. Its wall paintings are in the Art Nouveau style and date from the early 20th century.

Can you visit Stargrad without a guide?

No. Visits are only possible as part of a guided group.

For the wider travel overview: Smolensk Oblast.