In the immediate vicinity of Pilichki, a protected lake landscape and archaeological history come together. Lake Kasplya is a natural monument of regional significance; the Pilichki archaeological settlement site is also located by the lake.
Lake Kasplya and the protected landscape
The lake’s protected zone contains stands of conifers, including spruce and pine. They are located near the villages of Gorbuny and Pilichki. The landscape around the area therefore includes both the natural monument and the named forest areas. Those interested in nature and local history will find two different perspectives here: the protected landscape and traces of historic settlement.
Archaeological history and ancient trade routes
In antiquity, the Pilichki archaeological settlement site on Lake Kasplya lay on an important section of a trade route. This route ran from tributaries of the Dnieper into the basin of the Western Dvina and included a portage: a land route connecting waterways. Its location on this section places the settlement within a history that extends beyond the individual site to links between river basins.
The settlement site was discovered in the 1920s by archaeologist Alexander Lyavdansky. Another fortified settlement site near the village of Pilichki dates to the early first millennium CE and has since been destroyed. When considering the two, it is worth distinguishing between them: the settlement site on Lake Kasplya is associated with the ancient trade route, while the dating and destroyed state are the key details about the other fortified settlement site.
More destinations in Smolensk Oblast
Those interested in archaeology in a broader regional context will find a different scale at the Gnyozdovo complex in Smolensk Oblast. Around 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement have been preserved there. Gnyozdovo is considered 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 and federal significance, the complex is under state protection. This makes it possible to compare the individual settlement site near Pilichki with a large, well-preserved archaeological complex, without equating the two places.
Nature is also a defining feature of Smolensk Oblast. Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park was established on 15 April 1992 in the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts to protect unique natural complexes for recreation, education, science, and culture. The “K istokam” eco-trail is a circular route that starts in the village of Stary Dvor; a track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME helps visitors walk it independently. In 2023–2024, two viewing points were built along the trail by Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho. Another way to take in the landscape is from a viewpoint on the high southern shore of Lake Sapsho, which offers views of the lake and several islands.
The “Poozerye bez barierov” eco-trail offers another way to experience nature. It was created in 2017 for people with health limitations and starts near the “Baklanovo” eco-centre building.
Guided cultural activities and hands-on experiences
At the “Stargrad” ethnographic village, guided tours introduce visitors to the way of life of the ancient Slavs and showcase everyday objects, weapons, and clothing. Visits are possible only as part of a guided tour group. The extended programme includes workshops: “Babiy kut” focuses on traditional women’s crafts, and visitors can make souvenirs there. At “Polevaya kuznia,” participants can mint coins and make chain mail. The “Srednevekovy tir” area offers archery and slingshot shooting, as well as axe and sulitsa throwing. The programme also includes lunch prepared according to old recipes, with historical dishes from maritime and field kitchens cooked in cauldrons over an open fire. When planning, arrange the extended programme activities in advance and check their availability.
Discover more destinations: Novye Bateki, Bibirevo, Sliznevo, Svishchevo, Katyn', Tesovo, Vyazma, Krotovo
For the broader travel guide: Smolensk Oblast.
