In Smolensky District, two different travel interests come to the fore: cultural history and protected landscapes. These are represented by the historic and architectural complex “Teremok” in Flenovo and several natural monuments. When looking for accommodation in the district, you can first decide whether to plan your stay around its artistic and estate heritage or its protected natural areas.
Teremok in Flenovo: Art and School History
The “Teremok” complex includes the surviving buildings of the former Tenishev estate. The complex displays works from the Talashkino workshops: furniture designed by S. V. Malyutin, watercolours by M. A. Vrubel, ceramics by N. K. Roerich, and painted balalaikas. The furniture, paintings, ceramics, and a painted musical instrument offer different ways to explore the workshops’ work.
Another exhibition is dedicated to the school for peasant children that M. K. Tenisheva opened in 1894. As part of this exhibition, museum staff lead interactive tours for children. Alongside the works on display, the history of the school is therefore a distinct focus of the complex.
Natural Monuments in Smolensky District
The source of the Sozh River is near Radkevshchina in Smolensky District, 10 km southwest of Smolensk. Since 1981, it has been a natural monument of regional significance, encompassing several natural features. Lake Kasplya has also been a natural monument of regional significance since 1981.
Priyutino Park has been a natural monument of regional significance since 1975. It was designated a natural monument for its historical and memorial value as an example of 18th- and 19th-century garden and park art. At the same time, the park needs restoration and protection. One specific detail about the “Domanovskoye” peat bog is worth noting: the natural monument covers 440 hectares.
More Places to Explore in Smolensk Oblast
Those looking beyond the district to the wider destination of Smolensk Oblast will find other distinct cultural and natural attractions. Today, around 2,500 burial mounds and a settlement remain at the Gnyozdovo archaeological complex. It is the largest complex of archaeological monuments in Russia and Europe dating from the period when the Old Russian state was taking shape. As an archaeological monument of state (federal) significance, it is under state protection.
Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park was established on 15 April 1992 in the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts of Smolensk Oblast. Its purpose is to protect unique natural complexes for recreational, educational, scientific, and cultural purposes. The “K istokam” eco-trail is a circular route that starts in the village of Staryy Dvor. Two viewing platforms were built by Lakes Svyatets and Sapsho in 2023–2024; a track for mobile apps such as Geotreker or MAPS.ME helps visitors follow the route independently.
Another nature experience in Smolensk Oblast is the barefoot trail in Boroviki. It consists of 14 sections, each six metres long, with different natural surfaces to walk on barefoot. At the end, you can wash your feet and, if you wish, take a stroll through the Aptekarskiy Garden.
This makes it easy to focus your search for a holiday rental on the destination you want to visit.
Discover more destinations: Khokhlovo, Kardymovsky District, Yelninsky District, Sychyovsky District, Shumyachsky District, Roslavlsky District, Kholm-Zhirkovsky District, Smolensk.
For an overview of the wider destination: Smolensk Oblast.
