Filming and location scouting in Russian Smolensk region

Smolensk Region is one of the oldest ones in Russia. It has served as a shield of Russia for centuries, often taking the first blow from intruders, which left war traces all over the area.

Film in Smolensk Region: Geography and Climate

Smolensk region is about 50,000 square km (30,000 sq miles) in area. It borders Belarus in the West and Moscow Region in the East.

The climate is moderate. It ranges from the average of -9 C˚ (15.8F˚) in January to 17 C˚ (62 F˚). Annual precipitation ranges from 530 to 650mm.

Film in Smolensk Region: Nature

There are more than 1,100 rivers and 400 lakes in Smolensk Region. The biggest river is Dnieper, which is the fourth longest river in Europe.

Film in Smolensk Region: History

The exact year when Smolensk was founded is unknown, but it was first mentioned in chronicles in 863 AD and described as a populous and well-protected city. That makes it at least 300 years older than Moscow.

It is difficult to recall a city in Russia that has changed its allegiance so many times and took part in so many military conflicts as Smolensk has. The reason for this is its location on the very border  of Russia.

In the beginning of World War II, Smolensk saw some of the fiercest battles, as it was on the main direction of Nazi Germany`s offensive on Moscow.

Film in Smolensk Region: Cities

Smolensk is populated by more than 300,000 people and lies on seven hills. It has its own Kremlin that was built in the end of 18 century. The second biggest city is Vyazma with the population of 60,000 people.

Film in Smolensk Region: How to Get

Smolensk is 378 km (234 mi) away from Moscow. The proximity to the Russian capital has caused the Smolensk airport to shut down. Smolensk is connected to multiple cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad via railway.  

Film in Smolensk Region: Population

As of 2014, Smolensk Region`s population was estimated at 1 million people. Russians are an absolute majority with 95 percent of the total population.

Film in Smolensk Region: Interesting Facts

  • In 2010, a plane with 88 senior Polish officials, including President Lech Kaczynski, crashed with no survivors in Smolensk Region;
  • The first man in space, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, was born in Smolensk in 1934;
  • While St Petersburg is called a “window to Europe”, Smolensk has been referred to as a “key to Russia”, because of its position on the direct road to Moscow. Also, every major invasion from the West had to deal with Smolensk first, before moving further to mainland Russia.
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Holy Assumption Cathedral and St. George Church in Smolensk

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Church of the Mother of God Hodegetria and a Fortress Wall in Smolensk

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Cathedral in Smolensk

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Old White-Stone Monastery in Smolensk Region

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Smolensk Kremlin

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Smolensk in the Winter

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Smolensk

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Smolensk
Old house

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Griboyedov Country House, Smolensk Region

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Teremok Architectural Complex

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Teremok Architectural Complex

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Talashkino, Smolensk Region

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Shore of Dnieper River

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Yevseevka, Smolensk Region

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Klushino village

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Holy Assumption Cathedral and St. George Church in Smolensk

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Church of the Mother of God Hodegetria and a Fortress Wall in Smolensk

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Cathedral in Smolensk

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Old White-Stone Monastery in Smolensk Region

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Smolensk Kremlin

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Smolensk in the Winter

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Smolensk

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Smolensk
Old house

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Griboyedov Country House, Smolensk Region

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Teremok Architectural Complex

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Teremok Architectural Complex

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Talashkino, Smolensk Region

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Shore of Dnieper River

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Yevseevka, Smolensk Region

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Klushino village