Smolensk

Capital city, commercial and cultural centre of Smolensk oblast (region), Russian Federation, on the River Dnieper near the border with Ukraine; population (1996 est) 356,000. Its manufacturing industries include textiles, foodstuffs, and precision instruments, and it is an important transportation centre. The city has many outstanding churches and other architectural monuments from the 12th to 19th centuries.

Smolensk was first mentioned in documents in the 9th century (863), when it was the capital of the Slavic Krivichi tribe and of Smolensk principality. It was under Lithuanian rule from 1404 to 1514, becoming thereafter Muscovy's main western fortress, and growing into a key commercial and administrative centre. It was the scene of heavy fighting against Napoleon's troops in 1812, and was largely destroyed by German invasion forces in 1941–43. Nearby is Katyn Forest.

Notable sights in Smolensk include the remains of the fortress (built 1596–1602), two restored 12th-century churches, and the 17th-18th century Cathedral of the Assumption, with its imposing gilded interior.

Smolensk

Oblast (region) in the western Russian Federation; area 49,800 sq km/19,228 sq mi; population (1996) 1,172,000 (70% urban). The capital is Smolensk. There is flax growing, dairy farming, and food processing (mainly dairy products); also large-scale peat extraction and textile manufacture.

The region is situated on the Smolensk–Moscow uplands, which are largely composed of morainic material, fairly well dissected, and rise to over 300 m/984 ft. The climate is continental, although not extreme. About 30% of the area is covered by mixed forests. There are plentiful peat and lignite (brown coal) deposits (see Moscow Coal Basin). Cities include Roslavl and Vyazma.

The Smolensk region belonged to the medieval Kievan-Rus state, became an independent principality in 1127, Lithuanian in 1404, and Muscovite in 1514.