Smolensk

Smolensk is one of the oldest cities in Russia. The mention of him in the Russian chronicles dates back to the 9th century. The city has been known since 863, in the 9th-10th centuries it was the center of the Slavic tribe of Krivichi, a large trade and craft settlement on the way from the Varangians to the Greeks. For many centuries, Smolensk has been the guardian of the western borders of the Russian lands. It is rightfully called the key-city, the shield of the Russian state. Smolyans became famous as courageous defenders of the Motherland.

Smolensk was awarded the Order of Lenin (1983), the Order of the Patriotic War I degree (1966). In 1985, he was awarded the honorary title of "Hero City" with the award of the Gold Star medal.