Flax production developed from the Middle Ages as one of Smolensk’s main industries, as the moderate climate sustained soil ideal for growing the plant. Exhibits here will give you some idea of how the process works (though no English captions) and of the lovely products and traditional clothing that can be made from the resulting cloth.
Smolensk Flax Museum
Western European Russia
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.62 MILES
Dominating the skyline is this huge green-and-white working cathedral topped by five silver domes. A church has stood here since 1101; this one was built…
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10.29 MILES
Located at the estate of Flyonovo, this ornately decorative wooden house, covered with peasant-style carving, is now a folk-art museum with a lot of…
Nearby Western European Russia attractions
1. In the World of Fairytales Museum
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One for the kids, where they've smashed the boring don't-touch rules. It's a small creative space with activities and interactive exhibits based on…
0.34 MILES
This bookshop only sells Russian-language titles, but if you don't read Russian it's still a worthwhile stop to admire the beautiful blue baroque building.
0.38 MILES
This gorgeous mustard-coloured building is home to a range of different galleries over two floors, covering natural and local history. Displays include…
0.41 MILES
Contains playful woodworks by Smolensk Oblast native Sergei Konenkov, otherwise known as the 'Russian Rodin'. The museum also has works by other noted…
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This comprehensive museum covers WWII in the Smolensk area from the beginning of the war and occupation by the Nazis to the region's liberation. Displays …
0.46 MILES
Much restoration work has been done on this charming, pink-walled convent, which also runs a small orphanage for girls. Donations are welcome.
7. Monument to the Heroes of 1812
0.48 MILES
This Smolensk monument pays tribute to those who fought against Napoleon's armies in 1812.
0.52 MILES
At the east end of this shady garden with fountains, an 1885 statue of the composer Glinka is surrounded by a fence with excerpts from his opera A Life…