Impressions of Travelers Visiting Smolensk in the 1820s–1840s

This article, based on personal sources such as letters (specifically correspondence between Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich and his father) and travelers’ notes (by Frenchman E. Montulé, Bavarian E. Hess, and Russian noblewomen E.S. Telepnyeva and O.P. Shishkina), reflects impressions gathered during visits to Smolensk in the 1820s–1840s. All the travelers passed through and stayed in the city for a brief period, typically from one to three days. Their image of Smolensk was shaped by the city's memorable hilly terrain, landmarks associated with medieval history, and sites that served as reminders of events from the Patriotic War of 1812. Although the war was increasingly distant in time, it remained a dominant phenomenon that defined the city’s past. Initially, this was evidenced by ruins and damaged buildings; later, it was commemorated by monuments dedicated to P.I. Engelhardt and the Battle of Smolensk. The travelers' attention was drawn to churches, particularly the Gate Church of the Mother of God and the Assumption Cathedral. Other churches and monasteries in Smolensk, where visitors attended services, were mentioned only by Russian travelers. Impressions of the city itself were influenced by associations arising from previous travel experiences, chance encounters, and local living conditions. Despite approximately 200 years having passed since these visits to Smolensk, many of the sites mentioned by these travelers have been preserved and remain prominent city landmarks