Gromovaya Tower (Smolensk – Shield of Russia Museum)
Громовая башня
A square tower on the city walls that houses a museum of the city's military history. Visitors can climb to the top and look out over the old town along the walls.
The Gromovaya Tower (Thunder Tower) stands on the southern stretch of the city walls near the city centre. After restoration, it was turned into the “Smolensk – Shield of Russia” museum. Its multi-level galleries cover the construction of the walls, the siege of 1609–1611, the war of 1812 and urban defence in the Second World War, with displays of weapons, armour and models. From the top, you can walk a short section of the city wall path and look down on the old town and the line of the walls. Tickets cost about 200 rubles, and the museum is closed on Mondays. The Second World War Museum and Victory Square are right next door, so they can be visited together.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 (check official site)
Nearby sights
- Smolensk Art Gallery
- Blonie Garden
- Museum 'Smolensk Region in the Great Patriotic War'
- Lopatinsky Garden
- Church of St John the Theologian
- Dormition Cathedral
- Smolensk Linen Museum
- Church of Sts Peter and Paul on Gorodyanka