The most western area of the Smolensk region is the Gagarin
district. The history of Gagarin (Gzhatsk till 1968) goes to the beginning of the XVIII
century, when several trade quays appeared on the river Gzhat. By the decree of Peter I in
1719 the settlement was officially named Gzhatsk quay. This date was admitted the date of
the foundation of the town. Gzhatsk was destroyed twice during the period of the Civil
war in 1812 and the Great Patriotic war in 1941–1945. But the town was built anew, and
«the boat» of Gzhatsk goes on boating on the river of time.
Today Gagarin is a town-museum, connected with the name of the cosmonaut-pioneer. The
public scientific readings devoted to the memory of the first cosmonaut in the world J.A. Gagarin are held annually on March 9–11
in his motherland.
In the northern part of the district there situated the reservoirs of the Jauza and the
Vazuza, that draw numerous fishing-lovers.
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The Monument to A.T. Gagarina
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The Cathedral of Blagoveshenje, XIX century
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The house-museum of Gagarin's parents
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In the hall of the Art Gallery
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The Monument to J.A. Gagarin
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