Vyazma

Vyazma stands on the river of the same name between Smolensk and Moscow. First mentioned in a chronicle in 1230, it became a centre of trade and crafts and the seat of an appanage principality. In 1403 the local princes were expelled as Lithuania took control; in 1494 Vyazma passed to the Grand Principality of Moscow.

The town suffered repeated devastation during the Time of Troubles. Its fortress walls were rebuilt with six towers in 1631–1634, and a church dedicated to Our Lady of Smolensk was consecrated in 1638. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Russian forces fought the retreating French army near Vyazma.