Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Borodino
Explore
Borodino () battlefield is the site of turning-point battles in the Napoleonic War of 1812.
Over two hundred years later, the rural site presents an amazing, vivid history lesson. Start
at the Borodino Museum, which provides a useful overview, then spend the rest of the day
exploring the 100-sq-km preserve. If you have your own car, you can see monuments mark-
ing the sites of the most ferocious fighting, as well as the headquarters of both the French
and Russian armies. If you come by train, you'll probably be limited to the monuments
along the road between the train station and the museum (which are many).
The rolling hills around Borodino and Semyonovskoe are largely undeveloped, due to
their historic status. Facilities are extremely limited; you may want to bring a picnic lunch.
The Best...
Sight
Borodino Field
Top Tip
The first Sunday in September, the museum complex hosts a re-enactment of the historic
battle, complete with Russian and French participants, uniforms and weapons.
Getting There & Away
Train
Suburban trains leave from Moscow's Belorussky vokzal for Borodino (R228, two
hours) at 7.56am and 8.43am (with additional trains on weekends). Trains return to Mo-
scow at 2.20pm and 4.02pm.
Car
Since the area is rural and the monuments are spread out, visiting by car is more con-
venient and probably more rewarding. If driving from Moscow, stay on the M1 highway
(Minskoe sh) until the Mozhaysk turn-off, 95km beyond the Moscow outer ring road. It's
5km north to Mozhaysk, then 13km west to Borodino village.
Need to Know
Area Code 49638
