Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Built by widows of the Afghan War, there are several exhibits on the grounds related to the
events at Borodino. Nowadays, the former hotel where Leo Tolstoy stayed when he was
writing about the events that transpired nearby for his novel
War and Peace
contains an ex-
hibit dedicated to the historical and fictional characters that populate his pages.
THE BATTLE OF BORODINO
In 1812 Napoleon invaded Russia, lured by the prospect of taking Moscow. For three
months the Russians retreated, until on 26 August the two armies met in a bloody
battle of attrition at the village of Borodino. In 15 hours more than one-third of each
army was killed - over 100,000 soldiers in all. Europe would not know fighting this
devastating again until WWI. The French seemed to be the winners, as the Russians
withdrew and abandoned Moscow. But Borodino was, in fact, the beginning of the end
for Napoleon, who was soon in full, disastrous retreat.
EATING
CAFE
ART CAFE BORODINO
(- mains R400-600)
Do not be alarmed if you forgot to pack your picnic. On the grounds of the museum, there is
now a small cafe serving bliny (crepes),
pelmeni
(dumplings) and other Russian standards.
Fuel up before or after exploring the reserve.
