Kozelsk, Medieval town in Kaluga Oblast, Russia
Kozelsk is a small town on the Zhizdra River in Kaluga Oblast, roughly 72 kilometers southwest of the regional capital. It sits at 150 meters elevation, surrounded by forests and farmland, with modest residential areas and a few public buildings in the center.
In 1238, the young prince Vasily defended the settlement for seven weeks against Batu Khan's troops until the fortifications fell. The Mongols afterward called the place "evil town" because of the losses they suffered.
The town sits near Optina Pustyn monastery, which drew pilgrims and writers over centuries and appears in Russian novels. Visitors today can see the connection between the monastery and the settlement in the architecture and in the paths that run through the woods.
Most travelers reach the area via Kaluga, from where buses and cars take roughly an hour. There are few tourist facilities on site, so expect simple lodging and limited dining options.
In the first half of the 20th century, the former monastery grounds held a camp linked to the Katyn events. Many Poles were detained here before being moved to other locations.
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