Top 20 attractions in Tula, Russia

Cozy provincial Tula is a city of delicious gingerbread, painted samovars and reliable guns. It is this stereotype that has stuck in the minds of tourists outside the city. Indeed, in Tula there are interesting museums dedicated to the glorious history of weapons and machine-building factories, and "gingerbread houses" where you can not only learn the history of delicacy, but also buy unusual gingerbread as a gift to all your friends. But there is something else - the domes of the belfries of Orthodox churches, endless green plains and birch groves, noble estates and magnificent parks.

It's nice to come to Tula for the weekend. The abundance of attractions in the city itself and its environs will not let the most active tourists get bored, and the measured and calm atmosphere will make you fall in love with Tula with the most tender and devoted love.

What to see and where to go in Tula?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Tula Kremlin

A monument of Russian architecture of the 16th century, an important defensive outpost of the Russian state for many years. The Tula Kremlin was built by order of Tsar Vasily III and over time became a key point of the Zasechnaya line - a series of fortifications that protected the state border from the raids of the southern steppe nomads. The Kremlin never surrendered to the enemy; under its walls, the Crimean Khan Devlet Giray was defeated in 1522.

Assumption and Epiphany Cathedrals in the Tula Kremlin

Orthodox churches standing on the territory of the Tula Kremlin. The Assumption Cathedral was built in the 17th century (to replace a wooden church) at the expense of Tula merchants. The name of the author of the architectural project has been lost in history. Epiphany Cathedral is a former cathedral. It was built towards the end of the 19th century. In the Soviet years, a museum of weapons was placed on its territory, which is still operating. Currently, the temple has lost its religious significance.

Tula State Museum of Weapons

An exposition demonstrating the inventions and products of the Tula Arms Plant and the achievements of the arms industry. Until the construction of a new building in 2012, the museum was located on the territory of the Epiphany Cathedral of the Tula Kremlin. After the opening of the new site, part of the exhibits moved from the temple. Military equipment of the second half of the 20th century is also exhibited in the modern building.

Museum "Tula Gingerbread"

A small museum that tells about the history of the famous delicacy - Tula gingerbread. The museum stores gingerbread made for the anniversaries of famous historical events: the Patriotic War of 1812, the Battle of Kulikovo, the Russian-Turkish War. Here you can also look at the forms of Tula confectioners, according to which gingerbread was baked, and at the "pretzels" of all possible shapes, weights, sizes and colors.

Museum "Tula samovars"

The museum, on the territory of which a large collection of samovars is exhibited. The exposition is located in two halls - the first covers the "samovar" history of the XVIII-XIX centuries, the second contains exhibits of the late XIX - early XX centuries. The samovar is one of the three immortal symbols of Tula along with a gun and a gingerbread, so the museum is very popular with visitors. The exposition opened in 1990 in a historic building of the early 20th century.

Museum "Moto-Auto-Art"

The exposition based on the private collection of the enthusiast - restorer L.P. Zyakin. There are several thematic collections dedicated to motorcycles. The central place is occupied by the products of the Tula Machine-Building Plant, but many other manufacturers are also represented. Tours are conducted by Zyakin himself, who knows every nuance about his motorcycles and can tell visitors many interesting stories.

Tula Museum of Fine Arts

The Regional Art Museum, which contains exhibits from the noble estates of the Olsufyevs, Urusovs, Bobrinskys, Obolenskys and other local aristocrats. The exposition was founded in 1919, and since then continues to grow through private collections, the Union of Artists and the assistance of the Ministry of Culture. The collection contains works by Aivazovsky, Shishkin, Serov, Polenov, Surikov and other eminent masters.

Museum "Necropolis of the Demidovs"

Memorial Historical Museum dedicated to the activities of the Demidovs, a family of industrialists and entrepreneurs known throughout Russia. The exposition was opened on the 340th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the dynasty - Nikita Demidov. The central place in the museum is occupied by the family tomb of the Demidov family, which is located on the territory of the Nikolo-Zaretskaya Church.

Assumption Cathedral

The current Tula Cathedral, until 1917 it was the main temple of the Assumption Convent. According to documentary evidence, the cathedral already existed in the 18th century (the first building was built of wood). The modern building is an example of pseudo-Russian architecture of the early 20th century. In the 30s. They tried to blow up the temple, but the building survived and survived until the restoration in the 2000s.

All Saints Cathedral

The former cemetery church of the end of the 18th century, gradually grew into a magnificent cathedral, which can be called one of the symbols of Tula. The temple was built on a hill, thanks to which its architectural ensemble is clearly visible from all points of the city. The predominant architectural style is a skilful transition from baroque to classical, or, in other words, early Russian classicism.

Monument to Levsha

Lefty is a famous literary hero N. Leskov. According to the author's work, thanks to his unique abilities, Lefty managed to shoe a flea. This character eventually became a symbol of all Tula masters. A monument in honor of the craftsman was erected near the Tulamashzavod machine-building plant in 2009. The artistic intent of the sculpture is to show the high professionalism of the company's employees.

Monument to Tula gingerbread

Another modern monument in which the city symbol is immortalized is the gingerbread. This is a two-meter structure weighing 1300 kg, located near the Assumption Cathedral. The monument was opened in 2014, and immediately the townspeople endowed it with a wonderful ability to give happiness to everyone who touches the surface of the “iron sweetness”. The monument has become a popular place for commemorative photographs and an obligatory point on the city's tourist route.

Sculpture "Tula Tea Party"

Sculptural group depicting a scene of tea drinking. A couple sits at a table with a samovar and the invariable Tula gingerbread - a man plays the accordion, and a woman, in thoughts and dreams, listens to his imaginary songs. A cat and a dog sat comfortably at their feet. Near the table there is a third - not occupied chair and another cup of tea, intended for passers-by. The composition, as it were, invites you to take part in a hospitable tea party.

Tula Exotarium

Amphibian and Reptile Park, one of the most popular places in Tula. There are about 500 snakes here alone. The exotarium has existed since 1987, its employees are actively involved in the conservation and breeding of rare species of animals. During the tour, you can see dangerous anacondas, a huge reticulated python, gila-toothed lizards, large turtles and other exotic representatives of the animal world.

Central Park of Culture and Leisure. Belousova

The largest park in the city, classified as a natural monument. At the end of the 19th century, there was a city dump on the site of the park, which was decided to be closed and the territory to be ennobled. The transformation of a heap of garbage into a place for rest of the townspeople took place on the initiative of the sanitary doctor of Tula P.P. Belousov. On the territory of the park there is a forest, a recreational area and artificial ponds.

Polenovo

The first museum on the territory of the Russian Empire, which became available to the general public. It is located a few tens of kilometers from Tula. The museum was organized on the initiative of the artist V. Polenov. At the end of the 19th century, the painter acquired land here and built an estate. Polenov himself designed buildings, planted trees in the park, and even came up with the appearance of the Trinity Church, located in the nearby village of Bekhovo. Today, the manor-museum is run by the artist's descendants.

Bogoroditsky Palace-Museum and Park

The palace and park complex, located in a picturesque corner of the Tula region. Previously, these lands belonged to the count family of Bobrinsky. The ancestor of the dynasty was the illegitimate son of Catherine II and Count Orlov. Already in the 18th century, the manor with a park was considered a picturesque place and a “miracle of this region”. For the incredible beauty and tranquility of the landscapes, the Bogoroditsky Palace was nicknamed the "Tula Peterhof".

Kulikovo field

Memorial Museum-Reserve, located on the site of the historical Battle of Kulikovo in 1380. The victory in that battle marked the beginning of the liberation of Rus' from the oppression of the Tatar-Mongol yoke. The territory is located approximately 130 km. from Tula near the village of Monastyrshchino. Historical reconstructions of the great battles are constantly arranged in the museum-reserve, which can be visited as part of the excursion route.

Station-Museum "Kozlova Zaseka"

The railway station-museum named after the voivode I. Kozlov. At the time of the rise of the Moscow principality, a notch was located on the site of the station, protecting the borders from enemy raids. Hence the name. The station is located quite close to the estate of L. Tolstoy "Yasnaya Polyana", so the writer was a frequent visitor here. The museum was opened in 2001 after the restoration of the premises, now the station looks exactly the same as during the life of L. Tolstoy.

Yasnaya Polyana

The estate of the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. Here he lived, created and sought inspiration. The complex consists of a residential estate, several houses, outbuildings and a park. The images of the estate can be seen in the novel "War and Peace", Tolstoy used them to create the appearance of the family estate of Prince Volkonsky. The museum was created thanks to the efforts of the children of Lev Nikolayevich.