A city with character
Modern Tula cannot be called a metropolis of the new century. Despite the abundance of industrial enterprises in the city, it does not at all look like a technological center looking to the future. Everything here is quiet, simple and modest, despite the fact that the city has something to boast about.
It has more than enough tourism potential, but little ambition. Such is the character of the Tula people, who from time immemorial are accustomed to doing business, and not playing tricks. Tula is the homeland of skilled blacksmiths, capable of shoeing a flea and making a gun for the army. And in calm, peaceful times, you can surprise with samovars, and ones that even today you just want to put on the table. The city is sincerely proud of its long history and, it seems, does not want to change anything at all: not in its architectural appearance, which was seriously damaged during Soviet times. Not out of habit: paying tribute to the past, Tula remains the original spiritual center of Russia, where it’s nice to come for a day or two to immerse yourself in this amazing atmosphere.
The spirit of history can be seen in the historical center of the city, which, according to various sources, was founded either in the 12th century or in the 16th century. The first version is supported by evidence from chronicles in which Tula is mentioned in 1146. If we count from this date, then the city is already nine centuries old, which means it is included in the cohort of the oldest Russian cities. Founded as a fortress designed to protect the borders of Rus' from the attacks of the Crimean Tatars, it has preserved both ancient and spiritual fortifications: there are many ancient temples and churches.
How to get to Tula
The city is located 173 km from Moscow. This means that you can go here from the capital by car: the road will not be tiring. Your own transport opens up additional opportunities to explore not only the city, but also its surroundings, which are no less interesting than Tula itself.
There are also high-speed trains from the capital in this direction. Travel time takes 2-3 hours. If you get from St. Petersburg, the distance will be longer - 900 km, so you need to plan half a day for a trip by train or car.
The city itself has a developed transport network: you can get around by minibuses or trams. But if you are strictly interested in the sights of Tula, you won’t have to go anywhere. All the most valuable, interesting and historical things are concentrated within the city center, where it is most convenient to walk without rushing anywhere.
Where to stay
The choice of hotels in Tula is quite large, so finding a place to stay for the night will not arise. Moreover, if you wish, you can stay in a hostel or private apartments. Good options can be found even in the city center, but they sell out quickly, so you need to hurry up and book them in advance. Tula is focused on a comfortable stay for tourists, so not only the hotel infrastructure is well developed here, but also the sphere of cafes and restaurants. There are many establishments that offer Russian cuisine, and there is also a special winter menu. So you will have something to evaluate and try.
Author of the article: Nikitin Anatoly
What to see in Tula in 1 day on your own
The city is exceptionally good because it is easy to get around without a guide. You won't be able to get lost or miss something important, even if you want to. Everything here is close and compact, and one starts getting acquainted with the city, of course, from the Kremlin.
The Tula Kremlin is a perfectly preserved 16th-century building that differs from its counterparts in other ancient cities. The Tula Kremlin was not built in a hurry before an enemy raid, but in a balanced, thoughtful manner, according to a regular plan. Therefore, it is absolutely logical, regular rectangular in shape, neat both inside and outside.
Its high red brick walls are crowned with turrets and battlements in the shape of a swallowtail. Historians believe that Italian craftsmen were involved in the construction, who gave the defensive structure an elegance uncharacteristic of the 16th century. Another difference is that it is located not on a hill, but in a lowland, so you won’t be able to contemplate the surroundings from the fortress wall. But you can devote time to exploring what is within the walls of the fortress. And here are powerful towers, two of which house museums, and the oldest Tula churches.
Assumption Cathedral . This is a majestic building from the 18th century, located on the territory of the Kremlin. You need to enjoy its appearance from afar in order to see it in its entirety. It is worth taking in the light walls, the gilded domes, and the rich decor with elaborate bas-reliefs and ornaments. It’s amazing how an Orthodox church can so closely resemble either an elegant box or a fairy-tale palace. Nevertheless, this is the current and main temple of the local diocese and one of the main historical sites of Tula. It is impossible not to notice that the cathedral is in perfect condition. It is beautifully restored and is perceived as the heart of the Tula Kremlin.
pixabay.com/
Epiphany Cathedral . This ancient building is also located in the Tula Kremlin and is also included in the cohort of interesting places in Tula and the region. Built at the beginning of the 19th century, it was not used for its intended purpose for long. In Soviet times, the Orthodox church was turned into either a palace for athletes or a flying club. The building was mercilessly rebuilt, thereby changing its original appearance beyond recognition. In the 70s, they decided to place a weapons museum here, and to this day, part of the famous exhibition is located in the already restored cathedral.
Elegant shopping arcades built in the 19th century have also been preserved on the territory of the Kremlin. And the first city power plant, which does not fit into the appearance of the complex at all. To explore all this, you will need at least four to five hours, and only then you can go for a walk along the city streets.
Not far from the Kremlin there are other interesting ancient buildings. This is the Church of the Annunciation, which is barely younger than the Kremlin walls and is a functioning temple. These are two nearby churches of the Assumption Convent, the view of which you can admire and go further to the Nikolo-Zaretsky Church . Its architecture may not surprise you, but its purpose is unusual for Russian cultural traditions. The temple was built by the famous Tula dynasty of industrialists, the Demidovs, as a necropolis. And today it serves as a tomb for several generations of a once rich and powerful family.
Museums of the past and future: “Old Pharmacy” and “Experimentoria”
You can mix the past and the future in one bottle by visiting two completely different museums on the same day. In the “Old Pharmacy”, among the herbs, recipes yellowed by time and bottles with intriguing inscriptions like “Poison-Gift”, you are transported to the end of the 19th century, and, having seen under a microscope a real flea, savvy by a local craftsman-miniaturist, you go to mix perfumes from fragrant essential oils .
And then - to the scientific amusement park "Experimentoria" in the "Maxi" shopping center. Even those children who were in the Moscow Experimentanium will discover new exhibits here - and maybe even understand the physical principle of this or that miracle. Although, of course, rather than listen to explanations, it’s better to freeze your shadow, play on the invisible strings of a laser harp, or get lost in a mirror maze!
Bicycle with iron square wheels
Sights of Tula - what to see in a couple of days
If time permits, do not pass by the original building, built in the shape of a hero’s helmet. It is located next to the Nikolo-Zaretsky Church. This unusual building houses one of the main tourist sites of Tula, its pride and true historical value - the Tula Weapons Museum .
Approaching it, you are surprised by the impeccable surrounding cleanliness and order. It is noticeable that Tula residents value and honor the weapons traditions of their city. The museum’s collection is not only the largest in Russia, but also the oldest: the order for its creation was issued personally by Peter I. And by decree of Empress Catherine II, the Chamber of Rare and Exemplary Weapons was created at the local arms factory.
Since then, the collection has been tirelessly replenished, adding samples released for special dates, for example, in honor of the visit of Tula by members of the imperial family. So are new, modern, combat and hunting weapons produced by the Tula arms factory and other Russian factories. In the 20th century, the collection grew so large that it had to be moved to a separate building. Today, museum collections allow visitors to get acquainted with a stunning variety of weapons from the Middle Ages to the present. Therefore, the excursion will be interesting for adults and children.
TASS / Novoderezhkin Anton
Among the main Tula museums, a special place is occupied by the Samovar Museum , located almost at the walls of the city Kremlin, in an original building with columns, a chapel and a high spire. It was founded in 1900, when the number of samovars in the collections of the local historical and architectural museum became alarmingly large. The exhibition was separated and continued to be filled with works by local artists. Samovars, large and small, of all shapes and colors, kitchen and travel, with filigree decoration and fancy spouts - the museum’s collection contains real works of art and samples from private collections, which are centuries old. And even though the museum itself is small, with only two halls, it leaves a rich impression. Guests are pleased with the collection and the authentic decoration of the premises with antique furniture and tableware, demonstrating scenes of tea drinking.
And one more must-see object of an independent excursion program in Tula, of course, is the Tula Gingerbread Museum . Once here, you will make a lot of discoveries for yourself. Firstly, you will learn that gingerbread cookies are not decorated by hand, but “printed” on boards, and therefore their patterns are always so neat and varied. Secondly, they come in truly enormous sizes, about five kilograms. And here you can even buy such an exhibit. And thirdly, in Tula gingerbread is valued so much that local confectioners prepare special samples for holiday dates, for example, the anniversary of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 and the anniversary of the Battle of Kulikovo. And not all of these samples are eaten: some are preserved as real museum exhibits.
Attractions
There are enough attractions in Tula that will be interesting to visit in winter. The local Kremlin with a five-century history, beautiful old streets and renovated embankments, museum complexes and much more - all this should definitely be included in the program of your route around the city. In addition, closer to the New Year, all these objects are transformed and take on a festive, elegant appearance.
As the locals say, Tula is the workshop of Russia. This statement is not unfounded. The city has long been famous for its masters in the production of samovars, gingerbread, marshmallows and, of course, weapons that were used by more than one generation of warriors.
There are also objects in the region associated with famous personalities, for example, the legendary Yasnaya Polyana
» Tolstoy, or the museum-estate of the painter
Vasily Polenov
. By the way, about painting. The Tula region has stunningly beautiful nature, which seems to have come straight out of artists’ paintings. In winter it is beautiful in its own way.
Tula Kremlin
This architectural monument was erected in Tula at the beginning of the 16th century in order to defend the southern borders of Rus' from raids by Crimean Tatar troops. Since then, the fortress has never been captured, which is in its own way a unique phenomenon for such structures.
To this day, 9 towers, which are located along the perimeter of the Kremlin, have been well preserved. They have undergone virtually no changes since their construction. The Assumption Cathedral (18th century) is located on the territory of the Kremlin.
, the architectural complex of which is complemented by a restored bell tower. In another iconic Tula cathedral, the Epiphany Cathedral (19th century), there has been an exposition of the weapons museum for more than a hundred years. Nearby there are shopping arcades where you can buy souvenirs. Various museums are located nearby. You can walk around the entire historical complex absolutely free; you will only need to purchase tickets when visiting the museums.
Tula Kremlin in January
And one more point that tourists should pay attention to is that the walls of the Kremlin are inaccessible to visitors in winter. But this limitation is more than compensated by the fact that in the evening bright illumination turns on on these same walls. It may seem to some that with the onset of winter the Tula Kremlin becomes deserted. But for others, on the contrary, this aspect will seem like an advantage - walks in a quieter environment without crowds of visitors have a special charm. It cannot be said that during the cold season, life in the fortress completely calms down. Museums still offer tours, performances are organized, and snow slides are built outside.
In addition, throughout December, a fair is held in the local Kremlin. It presents gifts and souvenirs created by craftsmen from all over Russia. Just in time to look for something for the holiday. A striking cultural and gastronomic event is the “Festival of Tasty Stories”, which also takes place on the territory of the Tula Kremlin in winter.
Kazanskaya embankment
Right next to the walls of the Kremlin there is the modern Kazan embankment. This landscaped space is equally wonderful for walking in both summer and winter, and makes for simply gorgeous photographs. Be sure to have a photo shoot against the backdrop of festive decorations and illuminations.
Walks along the winter Kazan embankment
To entertain guests and residents of the city, winter film screenings are organized on the embankment, as well as cafes and playgrounds. On New Year's Eve, this particular place becomes the ideal point to view the festive fireworks. The main winter wizard, Father Frost, will also arrive here on December 31st. They also say that every winter there will be an ice skating rink on the embankment.
A concert is expected to take place on New Year's Eve, complete with an impressive 3D show projected onto the facades of nearby buildings.
Lenin Square
On the main square of Tula, which is quite logical, is the main city Christmas tree. At its foot, the people celebrate the New Year with fireworks and general rejoicing. The fun is added by various attractions that are installed here. There are also retail outlets offering food and drinks. For ice skating enthusiasts, the Gubernsky Ice Rink is open. It is noteworthy that not only is admission to the ice rink free, but even skate rental is free. True, this moment also has one drawback - there are always a lot of people at the Gubernsky skating rink.
Skating rink on Lenin Square
What to see in Tula with children
After exploring the city museums to your heart’s content, you can head to the Kazanskaya embankment. Previously, this part of the bank of the Upa River was under the jurisdiction of the Tula Arms Factory and was closed to citizens. Several years ago, the embankment was successfully returned to the city, reconstructed and turned into a wonderful place for walks, relaxing and active recreation.
Walking here along the beautiful paved paths along neat lawns, you understand why Tula is regularly included in the TOP 5 ratings of the most well-groomed and comfortable cities in Russia. Cozy benches, nice bridges over the lawns, stylish lighting at night and spectacular illumination of the walls of the Kremlin, which is located right there, parallel to the embankment - all this is impressive and evokes a good feeling of envy (why is it not like this everywhere!). Here on the embankment there is a children's play area with sports and children's playgrounds, a climbing wall and swings.
wikipedia.org / Vladimir Elistratov / CC BY-SA 4.0
Another stunning place for family walks is the P. Belousov Culture and Leisure Park, which occupies an area of more than 100 hectares. This is a huge green area in the heart of the city, well-groomed and landscaped, where you can calmly wander between lawns and flower beds, enjoying the fresh air. Or send the kids to have fun at the amusement park, of which there are many here. You can visit the zoo, where roe deer, rabbits and gazelles live, feed the swans in the pond and be amazed by the many bright, talkative parrots.
And if you want more communication with animals, the whole family can head to the Tula Exotarium. This is the only reptile and amphibian park in Russia, in the collection of which there are more than 500 species of snakes. Lizards, toads, crocodiles and geckos also live here. And at the entrance, guests are greeted by the figure of a tyrannosaurus, affectionately nicknamed by the local population “the monument to the mother-in-law.”
Interesting places in Tula and the region
If you come to Tula by car, spend at least a day exploring the sights in the area around the city. It is impossible to ignore the Yasnaya Polyana estate, where for half a century the great Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy lived, loved, worked and received famous literary guests.
Here, in Yasnaya Polyana, located about 20 km from Tula, there is a large museum complex. Its main exhibit is the Leo Tolstoy House Museum, in which everything has remained unchanged since the death of the writer. Personal belongings of the Tolstoy family, books and paintings, and the table at which the writer worked are kept here. There are several other notable buildings on the estate. This is Volkonsky’s house, in which, according to researchers, Lev Nikolaevich’s grandfather once lived. This is the outbuilding in which the little prince was born and spent the first years of his life. This is a stable where 30 horses live today, and those who wish can ride under the strict guidance of an instructor. And also a birch alley, called the “prespekt” by the writer himself, a large pond, an English-style park, the writer’s favorite bench and the grave in which he is buried.
TASS / Lystseva Marina
Much further, 130 km from Tula towards Bogoroditsk, is the famous Kulikovo Field, where in 1380 the historical battle of Russian troops with the horde of Khan Mamai took place. Kulikovo Field is not just a geographical name. This is a memorial complex, an open-air museum, on the territory of which a monument-column to Dmitry Donskoy was erected and the temple of Sergius of Radonezh was erected. And in the village of Monastyrshchino, located here, every year in September they organize a festival of folk traditions “Bylina”. Guests are invited to have fun, test their strength, see the local temple and museum, and ride on an old britzka to the Green Oak Forest, where the epoch-making battle took place several centuries ago.
Neighborhoods of Tula in winter
The Tula region is famous for its estates, whose history is connected with famous personalities. They are actively visited in the summer, tourists go there in the winter as well. Moreover, life in these estates does not stop; concerts and festive evenings are also held here. In addition, the snowy decor gives these ancient buildings and the trees around them a magical look. Among the fun activities that are available in winter, we note horse-drawn carriage rides and walks along the dusty paths of local parks.
Perhaps the most famous estate in the vicinity of Tula is Yasnaya Polyana
" This museum-reserve is protected by the descendants of the famous writer. It was here that he was born and it was here that he spent a significant period of his life. In winter, there are fewer tourists in Yasnaya Polyana and therefore a calmer atmosphere reigns.
Yasnaya Polyana in winter
Not far from the museum-reserve there is a railway station of the same name.
Previously, Tolstoy himself often visited it, and now a museum has been organized here in his honor.
There is a place in the Tula region connected with the life of another famous Russian writer. “Bezhin Meadow” is the former estate of I.S. Turgenev. Nowadays there is a museum exhibition in the outbuilding of the complex. Another estate of the same writer is located 30 kilometers from “Bezhin Meadow”. It is called “Spasskoye - Lutovinovo” and represents an entire architectural complex at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries.
On the picturesque bank of the Oka River there is the Polenovo estate. The author of the buildings located on its territory was V. D. Polenov himself, a Russian artist. When creating projects, he mixed half-timbered and Art Nouveau and complemented them with medieval elements. Now in the estate you can study its history, as well as get acquainted with the works of modern painters.
Polenovo Estate in December
Another estate worth visiting is Dvoryaninovo. Previously, it belonged to A.T. Bolotov, a scientist and writer who stood at the origins of the creation of agronomy in Russia. Of course, it is advisable to explore the local park in the summer, but in winter you can devote more time to the museum exhibition.
New Year in Tula 2022
The city is also attractive in winter, as there is usually snow at this time of year. And the usual excursion program can be greatly diversified with active recreation. At the southern exit from Tula there is the Dolina X ski complex, where you can ski down the mountain slopes and try your hand at downhill snowboarding.
An analogue of the complex within the city limits is the small village of Forino, 20 km away from Tula. Here you can also ski and snowboard from equipped slopes. Or learn to ski confidently with the help of an instructor.
Large hotel complexes are preparing special programs for guests for the New Year. Places should be booked in advance, as domestic tourism destinations are much more popular this year than in the past.
TASS / Ryumin Alexander
What to bring from Tula
The choice does not seem to be great, but it is not so. In addition to gingerbread cookies, which are definitely worth buying, in different sizes and shapes, you can also buy other sweets. In Tula they make wonderful marshmallow - Belevskaya from honey, nuts and berries. And Suvorov's sweets from the local factory are well known outside the city. They are also made from natural ingredients: nuts, dried fruits and juices.
In addition to goodies, you need to bring a samovar from Tula. Which to choose? Any, be it for a large feast or a small decorative one that will decorate every kitchen. Or even a fake one; souvenir shops sell these too. Tula accordions, souvenir guns and whistle toys - this is a short list of souvenir purchases in this amazing city.
