Like many old cities, Tambov was founded as a fortress in 1636. The founder of the fortress town was Roman Bobrykin, a regal commander who was entrusted to build an excellently fortified construction in the territory of the southern lands of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Besides the fortress, the so-called Tatarsky Val, mounds of earth that helped to repel many sieges, was made. Some parts of the Val have survived to this day. They are some of the most interesting attractions of Tambov.
For many years, the fortress town had been protecting the capital from nomads, the Tatars and the Kalmyks. The most important events in the history of the town were the attack led by Stepan Razin in 1670 and the attack led by Chieftain L. Hohlach in 1706. The fortress repelled both attacks but the town started losing its important military significance at that time. The borders of the Grand Duchy of Moscow moved south and a new development stage, an agricultural one, had begun in Tambov. Today, the agricultural sector is still very important for the town.
The second wave of the cultural progress began in the middle of the 19th century. Under the guidance of Governor A. A. Kornilov, the modest town turned into a big culture and science center. The acquaintance with precious monuments of the past is still one of the favorite entertainments of modern travelers. In Tambov, the Old District has been almost preserved to this day. A hundred years ago, eminent merchants and landlords lived here. The modern districts of Tambov will surprise you with a huge number of shopping and entertainment venues. For three and a half thousand years, Tambov has turned into an interesting tourist center.
One of the famous attractions of Tambov is the Aseev Residence. This luxurious mansion with the beautiful garden was built for the eminent industrialist’s family at the beginning of the 20th century. The exterior of the building combines classic, modern and baroque elements. Before the Revolution of 1917, the residence had been in private ownership. After the Revolution, the orphanage and then the sanatorium was opened here. The residence was reconstructed completely only several years ago. In 2014, the museum was opened here.
There is also preserved Gostiny Dvor that was built at the beginning of the 19th century. The initiators of its construction were local merchants that invested their personal money in the building. In the 80s of the last century, the historic building was reconstructed completely. Now, it serves as a shopping center.
The oldest religious construction in the town is the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour built in the late 18th century. One of the main architectural features of the cathedral is its three-tier bell tower that is over 40 m high. The cathedral has quite a complicated history. After the Revolution, it was closed and partially destroyed. There was the local history museum in the cathedral. The church was reconstructed completely and gained its original religious status back only in the 90s of the last century.
One of the oldest culture centers of the city is the Tambov Region History Museum opened in 1879. Originally, it occupied several rooms of the public library. For the years of its existence, the museum has repeatedly changed its location. The museum had occupied the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour until 1944 and then “moved” to the other historic building where it is located now. The museum houses the interesting collection of archeological artifacts and exhibits dedicated to the history and culture of the region.
In 2005, the zoo that is now visited by nature admirers every day was opened in Tambov. The zoo belongs to the local university and has a status of the important research center. The zoological center is open for visitors who want to see rare insects, birds, reptiles, and other wild animals, for which this picturesque place has become a true home.
Sightseeing in Russia: things to see
The city of Saint Petersburg remains the cultural capital of Russia. Nearly every street in this city is an important historic and architectural place of interest. Travelers are recommended to visit Peterhof, a famous series of palaces and gardens, which is located not far away from the center of the city. Peterhof was built by initiative and under control of Russian tsar Peter the Great. Nowadays, the palace exhibits numerous historic documents, plans and drafts. The Smolny Cathedral is one more famous attraction of the city that is also recommended to visit. The beautiful cathedral is made in best traditions of baroque style. Its height is 94 metres; its halls and the facade are decorated with gilding, and blue walls of the cathedral feature skillfully made fretwork. Inner premises of the Smolny are no less beautiful and amaze visitors with stunning frescoes and carvings.
… Open 
