Tula has long been one of the most visited Russian cultural centers. Literally everyone knows the national symbols and beautiful traditions of the old city. The famous Tula honey-cake can be boldly called one of the most popular sweets in the country. The city was first mentioned in the chronicles in the middle of the 12th century. However, the exact date of the foundation of Tula is still not known.
Since ancient times, Tula has had a great strategic significance. It had been the largest defensive centers of the southern border of Russia until the middle of the 17th century. Then, the borders were extended and the city status changed. Tula became a large industrial center. At the beginning of the 16th century, the locals started to make guns. A hundred years later, the craft production of arms was replaced by the manufacturing.
At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 50 big factories manufacturing samovars in the city. Every year, more than half a million samovars were manufactured here. They were of great demand and sold in different cities. Tula also played an important role during the Great Patriotic War and gained the honorable status of the hero city. Today, the enchanting city with an age-old history attracts travelers with plenty of culture centers and beautiful traditions.
It provides a worthy choice of hospitality venues, some of which are decorated according to the best traditions of the national style. Tula is mostly visited in summer but this city is perfectly suitable for winter recreation too. In winter, travelers can diversify their leisure with very interesting entertainments. They can ride a dog sledge along picturesque snowy streets, visit the colorful Christmas Fair and devote their time to classic Russian amusements. Tula is a city with the wonderful Russian spirit that will charm its guests from the first minutes.
The most famous historical symbol of the city is the Tula Kremlin. It was built in the 16th century and is a vivid example of Russian architecture. For many years, it has been an important defensive object protected the state border from nomadic tribes’ forays. The Tula Kremlin is one of the most impregnable fortresses in Russian history. Many famous conquerors failed under its walls. The historical complex has been preserved to this day in an excellent form. On its territory, you can see here the constructions of different types.
In the Kremlin, there are the most significant religious monuments of the city, the Cathedral of the Assumption and Epiphany Cathedral. At one time, they were built at the expense of rich local merchants. The temples are distinguished by an incredibly beautiful design. In the Soviet period, these churches were not destroyed. At that time, the Arms Museum was opened in Epiphany Cathedral. It still works now but the temple hasn’t managed to gain its religious status back.
One of the most popular culture centers in Tula is the Museum called Tula Gingerbread. It is dedicated to the most famous and most popular national sweet. The museum tells its visitors about the history of the famous Tula gingerbread. Its exhibits include old molds and confectionery tools used by local masters hundreds of years ago. The museum stores several special gingerbreads that were cooked for important historical events. The main attribute of the excursion is the tasting of gingerbreads made by Tula confectioners.
The important excursion object is Bogoroditsky Palace and Park located in the immediate surroundings of the city. This luxurious palace surrounded by the park belonged to the famous count's family. The residence was built in the 17th century. Since its construction, it has been considered one of the most beautiful constructions in the region. Since its founding, the palace has been preserved almost in its original form. Many people compare it with the luxurious palaces of Petergof. It is more interesting to visit this attraction in late spring when trees and flowers bloom in the garden.
In Tula, there is the estate Yasnaya Polyana. Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy, a famous Russian writer, lived here once. Today, the estate serves as the themed museum dedicated to the eminent writer’s life and art.