1. THE TULA STATE MUSEUM OF WEAPONS
The history of the museum dates back to 1724 when Peter the Great ordered not to recast old canons and guns but keep them in a special Chamber for curious things. Now the collection consists of about 14 thousands of weapons which showcase the evolution of arms from the 14th century to the modern time. If you spend a minute gazing at each item you will need nearly 10 days to make it through. The museum is impressively laid out, a lot of multi-media are used in its exposition, approximately half a million tourists from all over the world visit it every year. So, it’s definitely worth your time.
2. TULA PRYANIK MAKING ACTIVITY
The pryanik is the Russian number one treat which was eaten both by the rich and the poor. There are a lot of variations of it all over Russia. But why is the pryanik from Tula believed to be the tastiest one? Originally made with rye flour, juices of berries and honey it contains a secret ingredient that makes it so special. The secret will be revealed at Tula Pryanik Making Class. Be immersed into the world of delicious taste and smell! As a souvenir you’ll get a self-made treat and the clues to its taste.
3. THE SAMOVAR MUSEUM
The samovar was called the general of the table. It’s a large jug-like vessel with a funnel in the middle filled with red hot coal, which ensures an unending supply of boiling water for tea. All great Russian authors from Pushkin to Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy and Gorky wrote about the warm intimacy created by a samovar.
At the beginning of the 20th century there were 14 factories and workshops which provided the whole Russian Empire with their production. The Tula State Samovar Museum has the largest collection of tea-urns of different sizes and shapes.
Learn about the most popular kitchen utensil of the past, explore the world of samovars and understand why Tula is called the samovar capital of Russia.
4. PHILEMONOVO TOY MAKING ACTIVITY
Philimonovo toys are whistles moulded from a special clay which can be found only in one village in Tula Region. The clay is bluish-grey but after kilning it turns into a pure white ceramic. It takes time. So, you will make a figure of a lady, a horseman, a bear or a rooster and paint a kilned one with aniline dyes with patterns of bright stripes and spots that have their symbolic meaning. Experience the world of hidden concepts concealed behind Russian folk crafts!
5. GRANDPA PHILEMON’S ACCORDION MUSEUM
A highly interactive museum that houses a large collection from tiny squeezeboxes to huge accordions. Learn about the history of these musical instruments, discover Russian traditions connected with them and enjoy a show performed specially for you.
6. TULA’S HALL OF THE NOBILITY
Tula’s Hall of the Nobility belongs to one of the most significant objects of cultural heritage of the 19th century. It was built in 1849-1852 and has a very rich history. Here, the Nobility Assembly held their meetings and receptions in honour of the members of the royal family. You will see the terrific cast iron stairs and the Column Hall with the best acoustics in the whole Tula. The guide will tell you marvelous stories accompanied by live musical performance. Feel the exquisite and sophisticated atmosphere of the 19th century!
7. THE TULA STATE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
The Tula State Museum of Fine Arts was founded in 1919 but the history of its collection had started long before it. It houses a wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures and works of decorative and applied arts – masterpieces of Russian and West European art. You will be guided through the museum on a curious inquiry for you could experience art on a more personal level. Read the language of images!
8. YASNAYA POLYANA
Yasnaya Polyana is situated 15 kilometers from Tula and attracts visitors from all over the world as the family estate of Leo Tolstoy. Virginia Woolf called him “the greatest of all novelists”. For Marcel Proust, Tolstoy was “a literary divinity”. For Thomas Mann, Tolstoy seemed a pagan god, because gods “are of the same essence as nature”.
Enjoy the tranquil nature of Yasnaya Polyana which inspired the author of War and Peace. Feel the spirit of the place where he was born, spent nearly all his life and was buried. Visit the house where Tolstoy created Anna Karenina and Resurrection and where everything has been carefully kept on its places since 1910.
