There are many interesting cities in the Tula region, the history of which dates back to the Middle Ages. One of them is Belev. There are many attractions here, despite the small size of the city. Among them are monasteries, temples, museums. Description of the sights of Belev and photos of some of them are presented in the article.
History of the city
For the first time, Belev is mentioned in documents of the 12th century, or rather, in 1147, that is, approximately at the same time as Moscow. At the end of the 15th century, the city came under the control of the Lithuanian principality. During this period, the city flourished. The Belevsky Principality was formed, where, according to some reports, they even issued their own coins.
In 1437, on the territory of modern Belev, whose sights attract connoisseurs of Russian architecture, a battle took place between the Tatar and Russian troops. The latter were defeated.
In the 16th century, robberies and fires repeatedly took place here. However, as in all other Russian cities. Another great battle took place in 1536,near the village of Temryan. The city became part of the Moscow principality, but then it was located at its southern borders.
Sights of Belev have a high historical value. Ivan the Terrible has been here more than once. Belev was even included in the list of cities of the oprichnina.
In the 17th century, water supply was installed in the city. In 1777 he received the status of a county. In the eighties of the 19th century, the famous Moscow businessman Prokhorov launched the production of puff pastille in this city. The plant is still standing here today. Moreover, it is one of the attractions of Belev.
In 2014, the Eternal Flame was lit in the city in honor of the 69th anniversary of the Great Victory. During the war years, fierce battles were fought here. About 12 thousand people died. The status of the city of military prowess is evidenced by a stele installed at the railway station.
There are many sights in Belev and the Kaluga region. There are tourist routes that cover several cities. For example, Kaluga - Belev. Such a trip can be made on your own, in your car. And on the way, enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Russian provinces, which, unfortunately, are slightly spoiled by old, dilapidated buildings.
Below tells about the sights and beautiful places of Belev.
Savior Transfiguration Monastery
It is known that in the Middle Ages there was a temple on the site of the Belevsky monastery. The local historians could not establish the exact date of foundation of the monastery itself. It arose approximately in the first half of 16centuries. There is no exact information about who founded the monastery. Some sources claim that this man was one of the princes Solntsev-Zasekin.
So, the monastery was first mentioned in 1557. It was then that Ivan the Terrible visited these places. In the following decades, the monastery suffered more than once from Tatar raids. Nevertheless, by 1616 there were six temples on its territory. True, one of them, Nikolskaya Church, was soon closed.
In 1615 the monastery was burnt down. Then restored. As a result of regular robberies and fires, by the middle of the 18th century only three churches remained here. These are Preobrazhensky, Predtechensky and Alexy of Moscow.
In the Soviet years the monastery was closed. For almost 20 years it stood in a deplorable state, and then it was completely destroyed. Today, restoration work is underway here, but how long they will last is unknown.
Ex altation of the Cross Monastery
This abode is also under restoration. It is located on the high bank of the Oka River, in the eastern part of the city. The monastery was founded in the first half of the 17th century. Under Catherine II, like many monasteries in Russia, it was abolished. Several decades later, local residents tried to restore it, but to no avail.
In the nineties of the last century, repair work began on the territory of the monastery. The architectural complex is located in the most picturesque part of the city.
City of Martial Prowess
The stele was opened in 2016. And in the same year appeared here in the memorial"Military train", which can be seen in the photo below.
Art Museum of Local Lore
In order to get acquainted with the history of the city, you should visit the institution located at the address: Marksa Street, house 114. Exhibitions are regularly held here. True, the museum is more often visited by students of local schools than tourists.
The miracle of the Russian province
This is the name of the tour, which involves visiting two cities of the Tula region - Odoev and Belev. It lasts 13 hours. Cost - 2500 rubles.
In the 19th century, Belev became a real confectionery capital. The best marshmallow in Russia was produced here. The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, while being kept in the strictest confidence.
During the tour of Odoev and Belev, tourists visit the architectural monuments of these cities. Among the interesting sights of Belevo is a factory founded by Prokhorov. Tourists dress in white clothes and enter the "workshop" for the manufacture of sweets. They witness the production of marshmallows at every stage: from loading raw materials to baking sweet layers. In conclusion - a master class for those who wish.
