Tula is an old Russian city located 180 kilometers from Moscow. Today it is a major industrial, economic and cultural center. What is its history, how has Tula changed over the centuries? Population, modern administrative division and interesting historical facts about the glorious city - especially for you in our article.
Ancient legends and real historical facts
The first mention of the city dates back to 1146. If you believe the archaeological finds, the settlement in this area appeared much earlier. In the XII-XIII centuries, Tula was a border defensive point. Due to the constant raids of neighbors, it became necessary to build a defensive structure. Initially, it was a wooden fortress, but already at the beginning of the 16th century, a solid stone Kremlin was being built on Tula land. Remarkably, the fortification has survived to this day. And today the Tula Kremlin -this is one of the most popular museums in the city and a remarkable architectural monument, which the city of Tula can rightfully be proud of. The population gradually increased, thanks to which the settlement developed. From the middle of the 17th century, the city became a major commercial and industrial center. Weapons, metallurgical, production is gradually developing. According to the 1811 census, about 52,000 people lived in Tula.
Modern history
Until the beginning of the 20th century, Tula was a city known primarily as a center of industry and trade. In peacetime, there is a slight decline in the production of weapons, many local craftsmen retrain to the production of samovars and accordions. Gradually yesterday's workshops turn into factories and plants. The city is also known for its production of gingerbread. In Tula, several families were engaged in this business at once, each of which could boast of its own recipes. The city played a significant role in the history of the country during the Second World War. The population of the city of Tula showed courage and heroism, thanks to which the settlement withstood the siege by enemy troops, which lasted for 45 days. Descendants remember this feat even today, every year Victory Day is celebrated in the Tula region with a special scope and celebrations. The city of Tula was also awarded the highest award - the title of "Hero City", the medal "Gold Star" and the Order of Lenin.
Tula today
Today Tula is a regional center, a rather large and actively developing city. Heretraditions are revered and the latest innovations are successfully introduced in all spheres of life. On the central streets, historical monuments of architecture peacefully coexist with modern business centers, this is exactly what it is, modern Tula. The population for 2015 was 487,841. This figure demonstrates a slight demographic decline in comparison with the second half of the 20th century. Today, the local government is interested in improving the quality of life of citizens. The city is actively building and improving the housing stock and public areas, new cultural, sports and educational facilities are emerging.
Population and districts of Tula
Today Tula is divided into five territorial districts, their names are: Central, Proletarsky, Railway station, Zarechensky and Soviet. Local residents often divide their city into historical residential neighborhoods. For example, the Proletarian territorial district includes such zones as: Kirovsky microdistrict, Krivoluchye and Glushanki. These informal names are regularly used by Tula people to accurately designate the area. It is often difficult for visitors to understand how many districts Tula consists of. The city's population today is 487,841 (2015 census). The most densely populated area of the city is considered to be Proletarsky, about 164 thousand people live in it today. About half of the adult residents of the city are employed in the industrial sector. Small business also has a significant impact on the region's economy. More than 50 thousand people work in this sector today, taking into accountregistered IP. The administration of Tula also takes care of the training of personnel. Today, many educational institutions successfully operate in the region, among which there are several universities that are famous throughout the country.
Sights of Tula
It makes sense for tourists to start their acquaintance with the city with a walk in the historical center. The main architectural monument of Tula is the Tula Kremlin. These are not only perfectly preserved defensive walls with towers, but also ancient buildings on the territory. Nearby is also a museum of samovars and the local White House - the building that is occupied by the administration of Tula. The walk will not be boring, as within walking distance from the Kremlin there is a modern shopping and entertainment center, where you can find a cafe for every taste, a cinema and recreation areas for the whole family. During a tourist trip, it also makes sense to visit the museum of gingerbread and weapons.
Interesting facts about the city
Today Tula is being actively improved. Quite recently, an embankment for walking appeared in the city, new squares and recreation areas are equipped every year, and interesting street sculptures are installed. The Tula region is the birthplace of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, in his estate in Yasnaya Polyana today there is a tourist museum open all year round. The city boasts a rich cultural life. Festivals of various themes are regularly held in Tula and its environs. Today, the city is only developing as a tourist center, thanks towhat the cost of accommodation in hotels and excursions is acceptable. All districts of Tula can boast of a developed infrastructure - you can choose a place to stay, focusing on your own taste and financial capabilities. What is especially nice, by private car you can get from one end of the city to the other in just 30-40 minutes, excluding traffic jams.
