Sightseeing in Kaluga - what to see. Complete travel guide

The year of the foundation of the city is 1371, when Kaluga was first mentioned in the charter of Olgerd, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. After a couple of decades, the city became part of the Moscow principality. Initially, Kaluga was a military city, a small outpost, which defended Moscow from raids from the south. The fortress in Kaluga was well fortified, and its successful location on the high bank of the Oka allowed subsequent camping of the troops of the Tatar-Mongols here. In the Time of Troubles, Kaluga became a native city not only for the well-known rioters who led the peasant uprisings, but also for the numerous "false princes" who also sought shelter here.

How hospitable Kaluga was to its "own" rebels, just as firmly rose against any attempts of foreign conquest. When the city was captured by the Polish prince Vladislav, the locals simply refused to serve and obey him. After the Ukrainian lands were annexed to the Russian Empire, Kaluga lost its original military importance. The city began to be built up by residential buildings, and soon the first industrial establishments appeared on its territory. At the end of the 18th century it was already a large industrial center, which specialized in cable and sailcloth production.

Kaluga is famous for its traditionally Russian traditions and an abundance of interesting sites. It is a real ancient Russian city, which managed to carry through the centuries its unique culture. The most revered shrine of the Kaluzhans is the icon of the Mother of God of Kaluga. During the Patriotic War of 1812 the icon more than once defended locals. There are numerous testimonies of the French who saw the icon floating in the air. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In Kaluga there is uniqueness, from the architectural point of view the Trinity Cathedral, which was built in the 18th century. The development of the project involved a fairly well-known architect at that time Yasnigin, who proposed to build a dome 8 meters in diameter without additional fortifications. This was the first experience of such construction in Russia, and the debate was very long, as everyone believed that the dome would certainly collapse. But the magnificent dome of the cathedral still pleases the townspeople and guests of Kaluga with their extraordinary beauty and grandeur. Kaluga will surely impress travelers who do not imagine recreation without exciting excursions and wish to get acquainted with beautiful Russian traditions.

The beautiful architectural monument of Kaluga is the Regional Court. The author of the project of this architectural complex is Petr Nikitin. It started to be built in 1784 and lasted until 1823. The buildings were constructed in accordance with beautiful Russian traditions of the past. Today, the complex consists of big buildings with black-and-white facades. The Regional Court is a monument of federal significance. Over the years of its existence, it has welcomed a lot of famous persons including N. V. Gogol.

As for the most visited culture centers of the city is the Regional Local History Museum. Its collection started to be formed in the late 19th century. From the beginning, the exhibits were stored only in several local merchant’s chambers. After several decades, the museum collection has increased significantly and needed an individual building. Since 1922, the museum has been located in the beautiful historic building of the 17th century, the former residence of Zolotarev. The old mansion with well-preserved architecture of the past is a unique historic monument.

It will be very interesting for admirers of painting to visit the Art Museum of Kaluga opened in 1917. It is located in the old residence of the 19th century that is a vivid example of the Empire style. The founder of the museum is local doctor I. Vasilyev. His private collection of paintings is a core of the museum exhibition.

The remarkable attraction of the city is the House of K. Tsiolkovsky. The famous Russian scientist had lived in this tiny wooden house for 29 years. Here, he wrote a lot of unique scientific works. He bought this small house in Kaluga in 1904. After his death, the museum dedicated to his life and activity was opened here. Nowadays, it houses the interesting collection of antique items and personal belongings of the former owner.

One of the guests and natives’ favorite places for recreation is the Park of Culture and Leisure of Kaluga. In the 16th century, there were strengthening constructions that have not been preserved to this day. Now, the main values of the park are huge spruces, pines, firs, and maples aged over a hundred years. In the park, there is a huge oak that was set here over 600 years ago.