Novomoskovskiy District: Caves, Art and History

In Novomoskovskiy District, cultural themes range from original Russian artworks to underground passages that were part of a historic fortress complex. The Spasskoye Museum named after V.A. Starodubtsev and the Gremyachevskie (Arapovskie) Caves offer different focal points: art at the museum, and military history and protected natural status at the caves. When planning your trip, it is worth deciding first which of these local highlights you want to shape your stay.

Art and History in Novomoskovskiy District

The Spasskoye Museum named after V.A. Starodubtsev features original works by Russian artists, including works by Ivan Shishkin, Alexei Savrasov, Konstantin Makovsky and Julius Klever. These four names give you a specific starting point for your art visit: you can view the original works by the artists mentioned and focus on Russian art. The museum opened in Novomoskovskiy District. Before your visit, check which works are currently on display.

The Gremyachevskie (Arapovskie) Caves are a historical monument dating from the 17th century. They formed the underground part of the fortifications of Gremyachee Fortress, which belonged to the Muscovite state's defense system against Tatar incursions. The caves therefore combine a specific architectural role with the history of defense. Since 1982, they have also been a natural monument of regional significance. Their historical context and protected natural status shed light on different aspects of the same place: its former function as part of a fortification and its designation as a natural monument. If you are planning a visit, check access arrangements in advance.

More Places of Interest in Tula Oblast

The wider destination of Tula Oblast offers other distinct cultural attractions. In Tula, the exhibition “The Tale of the Battle of Kulikovo” at the Tulskiye Drevnosti Museum explores the Battle of Kulikovo Field. In interactive areas, visitors can weave a piece of chain mail, try on armor and learn to read chronicle miniatures. A second museum exhibition, “Secrets of Tula’s Craftspeople,” features a pottery workshop, a blacksmith’s workshop and household items from the 17th to the 19th century. The exhibitions have different focal points: one offers hands-on activities, while the other showcases workshops and historical everyday objects.

The cultural heritage of Tula Oblast also includes the Museum and Memorial to the Heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo Field in the village of Monastyrshchino, Kimovsk District. Leo Tolstoy’s personal library was included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The region’s cultural context thus encompasses both the history of Kulikovo Field and a connection to Tolstoy’s personal library.

At the Polenovo estate in Zaoksky District, Tula Oblast, the artist Vasily Polenov designed all the buildings himself. The design of the buildings thus becomes a subject in its own right in architectural history. The Romantsevskie Mountains, also known as Konduki, offer a different focus: they are a former open-pit coal mine in Tula Oblast. Here, the emphasis is on the landscape’s former use rather than on a collection or exhibition.

Choose the Right Area for Your Accommodation Search

When searching for a vacation rental, it helps to distinguish between local attractions in Novomoskovskiy District and other destinations in the wider Tula Oblast. If you are mainly planning to visit the museum and the caves, focus your search on Novomoskovskiy District. If the exhibitions mentioned above, Polenovo estate or Konduki are also part of your trip, first decide which area you want to make your main focus.

Discover more destinations: Matovo, Zaokskiy District, Teplo-Ogarevskiy District, Tula, Kireevskiy District, Leninskiy District, Leninsky District, Yasnogorsky District

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Tula Oblast.