The Gremyachevskie (Arapovskie) Caves and the original works at the V.A. Starodubtsev “Spasskoe” Museum represent two distinct cultural themes in Novomoskovskiy rayon: the history of fortifications and Russian painting. The caves point to the military history of the 17th century; at the museum, you can see works by Russian artists.
Caves Between History and Natural Heritage
The Gremyachevskie (Arapovskie) Caves are a historical monument dating from the 17th century. They formed the underground part of the fortifications of the Gremyachee fortress. These were part of the defense system of the Moscow state against Tatar incursions. The historical significance of the caves can thus be understood both through their function within the fortifications and through their designation as a historical monument.
Since 1982, the caves have also been a natural monument of regional significance. Their historical role and their regional natural-monument designation are two distinct aspects of the same place. If you are planning a visit, check in advance whether visits are currently possible.
Russian Art at the “Spasskoe” Museum
The V.A. Starodubtsev “Spasskoe” Museum displays original works by Russian artists. These include works by Ivan Shishkin, Alexei Savrasov, Konstantin Makovsky and Julius Klever. Before visiting, check which works are currently on display if you want to focus your plans on particular artists.
Group tours of the exhibition have been held. If you are planning to take one, check in advance whether a tour is available on your chosen date. This makes the question of a tour different from that of the works on display: a selection of the art collection is described, while a group tour requires separate planning.
Cultural Attractions in the Wider Tula Oblast
In the wider destination of Tula Oblast, the “Tulskie drevnosti” Museum in Tula presents the exhibition “Skazanie o Mamaevom poboishche” about the Battle of Kulikovo. In interactive areas, visitors can weave a piece of chain mail, try on armor and learn how to read chronicle miniatures. The theme connects the battle with hands-on activities and the study of chronicles.
Another exhibition at the same museum, “Sekrety tulskikh masterov,” features a pottery workshop, a blacksmith’s workshop and household objects from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Compared with the exhibition about the battle, it focuses on workshops and everyday objects. The two themes therefore offer different perspectives: on the one hand, the battle and chronicle miniatures; on the other, crafts and household objects from the centuries mentioned.
Also in the wider Tula Oblast, visitors can take a guided walk through the central part of the Yasnaya Polyana Museum-Estate from May to October. They learn about Tolstoy’s favorite places for daily walks, the local flora and fauna, the history of the Tula defensive lines and Tolstoy’s plantings. This tour differs from the exhibitions in Tula: it focuses on a guided walk around the estate and its landscape, as well as the historical topics mentioned. Check the specific tour dates before planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Matovo, Tula, Leninsky District, Leninskiy rayon, Kurkinskiy rayon, Aleksinskiy rayon, Kireevskiy rayon, Teplo-Ogarevskiy rayon
Return to the wider travel overview: Tula Oblast.
