Russia: places to visit | Tula is the capital of Russian weapons

In this episode, we are visiting Tula. Some call it the “city of craftsmen” because ever since Medieval times a lot of tools, weapons, and other goods were made right here.

You’ll definitely feel the productive spirit in Tula at some of its museums, especially the Tula State Museum of Weapons. It is impossible to not notice this unique helmet shaped building that houses the Arms Museum, which is one of the biggest of its kind in the world. If you are at all interested in melee Russian weapons, hunting and sport rifles and/or hardcore military tech then coming here would be a good idea. You will definitely get inspired. If you want to know more about the history of when those weapons were used in medieval Russia then check out the Tula Kremlin right smack in the middle of downtown.

It may seem like Tula is all about arms which are only partially true. Tula is also the home to the totally non-violent Pryanik cookies and inside the Tula Kremlin, there is a museum where they will show you how to make one of these Russian sweets with your own hands. And since they seem to last forever they are a great gift to take back home. Locals consider their Pryanik cookies to be the supreme Russian biscuit with a totally unique flavor that you can only get here in Tula.

Tula may have a unique taste but it also has a unique sound, the sound of accordions! Tula is still a leader in accordion production to this day. Not only can you see accordions but hear them and learn to play songs for yourself. Who knows maybe you can take one home to impress (and/or annoy) your friends and family around Christmas?