L. N. Tolstoy is a significant figure in Russian literature. You can learn more about the writer's work and life by visiting his historical homeland. This is the city of Tula. "Yasnaya Polyana" - the estate in which Lev Nikolaevich lived and worked. Today it is a huge open-air museum complex. An excursion to this unusual place is a great idea for organizing leisure activities for the whole family on the weekend; you can get from Moscow in just 2.5 hours.
Estate History
At the end of the seventeenth century, the construction of the estate began. Its first owners were the Kartsevs. Later, Yasnaya Polyana went to the Volkonsky family, who are relatives of the great mother writer. Lev Nikolayevich’s grandfather - Nikolai Volkonsky - was very fond of the estate and was actively engaged in economic affairs, as well as landscaping a vast territory. The writer was born in this estate, he lived here for at least 50 years, and when he felt death was approaching, he bequeathed to bury him in the territory of Yasnaya Polyana and even chose a secluded place in the forest near the ravine. These instructions were fulfilled, and Tolstoy’s grave is unchanged in our days. During World War II, the estate was damaged, but was restored. Thanks to the timely evacuation of the collection, many valuable originals have been preserved. After the writer's death, the museum is managed by his descendants, today the director remains the great-great-grandson - Vladimir Tolstoy.
What to see?
Try to plan your trip so that you have at least 4-5 hours to walk around the unique reserve. The city of Tula is rich in various attractions. Yasnaya Polyana is an excursion that does not require haste. Many residents of the region like to come here several times a month, just to relax in nature and think. They say that there is a very special atmosphere. In addition to alleys, gardens, lawns and ponds, some buildings and structures have been preserved on the estate. The main building is Tolstoy’s house, the most ancient is Volkonsky’s house, the Kuzminsky wing is also preserved. Some farm buildings have been preserved: the coachman, the forge, the carpentry, the breadbasket and Riga. Important places are considered the writer's favorite bench and his grave. Another special attraction is the Tree of Love, birch and oak, whose trunks entwine each other.
Museum branches
The reserve complex "Tula: Yasnaya Polyana" has several branches. Inspection is still worth starting with the estate itself. Please note - tour services are ordered in advance, but you can also use the services of a guide on the spot (with a quick set of groups). The cost of access to the reserve is paid separately from excursions. This is a symbolic amount, about 50 rubles. Separately, it will be necessary to pay for viewing the expositions located inside the buildings. The most interesting place to visit is Tolstoy’s house, where you can see the writer's personal belongings, visit his bedroom and study. Volkonsky's house is interesting primarily due to the collection of antique furniture, art objects and household items. After visiting the estate, you can go to the Kozlovskaya Zaseka - the nearest railway station. Today, other estates that once belonged to the relatives of Lev Nikolayevich are open to tourists. This is Maloye Pirovoy - the estate of the writer's sister, Nikolskoye-Vyazemskoye - the building was completely rebuilt from scratch according to the information about the original house, Pokrovskoye - the estate of another sister, Mansurovo - the son of Tolstoy once lived here. Many interesting exhibits related to Yasnaya Polyana can be seen in the
Tula Museum of Local Lore, as well as in the Krapiven Museum of Local Lore.
Operating mode and rules of conduct
The territory of the museum is a protected area. The rules of conduct are standard - do not litter and move only along footpaths. There are restrooms, litter bins and benches. Photo and video shooting in the reserve is free. You can visit the estate on any day except Monday (sanitary). If your choice is trips to major holidays, Tula, Yasnaya Polyana will please with festivities. But keep in mind that with an influx of tourists, ticket sales may be stopped earlier than the scheduled time. In the warm season, the area is open until 21.00, in winter - until 18.00. The interior displays of buildings close a little earlier.
Museum "Yasnaya Polyana": reviews of tourists
Everyone talks about the trip to the estate in different ways. Someone was not lucky to get here on a too popular day. Other guests of the reserve simply idolize him for beauty and silence. If possible, it is better to come on weekdays. Weddings are played on Friday and Saturday, and newlyweds with guests from almost the entire Tula region come to the estate for walks and photo shoots. Of course, the city of Tula is rich in history. Yasnaya Polyana and another estate, Polenovo, is an excellent weekend excursion program. At least once in your life it’s worth visiting the capital of the gunsmiths and the estate of Leo Tolstoy.
Tula, Yasnaya Polyana: how to get there?
From Moscow to Tula can be reached by car on the M2 highway. Also, electric trains, fixed-route taxis and regular buses depart from many stations of the capital. From Tula to Yasnaya Polyana there are some routes of public transport. These are buses No. 114, 117 and 280. You can also get there by car, bright signs are hung around the city specifically for car tourists. You should go towards Shchekino, after leaving the city, focus on the main road and signs. Parking in front of the reserve is free, and cafes and gift shops are nearby.