Printed Tula gingerbread is an amazing Russian delicacy. In fact, it is a delicacy, in form, it is a souvenir that may act as a postcard or a greeting card, decorated according to the best national traditions. Neither cheerful, nor sad events had been held in Russia without these sweet and fragrant products. They were made to bestow the loved ones. Gingerbread was a mandatory dish at many festive events; they were served both to the table of the Tzar and of the peasant.
They say that no one shall to Tula with the own samovar. And it is the very truth. Samovars shall not be brought to Tula, but on the contrary, they shall be taken home as a symbol of the Russian tea party. And on the land of Tula, since ancient times, there were unshakable traditions of tea parties, which were as much as the same to Chinese or Japanese ones.
It is impossible to imagine Russian folklore without an accordion. This musical instrument has become a part of the national culture. Tula is the oldest factory in the country, where they accordions of all imaginable and unimaginable types are being produced. Instruments of various colors and designed for different levels of skill are offered to the attention of tourists in any souvenir or specialized store.
Ancestors of modern Tula citizens have achieved the true excellence on the part of crafting either knives and daggers, or cannons, rifles, and other firearms. One of the most famous pistols is the Tula Tokarev or the TT Pistol. Knives and hunting rifles are available for sale; they are available to everyone who has a special license. In any case, guests may always buy souvenir weapons.
A special phenomenon of the folk culture of Tula Province is Belyov lace; it is unique in its charming pattern, uncomplicated, and aristocratically elegant.
The nuns of the Belyov Holy Cross Monastery were the first to start producing lace in the Tula region. Measured lace of gold and silver threads was woven on bobbins and it was used exclusively for finishing dresses of high-ranking nobles and festive clothes of priests.
Belyov pastila is a great dessert that has won the hearts of connoisseurs of natural products. Belyov pastila appeared due to the merchant Ambrose Pavlovich Prokhorov. Preserving and honoring the ancient traditions, modern Belyov craftswomen produce pastila by hand.
A recognizable brand, famous not only in Tula Region but also in other regions of the country is sweets from Suvorov, produced with care for health. Raw materials for sweets are a variety of nuts from all continents, dried fruits, exotic candied fruits, seeds, berries, and spices.
Children in Russia had played clay toys for thousands of years. It is unlikely there is a child even now who will refuse a whistle, a pretty animal, a rosy-cheeked young lady in a luxurious dress, or a dashing, dancing little boy from clay. The Tula, the Bogoroditsk, and the Filimonovo toys are of a special honor in Tula Region. Filimonovo craftsmen, being guided by the knowledge inherited from their great-grandfathers, produce colorful painted figures, which are extremely popular in our time.
Initially, the inlay was used to decorate weapons. Patterns were copied from French and Spanish guns, but soon a native, unique technology, the Tula Vsechka, appeared. In addition to the "wire" patterns, precious stones and metals started to be used. Almost everything became subject to decoration, firearms and cold steel, household items: combs, boxes, medallions, ornaments, etc.
Tula has remained one of the few cities where the traditions of this art are maintained.
In the Museum-Estate of the famous agronomist A.T. Bolotov "Dvoryaninovo," all visitors are treated to the unique-benefit and stunning-taste tea prepared according to the recipe of Andrei Timofeyevich (Bolotov). Initially, Bolotov brewed medicinal tea with three herbs: betony, sage, and chamomile. Guests of the Museum will be treated to a cup of tonic tea, which contains betony, mint, and leaves of strawberries and black currants.
