Tyumen, RUSSIA
Tyumen is a city in Russia located in the south of Western Siberia, about 2,100 km east of Moscow, the administrative center of Tyumen Region. Tyumen was the first Russian settlement in Siberia. Founded in 1586 to support Russia's eastward expansion, the city has remained one of the most important industrial and economic centers east of the Ural Mountains. Tyumen has been unofficially titled the oil and gas capital of Russia. It is the transport hub and industrial center of the Tyumen Oblast – an oil-rich region bordering Kazakhstan – as well as the home of many companies active in Russia's oil and gas industry. The city’s population is 847,000 people, which continues to increase.
Tyumen is located in the south of Western Siberia, about 2,100 km east of Moscow
1. The Tura Embankment
The Tura River crosses the city from northwest to southeast. The river is navigable downstream of the city. The Tura River embankment decorated with lanterns, sculptures and benches is one of the most popular places in the center of Tyumen. The embankment has an unusual four-level design. It was designed in such a way because during the floods Tura often floods the lower two levels. The levels and steps are made of granite. In one section a cascade of fountains goes through all levels. Throughout the embankment, spread out sculptures, bas-reliefs and plaques of famous people, historic events and trades illustrate history of the city of Tyumen. Summer, early fall, and spring – are the best seasons to enjoy walking and spending time on the waterfront.
2. The Lovers' Bridge
The Lovers’ Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Tura River in the Central District of Tyumen. The bridge was built in 1987, five years after the collapse of an old wooden bridge in the same location. Though it takes about five minutes to cross it, it is a fun to be on the bridge above the river and enjoy the beautiful panoramic view as long as you wish. The overall highlight of this bridge are padlocks fixed throughout by couples as a symbol of their undying love. After placing the padlock the key is thrown into the river below.
3. The Tyumen Circus
The Tyumen Circus with its original architecture is a city landmark. The modern building was constructed in 2004. At night, the circus is adorned with illumination. There is a metal sphere on its roof that lights up at night. Bronze statues of popular Soviet clowns are located on the square in front of the theater.
4. The Alexandrovsky Garden
The garden was made on a vacant plot of land in 1851 when thousands of linden, birch, spruce, and pine trees were planted in the area of about 100 acres (40,000 m²). The garden was named after the crown prince Alexander, the future Tsar Alexander II, who visited Tyumen on May 31st, 1837, during his journey through Siberia. After the October Revolution of 1917, the garden was abandoned until 1948, when a small portion of it was restored. In the 1960s, it was abandoned again, and by the 1970s, it fell into devastation. Later a development effort began on the garden’s premises with the construction of houses, a kindergarten, and garages. However, the renewal of the garden did not begin until 2007. Although ten times smaller than the original garden area, the grounds were restored, and the Alexandrovsky Garden regained its official name. The fountain was rebuilt as well as sculptures of historic types of citizens styled after the 19th century. Some statues impersonate A Hussar, Ladies on a Walk, A Girl at Rest, and A Boy.
5. Drama Theater
The Drama Theater in Tyumen has been in existence since 1858. In 2008, The Tyumen Drama Theater got a new building built in record time for one year and eight months. With a 158-year history, the theater is the most prominent Drama Theater in Russia. The history of the Tyumen Theater began even before the first building. It is known that in 1858 the St. Petersburg guest expressed his admiration for Amateur performances.
Off the Beaten Path
In general, the Tyumen city is an important regional center in Siberia, known for its economic significance, historical heritage, and cultural achievements. The dynamic city in the heart of Russia's vast Siberian landscape, it continues to grow and develop. The Tyumen offers a chance for tourists to explore the part of Russia with fantastic landscapes and rich history. If you enjoy exploring less-traveled destinations and experiencing local culture, Tyumen could be a worthwhile choice.
