- August 14, 2018
- Attractions
- Yana Umyantseva
Orel is the administrative center of the Oryol region. Its population, according to the latest data, exceeds 300 thousand people. This city is interesting for its architectural monuments, literary museums, themed squares and parks. You don't have to think long about where to go in Orel. There is no doubt that every visitor to the locality will find something interesting for themselves.
Symbol of the city: sculpture “Jubilee Eagle”
Where to start getting acquainted with this settlement? What attractions are worthy of attention first? First, tourists should see one of the unofficial symbols of this city. We are, of course, talking about the sculpture “Anniversary Eagle”.
This monument was erected in 2016 on Station Square. Since then, every second guest of Orel considers it his duty to take a photo against its background, and the local population does not lag behind tourists.
It was not for nothing that the station square was chosen as the location for this monument. He greets everyone who arrives in the city. A bronze bird, spreading its wings, sits majestically on a pedestal in the shape of a globe. The monument was based on a project by a local sculptor, and the necessary funds were allocated by GRINN Corporation JSC as a gift to the city.
Lenin Street
Where can those who have already visited Station Square and taken photographs in front of the famous sculpture go in Oryol? It's time to take a walk along Lenin Street. The main walking area, located in the historical center of the city, is intended for pedestrians. On its territory you can see many former noble mansions, which have been converted into administrative offices, offices, cafes and shops.
The length of Lenin Street is about 600 meters. It starts from the Alexander Bridge and ends at Lenin Square. Until the 70s of the last century, trams ran along the street. Traffic is currently prohibited, making this area an ideal place for a walk. Lenin Street is a kind of local Arbat.
Lenin Square
This is the main square of the city. I recommend climbing it from the arrow along Proletarskaya Gora Street. Along the way, you will also come across a monument to Bunin and a registry office: keep in mind, it might come in handy. The square is pedestrian and attracts young people for walking, rollerblading and cycling.
For those interested in writers, I recommend visiting museums dedicated to them. They are not that far from here anymore. Then you can return to Lenin Square and continue your walk along the pedestrian Lenin Street. Those who are not particularly curious about this can immediately go to Lenin Street, skipping the description of the museums.
Oryol Museum of Local Lore
Where should curious tourists go in Orel? You should definitely visit the local history museum, which dates back to the 19th century. This is the oldest museum complex in the city.
Currently, the collection of this institution includes over 170 thousand exhibits. Thus, in the exhibition areas you can see antique furniture, textiles, household items, documents, ancient coins and much more. The Oryol Museum of Local Lore has already formed two branches. This is the Military History Museum and the house-museum of V. A. Rusanov.
Military History Museum
It is impossible not to pay attention to the sights of Orel, which is a branch of the above-mentioned institution. The Military History Museum has existed since 1983. The most famous exhibit in his collection is a diorama depicting the events of the Oryol offensive operation that took place in 1943. The canvas is 9 meters wide and 33 meters long. It was based on a project by the artist A.I. Kurnakov, who brought it to life.
In all 11 halls of the museum you can find interesting exhibits. Basically, these elements of the collection are devoted to military topics - all kinds of archival documents and letters, personal belongings and photographs of soldiers.
Leskov Museum
The mansion in which the museum is located is a monument of federal significance. Located at st. Oktyabrskaya, 9. Take a look there to find out interesting details about the life of the author of “The Enchanted Wanderer.” The museum has a large collection of things, books and objects that belonged to Leskov. Open all days except Friday, from 10.00 to 17.00.
Art Museum
Where can those interested in painting go in Orel? Such people should definitely visit the local art gallery, which has been operating since 1918. Over the years of the museum's existence, its holdings have accumulated over 7 thousand exhibits. Among them are masterpieces of decorative and applied arts, sculptures and, of course, paintings.
Particular attention should be paid to the collection of icons of the 18th-19th centuries. A selection of portraits of members of the royal family and high nobility is also of interest. It is also worth noting that the gallery has a foreign department. Its collection includes works by artists from England, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Poland.
Museum of I. S. Turgenev
Be sure to visit the Turgenev Museum in Orel. It is very popular among both city residents and visitors. And the museum traces its history back to the beginning of the 20th century. The formation of the collection was entrusted to the Turgenev Society, specially created for this occasion.
Initially, the museum occupied a noble estate built in the 19th century. The basis of his collection was the exhibition, which was collected by a distant relative of the famous writer. But in 1976, it was decided to move part of the collection to the Turgenev family house, which is located in Spassky-Lutovino.
Turgenev Museum
Quite a good collection of documents, photographs and all sorts of things that are related to the life of the great writer. But without a tour it’s not interesting. Read a detailed report about the trip to the museum here. Good to combine with a walk around the city center. The museum is located on Turgenev Street, 11.
Other museums
Those who love to read won’t think long about where to go in Oryol. Those who respect the work of I. A. Bunin will be interested in his house-museum, which is located in the historical center of the city. In the 60s of the last century, a collection was assembled consisting of his personal belongings, documents, letters, books and manuscripts. Even then it contained several thousand copies. The grand opening of the museum took place in 1991; a building from the 19th century was allocated for it. Visitors will be able to learn interesting facts from the life of the writer.
The house-museum of N. S. Leskov also deserves attention. The building is located on the site where the writer's family's family estate was previously located. The exhibits are located in six halls. The collection includes several hundred items, including furniture, portraits, documents, books and autographs.
The house-museum of V. A. Rusanov is another interesting place. It is dedicated, as the name suggests, to a scientist and explorer of the Arctic. It was in Orel that this talented man was born, who made a significant contribution to the development of science. The museum named after him is located in a wooden estate, which is located in the historical center of Orel. The collection of items related to Rusanov occupies only part of the building. Also in the museum you can see an exhibition dedicated to the life of the city’s population before the beginning of the 20th century.
The most delicious pizza in Orel
The guys we stayed with through couchsurfing advised us to definitely try this pizza. The inconspicuous pizzeria is located next to the local history museum in the city center. The guys say that when the neighboring bourgeois cafe “Slavutich” burned down, the townspeople were actively interested in whether this pizzeria had been damaged by the incident. There is always a queue near the inconspicuous small window for very tender and tasty food. I believe that if you have been to Oryol and have not tried this pizza, then consider that you have not recognized the city. So, if you are still wondering what to see in Orel in one day, start, of course, with the pizzeria! Joke. But in every joke... You can find it like this: we leave the local history museum and go to the other end of the building in which the museum is located. There is also an arch there. This wonderful place is located next to the arch. It is not very noticeable, so a photo is attached.
Temples
The Epiphany Cathedral was built in the 17th century. At the moment it is the oldest stone building on the territory of Orel. Initially, the temple embodied elements of the Baroque style. Its first large-scale reconstruction dates back to 1837. Then the cathedral was actually rebuilt in a classical manner. And in 1900, they paid attention to the bell tower, which was rebuilt in the neo-Russian style.
The Temple of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God also cannot be ignored. The construction of its current building was completed at the end of the 19th century. This was done thanks to generous donations from the wealthy Serebrennikov family. During the Soviet period, the temple went through some hard times, but restoration, carried out relatively recently, returned it to its former beauty.
Tourists should definitely visit the Temple of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. However, the Iveron Church, the construction of which was completed at the beginning of the last century, also deserves attention. It was erected in honor of the ascension to the throne of Nicholas II. Funds for construction were raised by Oryol railway workers. Perhaps that is why the church is located close to the railway station. The building embodies the features of eclecticism.
St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral was built in the classical style. It is located on the banks of the Orlik River. The construction of the temple was completed at the beginning of the 19th century; it took the place of two old and dilapidated churches, which were no longer able to accommodate all the parishioners. Once upon a time, St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral served as a place for receiving royalty and holding special events.
Akhtyn Cathedral is another interesting building located in the city center. It is located on the high bank of the Oka, where Pyatnitskaya Sloboda was previously located. The bell tower of the temple can be seen from a distance. Legend has it that money for the construction of the cathedral was allocated by the merchant Pastukhov, who was helped by prayer to recover from a dangerous illness. The temple was built at the end of the 18th century. It was closed during the Soviet era, but then services resumed. The cathedral received cathedral status in 1962.
Original sculptures
The monument to the tankers-liberators of the city of Oryol is located on the territory of the Tankmen's Square. The monument was erected in 1968; previously its place was occupied by a T-70 model, which was later moved to the Military History Museum. The sculpture is a model of the T-34 tank, which stands on a pedestal. A picturesque alley paved with paving stones leads to the monument. It is surrounded by orderly rows of trees.
The monument to A.P. Ermolov also deserves the attention of city guests. It was in Orel that this outstanding military leader was born, and here he was buried. The monument in his honor was stopped in 2012. It is located on the territory of a small square, which is named after the commander. The equestrian sculpture, reaching a height of 5 meters, is somewhat similar to the statue of the Bronze Horseman. The height of the monument together with the pedestal is 9 meters.
The monument to N. S. Leskov is included in the list of city attractions. It is located opposite the former Oryol gymnasium. It was this educational institution that the famous writer graduated from many years ago. The monument was erected in the 80s of the last century. The famous writer is sitting on a bench, and his gaze is directed into the distance.
Parks, squares
The city cultural park in Orel appeared in 1822. It was founded by order of the governor, who thus showed concern for the leisure of the population. In the 19th century, gypsy artists performed in the park and fairs were held. It was divided into paid and free parts.
The first was available only to wealthy residents of Orel, while visiting the second was free for everyone. After 1917, visiting the entire park became free. During the Great Patriotic War, the park was seriously damaged, but reconstruction carried out in the 50s and 60s allowed it to regain its former beauty.
“Nobles’ Nest” is the name of the park located on the banks of the Orlik River. In the 19th century, an aristocratic estate with a wooden manor was located on its territory. It was there that Lisa lived from the work “The Noble Nest” by I. S. Turgenev. The garden of the same name dates back to 1903. In the old days, musical evenings, concerts, and performances took place here. Mentions of this place can be found in the works of Balmont, Leskov, Bunin.
You can’t help but visit the confluence of the Oka and Orlik in Orel. “Strelka” is a public garden that is worth visiting just to admire the natural beauty. In the 16th century, a fortress was erected on its territory by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. Unfortunately, this building has not survived to this day. But in the park there is a memorial obelisk, the height of which is 27 meters. This sculpture depicts the ancient coat of arms of Orel, as well as a chronicle of the main historical events related to the settlement. Nearby you can also see a monument dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the city.
Recreation centers of the Oryol region
Tourist centers and recreation centers in the Oryol region
The Oryol region is the heart of Ancient Rus'. Here the eminent son of the Oryol land, Ivan Bunin, grew up and became successful as a writer. Bunin loved his native fertile land and described the Oryol region in his stories.
About the history of the region
The ancient Oryol land preserves a rich heritage, historical and spiritual. At one time, it was the Oryol region that occupied a prominent place in the emergence of Russian statehood. It was also the spiritual stronghold of Rus'.
The cities of Mtsensk, Kromy and Novosil, as ancient as Orel, are part of the Oryol region. They were founded at approximately the same time as ancient Moscow. The first settlers of the Oryol region are mentioned in chronicles dating back to the 12th century.
From the beginning of the 16th century, the fortress city of Bolkhov began to grow, followed by Livny and Orel. Dramatic events unfolded on the lands of the Oryol region: in the 17th century there was a bloody battle with the Tatar-Mongol hordes. During the time, later called the Time of Troubles, the population courageously fought for their borders in order to prevent the enemy, who was rushing to Moscow.
grain granary
After a time of troubles, when Mikhail Romanov ascended the Russian throne, Rus' began to gain power and expand its borders. The eagle acquired the status of a grain granary. In the central zone of the country, no other city grew so much grain or had such fertile lands.
The Oryol region fed neighboring regions for centuries, exporting bread, meat, lard and other products by sleigh and waterways.
The Oryol province with its center, Oryol, was founded by Peter I. Under his rule, the city became the main supplier of grain to the Russian market.
Nowadays, agriculture and many industries are well developed in the region, and Oryol itself is a large regional center.
Features of local tourism
The features of local tourism are predetermined by the rich history of this ancient land. Ethnographic, cultural and educational, as well as rural tourism are well developed here. Oryol residents have something to tell and show in their homeland. Folk culture and original peasant traditions have been perfectly preserved here. The nature of the Central Russian strip, long praised by poets and writers, adds to the attractiveness of this region.
Cultural and educational tourism
Like any ancient region with a great history, the Oryol land keeps a great many legends and chronicles about the events that took place here. Fans of cultural and educational tourism will recognize a lot of legends and ancient tales.
The epic hero Ilya Muromets clashed with the Nightingale the Robber on Oryol land, near a village called Nine Oaks.
On the Oryol lands, the holy martyr Kuksha preached the Christian faith together with his disciple Nikon. They were captured by pagans two kilometers from the Oryol village of Karandakovo, tortured and beheaded.
At this place, every year on September 9, a solemn prayer service is held, and residents collect water from the holy spring. Kuksha is considered the patron saint of the Oryol-Livensky diocese. An Orthodox gymnasium in Oryol is named in his honor.
One of the main attractions of the Oryol region is the Saburov Fortress, which is an architectural monument and includes: a fortress wall, four towers, the Church of the Archangel Michael and a theater. In 1940, the surviving towers of the fortress were taken under state protection.
Oryol Polesie
Only natural splendor can compete with the rich history of this ancient region. Despite the fact that the region was considered the breadbasket of Russian lands, the Oryol region is not the real Black Earth Region.
There are huge forests here, especially in the northern part of the region. This is the famous Oryol Polesie. It is smaller in size than Belorussky or Meshchersky, but in terms of natural beauty it is in no way inferior to them.
Somewhere the local nature is similar to the nature of the southern regions of Russia, somewhere it resembles the landscapes of the Urals. The diversity and beauty of the region is untouched virgin soil for those who prefer eco-tourism.
National Park
Ecological tours to the national park are very popular among tourists. Within the park, measures are being taken to promote and preserve the European bison. The program is aimed at creating conditions for this animal to live in its natural environment.
The park will amaze travelers with its huge variety of flora and fauna. There is a huge number of animals and birds here, including quite rare species.
There is a zoo on site where you can admire the diversity of its inhabitants. About thirty species of fauna live in well-equipped enclosures. There is an abundance of fish in the ponds and lakes of the national park. The territory of the reserve is crossed by two rivers: Vytebet and Zhizdra.
Recreation centers and tourist tours
Tourist recreation areas are located on the shores of the lakes. These are large lakes: Staroe, Ryasnik and Central. The recreation center at Zero Central provides vacationers with the opportunity to rent the necessary equipment and equipment for hiking.
Recreation centers in the Oryol region can provide their guests with a variety of excursions to choose from. Depending on their preferences, tourists can go to explore the surrounding area and get acquainted with the culture and history of the Oryol region.
Tourists are taken to sights: to the Holy Spring, and trips to the remains of the Saburov Fortress are arranged. The guides will tell you in detail about its amazing history, which began with the construction of the Church of the Archangel Michael by Count Kamensky. Son Mikhail continued his father’s work, annexing the fortress to the Church in memory of the glory of Russian weapons.
There are eco-tours for travelers seeking to admire untouched nature and splendid landscapes.
Ethnographic excursions will allow you to visit the village of Ilyinka, which houses a museum of folk art. The museum has a large number of folk items. Folklore festivals are held from time to time in Ilyinka.
Reservoirs and fishing
A special joy awaits fans of fishing in the Oryol region. Fishing in these places is rich, thanks to the abundance of rivers and lakes. All reservoirs in the region are included in the Oka River basin. The headwaters of the Vytebet River, which crosses the national park, originate in peat bogs.
Many different tributaries and small streams flow into the river itself. The Vytebet River basin includes rivers fed by melt water and springs: Rakitnya, Elenka, Golyn and Lisitsa.
A wide variety of fish inhabit the reservoirs of the Oryol region: pike perch, freshwater catfish, pike, bream, carp. Catching crayfish, which are found in abundance in local rivers, is popular.
The Oryol recreation centers take care of organizing exciting fishing trips for tourists. Fishermen go to the Vytebet River, or to one of the many lakes.
Hunting tours
Hunters will not be forgotten either: the region’s tourist centers offer those who wish to organize hunting tours, help from experienced rangers, equipment and transport.
There is plenty of wildlife in the Oryol forests. If you're lucky, you can shoot a wood grouse or hazel grouse. Coniferous forests are a habitat for squirrels and martens. The wilds of the forests of the Znamensky district are a place where you can accidentally meet a bear. Bears are not found in the forests of the Oryol region, but wander here from the neighboring Kaluga and Bryansk regions.
The rivers are home to muskrats, beavers, otters, and European and American minks.
Wild boars, elk, deer, and roe deer live in dense forests. Hunting in these places is only licensed.
Boarding houses and resorts
For those who want to improve their health or decide on a diagnosis, the doors of Oryol boarding houses and holiday homes are open. Resorts located on the picturesque Central Russian Upland offer medical and health procedures. Therapeutic mud and treatment with radon baths are provided in comfortable sanatoriums
Entertainment
Sooner or later, any person gets tired of sightseeing. What can tourists who are interested in entertainment in Oryol do? For example, they can visit the local Russian Style theater. It cannot be called large; it is ready to accommodate no more than 50 spectators at a time. The absence of crowds creates a special atmosphere during the performance.
The Russian Style Theater dates back to 1994. Over the past time, he has developed a repertoire, and also has regulars. Performances based on the works of Leskov, Ostrovsky, Chekhov, Andreev, and Shukshin are staged on the theater stage. The work of modern playwrights is also given enough attention.
The Free Space Theater is another establishment that guests of Orel can visit. It dates back to 1976, initially focusing on children's audiences. The professionalism of the actors gradually increased and their repertoire expanded.
Families with children can have a great time at the Greenlandia amusement park, which is located in the city. Labyrinths and trampolines, slot machines, playgrounds - any child is ready to disappear here for hours.
Finally, tourists have the opportunity to get out of the city and explore the surrounding area. For example, just 10 km from it is the Saburov Fortress. The picturesque ruins are a great place for a walk and photo sessions.
Time is limited
What to see in Orel in one day? Of course, travelers passing through this city will hardly have time to see all its attractions. However, you can get a general idea of Orel. You should start your acquaintance with a visit to one of the city parks. For example, you can opt for the “Noble Nest”, repeatedly sung by famous writers. Here you can enjoy the spectacle of natural beauty, admire the residents and guests of the city walking.
From the park you can quickly get to one of the city museums. Which one should travelers choose? History buffs should prefer the Oryol Local History Museum, while families with children should rather opt for the Doll Museum. If you have time and energy left, you can also look into a museum dedicated to some famous writer - Turgenev, Bunin, Leskov. Many famous personalities in the past had a close connection with this locality.
What else can you see in one day in this city? You should definitely take a photo in front of one of its famous monuments and visit the local Arbat - Lenin Street. In the evening, city guests should go to a performance at the Russian Style Theater to enjoy excellent acting and get a lot of impressions. Of course, this will only be possible for those who purchase tickets in advance, since there are few seats in the theater.
It is enough to spend just one day in Orel to want to come back here and continue exploring this amazing city. Everyone has the opportunity to verify this from their own experience. The sights of Orel await inquisitive tourists.
Walking route. Historical Center
What to see in Orel? I’ll tell you about our route, which includes getting to know the historical center, visiting museums and the Oryol Arbat. A leisurely, non-tiring walk can easily take 3-4 hours. Of course, the historical center of the city is of interest in Orel. If you have enough time and you like to walk, then you can start your walk from the railway station: you need to walk along Moskovskaya Street towards the center, down to Peace Square with Tankmen Park and the Red Bridge over the Oka. The Red Bridge smoothly flows into Gostinaya Street, and we find ourselves in the historical center. If you are too lazy to walk or have little time, then we take any bus that goes along Moskovskaya Street and get off at the “Karl Marx Square” stop. We go back a little, and after about 150 m we find the Oryol Museum of Local Lore. It is quite worthy to be on the list of what to see in Orel in one day.
