Tyumen: Fascinating Facts
A Chapter on How Tyumen Dazzles, Captivates and Never Leaves One's Heart...
Our Siberian cities exploration brings us to an extraordinary place today. Rather than frost and chill, it's known for warm thermal springs and bright sunshine. Its streets echo with history, bridges whisper romance, while the cats are cast as bronze heroes. All about Tyumen, the most surprising, welcoming and joyful city where Russian Siberian expansion once took root.
General Facts
Tyumen stands as a strategic center of Western Siberia, stretching along the Tura River's banks. It houses nearly 800,000 people in a fast-growing metropolis where sleek business centers coexist with vintage carved shutters. The city's signature landmark is a unique four-level embankment, which looks like a lavish layer cake, where the icing is replaced by vistas so picturesque, you'll want to paint them.
While Tyumen is renowned for its hot springs, it also caters perfectly to culture enthusiasts, with a wealth of fascinating museums, theaters, and unique art objects. Find out why Tyumen is worth a visit!
Top 10 Reasons to Fall for Tyumen
1. Pioneer of Siberian cities
Tyumen is the first Russian city in Siberia. Established in 1586, it was the starting point of Russia's expansion to the Pacific. Prior to this, this very site was home to Chimgi-Tura, the capital of the Siberian Khanate.
2. A prophecy fulfilled
Mikhail Lomonosov's phrase "The Russian might will grow with Siberia..." adorns the coat of arms of Tyumen region. It features a ship as a tribute to the waterways that once linked the city to the distant regions. And the scholar was proven correct! Today, the city makes a substantial contribution to the nation's economy.
3. The gingerbread that makes a perfect gift
The Tyumen gingerbread is a culinary gem that carries the rich cultural heritage of the area with its unique recipes. The ideal souvenir -- one that melts in your mouth, but not in your memory.
4. The Lovers Bridge where love is sealed
The pedestrian bridge over the Tura river is one of the most picturesque bridges in the city. Legend has it if lovers hang a lock on its railing and throw the key into the water, their bond will be eternal. While nighttime lighting turns the bridge into a dreamlike scene.
5. Feline heroes
One of Tyumen's most touching landmarks is the Siberian Cats Square. In 1944, over 200 cats were sent from Tyumen to besieged Leningrad to save the Hermitage from rats. The square is adorned with numerous bronze figures of these heroes to commemorate this event.
6. The sunny capital of Siberia
Tyumen disproves the myth of dreary Siberia! The city basks in about 2,066 hours of sunshine yearly, exceeding Moscow by 500 hours. This is a place where good weather outside meets the warmth within.
7. The hometown of a genious
Dmitry Mendeleev was born in Tobolsk, Tyumen Oblast. He was a renowned chemist and the founding father of the Russian petroleum industry. A true man-of-an-era, with origins firmly in Siberia.
8. The enormous theater
Established in 1858, the Tyumen Drama Theater boasts the largest drama theatre building in Russia. Vladimir Menshov himself attended its opening in 2008.
9. Gagarin, an honorary citizen
On April 17, 1961, just five days after his historic spaceflight, Yuri Gagarin was made an honorary citizen of Tyumen. Here's a fun twist: The world's first cosmonaut never actually set foot in the city, but this was how the locals showed their immense admiration.
10. A city of happy people
In 2012, Tyumen ranked among the top three happiest cities in Russia. And this is no surprise: With its sunshine, hot springs, beautiful streets, rich history and delicious gingerbread. The secret to a happy life isn't hard to find.
Tyumen warms the heart and leaves the impression of a genuine Siberian wonder. You really have to see it for yourself!