Rachmaninov Museum Ivanovka
TAMBOV
Tambov doesn't really come to mind as a primary tourist destination in Russia, yet it is one of the most charming Russian cities. Founded in 1636 as a fortress on the steppe frontier to protect Russian lands from the nomad raids, Tambov lacks the long and rich history of many other Russian cities. It was never particularly important which may have actually worked for its benefit. It wasn't looted or destroyed by the nomads, Germans didn't occupy it in World War II, Soviet industrialisation hardly touched it. Tambov is as quiet and cozy as it was a century ago. With shady boulevards and parks smothered in lilac bushes and tulips, impeccably clean streets, a picturesque esplanade along the Tsna River, rows of colourful merchant houses and pre-revolutionary public buildings stretching along its main streets, Tambov feels like the happiest Russian city.
Distance from Moscow: 460km Founded in 1636 Population: 288 414 UTC+3
TO GET THERE
By train
Premium service train 'Tambov' departs daily from Paveletsky Terminal in Moscow at 10pm and arrives to Tambov at 7.30am the next morning. The train has economy class sleeping cars, 4-bed and 2-bed compartments. The latter two usually come with breakfast. Alternatively, you can catch night trains to Saratov or Astrakhan, both calling at Tambov.
TO GET AROUND
Mostly on foot. The city is rather small and pleasant to walk about. The railway station is 25min walk from the central Sovetskaya St.
EVENTS IN TAMBOV
28 March-4 June - Rachmaninov International Music Festival
29 April-8 May - Rachmaninov International Youth Piano Competition
1-3 July - Arts Festival Forest Acoustics (Лесная Акустика)
August - Tambov Music Festival Songs Above the Tsna River (Песни над Цной)
19-21 August - Chernozyom Rock Festival
28-29 August - Traditional Russian Game Festival Atmanovskye Kulachki