Orel – from Fortress to Literary Town

Orel

Orel was founded in 1566 as a fortress. There is a legend that when people began to cut down an old oak a large eagle took off. People thought that it was the master of this place. Tsar Ivan the Terrible ordered to call the fortress in honor of the eagle. It is Orel in Russian.

Orel

Orel as a fortress withstood many attacks. Later it became cultural and commercial center of the region. Now Orel is a cozy town with picturesque center. There is special atmosphere because of the river Orlik that flows in the center. You will enjoy walking along the modern embankment and various bridges.

Nikolay Leskov, Orel

Ivan Turgenev, Orel

There are many monuments in Orel. They are dedicated to famous people connected with Orel, for example, Ivan Turgenev. Moreover, there are lots of art objects: the monument to businessman and functionary, the monument dedicated to family etc.

Orel

Orel will be great choice for those people who like walking and enjoy calm atmosphere of provincial town.

Orel

Orel

One of interesting places here is the place where Oka and Orlik River merge. There are several monuments.

Orel

Orel

Orel

When Russian people say Orel they often think about Ivan Turgenev, outstanding Russian writer. His homestead Spasskoe-Lutovinovo is not far from Orel. Moreover, you can visit museum dedicated to him in Orel. There are also museums telling about other authors: Ivan Bunin, Leonid Andreev and Nikolay Leskov. Here you will find many details that will help you understand what it means to be a writer.

Orel

Walking along the streets pay attention to architecture. Orel is really nice in its provinciality. And there are everything that tourists need.