Kaluga, Regional capital in Kaluga Oblast, Russia.
Kaluga is a city on the Oka River, located about 150 kilometers southwest of Moscow, surrounded by wooded areas. The center consists of broad boulevards lined with 18th and 19th century buildings, while residential neighborhoods and industrial zones extend along the riverbanks.
The settlement was first mentioned in 1371 as a border fortress of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. During the 18th century, it grew into an important trade hub linking Moscow with southern regions.
Theater halls and smaller performance venues stage productions throughout the year, blending classical Russian repertoire with contemporary works. Families spend weekends in riverside parks while locals gather in traditional tea rooms and modern cafés to discuss daily life.
Several train connections run daily to Moscow, with the journey taking around two and a half hours. Buses and trolleybuses operate throughout the area, linking residential districts with the center.
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky lived here for over four decades and wrote foundational works on space travel theory while working as a schoolteacher. His home on the edge of town now houses a museum displaying his hand-drawn rocket designs and personal belongings.
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