Nicholas-Zaretsky Church

Nicholas-Zaretsky Church is an Eastern Orthodox building in Tula featuring a two-story quadrangle structure with a refectory and an octahedral bell tower designed in Petrine Baroque style. The stone structure displays the architectural characteristics typical of early 18th-century Russian religious buildings with its distinctive geometric form.

Construction began in 1730 under the direction of the industrialist Akinfiy Demidov, who replaced two wooden churches from the 17th century with this stone building. The project represented a shift from temporary religious structures to a permanent architectural landmark in the city.

The church serves as a place of worship with religious artwork displayed throughout, including depictions of Saint Nicholas and the Nativity on the walls of its side chapels. Visitors can observe how the interior spaces were designed for prayer and community gatherings in the local faith tradition.

The church is located at Oruzheyny Lane 12 in central Tula, placing it near other notable museums and landmarks within easy walking distance. Visitors should plan their visit in advance to check access conditions and any ongoing religious services.

The lower level contains the Demidov family vault, while the upper level features walls painted in a distinctive pistachio shade specified by the founder. This color choice, carefully documented for the building, sets this church apart from many others constructed during the same period.