Belyov


Belyov is a town and the administrative center of Belyovsky District in Tula Oblast, Russia, located on the left bank of the Oka River. Population: 13,180 ;

History

As is the case with many other towns in the former Upper Oka Principalities, Belyov was first mentioned in a chronicle in 1147. After the disintegration of the Principality of Chernigov in the wake of the Mongol invasion of Rus', Belyov became a seat of a local princely dynasty in 1468. The princes of Belyov fluctuated between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Grand Duchy of Moscow, until they moved to the latter state.
During World War II, Belyov was occupied by the German Army in October, 1941, but was liberated by elements of 10th Army on December 31, during the Soviet counteroffensive phase of the Battle of Moscow.

Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, Belyov serves as the administrative center of Belyovsky District. As an administrative division, it is incorporated within Belyovsky District as Belyov Town Under District Jurisdiction. As a municipal division, Belyov Town Under District Jurisdiction is incorporated within Belyovsky Municipal District as Belyov Urban Settlement.

Architecture

The town contains one of the oldest churches in Tula Oblast.

Notable people