As its name suggests, the village of Lermontovo is connected with the Russian writer Mikhail Lermontov.  Located here is the Tarkhany estate where Lermontov grew up under the guardianship of his rather overbearing grandmother. Following his death in a duel in Pyatigorsk, his body was brought back here to be buried in the family crypt. It makes a perfect day trip from Penza.