Kuzminka's estate had three names. Kuzminki Estate Museum of Russian Estate Culture in Kuzminki

Today's post is a continuation of the story about the natural and historical park "Kuzminki". Last time I talked about the magnificent ones around which the park is spread. Today I invite you to get acquainted with the old Moscow estate "Vlakhernskoye-Kuzminki", which is part of a modern cultural complex.
In order to give some idea about this unique place, I will tell you briefly about the history of the estate.

Brief history of the estate

The land, called "Kuzminki", and the lonely mill that stood here, originally belonged to the Simonov Monastery. In 1702, Peter I took away the land from the monastery and presented it to Grigory Dmitrievich Stroganov (1656-1714), who, in fact, did not change anything here during his tenure. Construction began after the death of Stroganov, when the land was transferred to his widow and children.
In 1716, a church was built in Kuzminki in honor of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God. It was in honor of her that the estate was named Blachernae. This is where such an unusual name of the estate comes from.
Peter I loved these places for their beauty, visited here, stayed in a small wooden house built for him. By this time the manor complex had already been built.
The next official owner of the estate was one of the sons of Stroganov - Alexander Grigoryevich. It was he who created dams on the river and changed the shape of the ponds, after which they became like a river.
The next mistress of the estate was the daughter of A.G. Stroganova - Anna Alexandrovna (1739-1816).
In 1757 she married Prince Mikhail Mikhailovich Golitsyn (1731-1804). The estate went to Golitsyn as a dowry. The "golden age" (even a century and a half!) of the Vlakhernskoe-Kuzminki estate began.

Golitsyn laid out French and English parks in the estate. The English (landscape) park Kuzminok was one of the first in Moscow. The French park was created in the likeness park in Pavlovsk on a 12-beam system. Golitsyn also rebuilt all the existing buildings - a palace, a church, a horse yard, piers, etc.
This is how impressive the estate of that time looked on the plan-scheme.

But Kuzminki reached its maximum prosperity in the 19th century under Sergei Mikhailovich Golitsyn (1774 - 1859).

Looking at old photographs and engravings of the estate, you are amazed at its beauty, you are surprised at the grandeur and scope with which our ancestors worked. You are no less amazed at the carelessness and indifference with which other ancestors destroyed and destroyed everything.

In order for you to understand a little what the Kuzminki estate is, I will name a few facts.

The estate was built by the greatest architects - Bazhenov, Kazakov, Gilardi, Rossi, Vitali, Voronikhin and others.
Thanks to them, the estate "Vlakhernskoye-Kuzminki" was called both "Versailles near Moscow" and "Russian Versailles", because it really corresponded to the level of the most luxurious examples of architectural and landscape gardening art.
At the Golitsyn foundries, several masterpieces of the estate were cast from cast iron, for example, the figures of griffins and lions on the main gate, Klodt's sculptural compositions "Taming the Horses" (copies in St. Petersburg on the Anichkov Bridge) and many, many other unique items.

Kuzminki were loved at all times. They were visited by emperors, generals, poets, writers, artists. And even now the old manor attracts a huge number of people, and the park is one of the most dearly loved by Muscovites and guests of the city.
Even before the revolution, all the buildings of the estate, except for the main house, began to be rented out as summer cottages. Even then, Kuzminki was a popular holiday destination.
In 1912, a hospital was located in the main house. Four years later, the entire palace and one of the outbuildings burned down and were no longer restored. In the thirties of the 20th century, a new building was built here, which no longer represented the former value.

In 1918, the Institute of Experimental Veterinary Medicine was located on the territory of Kuzminki, which existed for 83 years (until 2001). It is difficult to enumerate what these citizens-veterinarians did. They cut at the root, in the literal and figurative sense of the word, unique objects of the park ensemble, various buildings, park trees, etc.

Kuzminki today

The present day of the estate inspires hope. Even in its current state, the estate "Vlakhernskoe-Kuzminki" remains the largest among the estates of Moscow and the Moscow region in terms of the number of objects located here - there are twenty of them. Unfortunately, they are mostly brand new.
The building of the Stables Yard with the Musical Pavilion has been restored - a unique example of architecture in the Empire style. The church, Lion's Quay, and the House on the Dam have also been restored. I read that the plans include the restoration of the main palace. How wonderful that would be!
There are three museums on the territory of Kuzminki: the Museum of Russian Manor Culture, the Museum of Vintage Cars and Carriages, and the Museum of Konstantin Paustovsky. In this regard, Kuzminki is an ideal place to relax - you can go to the museum, and just take a walk, relax.

Walk in "Kuzminki". Continuation

In search of something interesting, we energetically walked along the path of Kuzminsky Park, when suddenly something appeared behind the trees. It was a bridge, a humpbacked stone bridge. It became clear that the most "delicious" was just beginning. From that moment on, I could not tear myself away from the pretty old buildings (real and restored).

About 30 meters from the first humpbacked bridge is the second.

The next was an abandoned house in a thicket of trees. My first association is the fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty", which describes how for 100 years, while the princess and the entire royal court were sleeping, the palace was overgrown with trees and bushes so that it was impossible to get to it.

I don’t know how much the building of the Orange Greenhouse (and this is exactly it) was overgrown with trees, but the trees stand right next to the broken windows, and in height they are already higher than the house itself.

The further we went, the more interesting it became. This is a beautiful building of a round shape on the banks of the Bolshoi Kuzminsky Pond - Lion's Quay (sometimes it is called Round - in shape). The pier was lost and only recently rebuilt.

The lions that "guard" the pier are Egyptian. This is due to their exotic appearance.

At all times, Lion's Quay has been an excellent observation deck, from where it was convenient to contemplate the surrounding natural beauties.

These are the views from the Lion's Quay.

Until our time, the Propylaea have not survived. In old photos they looked like this:

Humpbacked bridge near the horse yard.

Opposite the horse yard there are grottoes - a place where in the heat the nobility hid from the heat. It is always much cooler in the grottoes than in the open air.

At one of the grottoes, a group of teenagers sat in a circle - they sang songs, discussed something. There is simply no better place for such friendly gatherings.

Rainy weather dispersed visitors. The outdoor cafes were mostly deserted.

Another nice bridge.

House on the dam.

And here is the dam itself, on which

An artistic duck showed an "attraction" - sits, sits,

then takes off. And so in a circle.

Kuzminki has a pleasant atmosphere for relaxation. Chamber. Romantic. An ideal place for walks and meetings.

The prices in the cafe seemed rather big to me. Barbecue - 300 rubles per 100 g. Pancakes are cheaper.

We did not go to the cafe, but went towards the Horse Yard and the Musical Pavilion.

Here they are - the famous horses of Klodt! How could I think that in order to admire them, I do not need to go to St. Petersburg ... The only thing that upsets us is that our Moscow horses are in a very deplorable state - all rusty, breathing their last. It seems that the wind blows, and the masterpieces will crumble.

Now the grottoes are on the other side of us.

People rest in Kuzminki with their whole families.

The outbuildings, standing on the sides of the building, were residential in the estate. The horse yard is located on the back side.

Pavilion decor.

From the Horse Yard and the Musical Pavilion, I go to the humpbacked bridge.

Manor Kuzminki
Museum of Russian Estate Culture in Kuzminki

The estate "Kuzminki" is 300 years old. 150 years ago, contemporaries enthusiastically spoke of it as the "Russian Versailles", paying tribute to the grandeur of architecture, the unity of nature and art in the arrangement of a grandiose park, the splendor of salons, parties, holidays and masquerades

The Department of the Museum Association "Museum of the History of Moscow" - the Museum of Russian Estate Culture has existed on the territory of the former Golitsyn estate since 1999.

Permanent exhibition of the Museum of Russian Estate Culture- the result of scientific work and new research by the Museum staff in the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts, the Department of Written Sources of the State Historical Museum, libraries, Moscow and regional museums.

Presented for the first time in full portrait gallery of the Stroganovs and Golitsyns- owners of the estate. Among them were merchants and entrepreneurs, owners of salt works, factories, art workshops, military and statesmen, diplomats and philanthropists. A vivid image of the family nest of families famous in the history of the Fatherland is created by the exposition complexes "Noble holidays and receptions", "Great dinners and feast culture", "The office of the owner of the estate", "Traditional leisure and activities in the Kuzminki estate", "Dacha life in the estate", "Servant's wing of Slobodka: life and culture of the inhabitants". Exhibits - archival documents, books of the 18th-19th centuries, commemorative medals, works of applied art, dishes, furniture and, of course, touching everyday trifles, of which, in fact, the private life of a person consists: fans, dresses, umbrellas, ballroom books, shoes, ladies' needlework, samovars.

VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE MUSEUM

A series of exhibitions, excursions and museum programs at the Museum of Russian Estate Culture in Kuzminki

COMPOSITION OF THE PROGRAM:

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Excursions

• Walk around the estate Kuzminki ": walking tour of the park, viewing the central part of the unique architectural and park complex Vlakhernskoe-Kuzminki.
• World of gardening art": walking tour of the park with a tour of the flower beds (as part of the Flower Gardens Festival).
• Excursion "Kuzminki from the past to the present" (for students and adults)
  Inspection of the stationary museum exposition: a story about the life of the 19th century, about the history of the estate and its owners.
• Walking tour of the park "Walking around the Kuzminki estate" (for students and adults):
  a story about the history of the creation of an architectural and park ensemble, sightseeing of an old estate.
• Bicycle tour of the park (for students and adults): "Biking into the past":
  walk around the territory of the manor complex. (Museum bikes)
• Excursion on a raft along the Upper Kuzminsky pond "Water mirror of the estate" (upon prior request):
  a story about the history of the creation of the estate, its architectural monuments, the philosophy of poetry and the aesthetics of the old park. There is a buffet on the raft.
• bus tour<Дорога в Подмосковную князей Голицыных>(upon prior request):
  (Starts from the house of the princes Golitsyn on Volkhonka)

  Family programs:

  "Wedding at the Museum"; solemn registration ceremony, congratulations to the newlyweds in the style of the 19th century, photographing in museum interiors, searching for a horseshoe “for good luck”, riding in a carriage, planting a rose in the museum courtyard,

  "Day Angel": birthday greetings, ancient games and entertainment, music of the 19th century, festive treat. "Picnic in the estate": a walk through the estate park, acquaintance with the main sights, ancient noble and peasant games - croquet, serso, "Cat and Mouse", blind man's buff and others, tea drinking from a samovar.

  Game interactive excursions for children:

  "The life of the old house": acquaintance with the history of the estate in a fascinating way, noble entertainment: playing charades and forfeits (guides in historical noble costumes). For students in grades 1-6.

  "Golitsyn peasants": acquaintance with the history of the farmstead peasant life of the 19th century, folk games and ancient entertainments (guides in peasant costumes). For students in grades 1-6.

  "Mysteries of the Horse Yard": acquaintance with the life of the Horse Yard in the 19th century, fascinating historical riddles, charades telling about the activities of the clerk, grooms and other employees of the princes Golitsyns, viewing the stables. It is possible to ride in a carriage or on horseback (pony). For students in grades 3-7.
  

• Museum lecture hall (for students and adults) on the history of the Kuzminki estate, its owners, culture, life, etiquette of the 19th century.

  Video sessions on the history of the city of Moscow and architectural and park ensembles of Russia

Information and ordering excursions: 377-94-57

Opening hours: daily from 10.00 to 18.00 (ticket office until 17.30), day off - Monday, last Friday of the month - sanitary day;

Entry tickets:

Adult visitors - 25 rubles.
Preferential categories: students - 10 rubles, pensioners - 12 rubles.
Foreigners - 50 rubles.

Every first Friday of the month - free service for persons under the age of eighteen.

Free admission to the museum for the following categories of visitors:

• orphans, children left without parental care, disabled children: entrance tickets - free of charge, excursion and lecture services - free of charge.
• Conscripts: entrance tickets - free of charge
• Invalids of the Great Patriotic War and other wars: entrance tickets - free of charge
• Employees of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Committee for Culture, museum workers, workers of the Restoration Center. Grabar, members of the Union of Artists of Russia, members of ICOM: entrance tickets - free of charge

Tour vouchers:

Excursion group - 14 people + 1 accompanying person

ADDRESS and PHONE

The Museum of Russian Estate Culture is always glad to see guests! We invite you to excursions, exhibitions and holiday programs!

Museum address:"Servant's Wing". Poplar alley, 6. 377-94-57. "Horse Yard". Old Kuzminki, 13-15. 372-60-66. "Children's Museum Center in the Kuzminki Estate" (located in the "Horse Yard"), 657-65-84.

Museum opening hours: From 10.00 to 18.00, from June 1 to October 1 from 11.00 to 19.00. The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the museum closes. Days off: Monday and last Friday of the month (sanitary day).

Directions: to the metro station "Ryazansky Prospekt", then bus. 29 (to the final stop) or from the Tekstilshchiki metro station troll. 27 or 38 (to the final stop).

Projects.

CLUBS AND STUDIO OF THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM CENTER WORK IN THE MUSEUM:

"The World of the Russian Estate": a historical circle

"My manor garden": botanical circle

"Beaded needlework": a circle of arts and crafts

"Home theater in the Russian estate": theater studio

Art studio for drawing, watercolor and painting

Historical ballroom dance studio For children and parents, adolescents and youth.

Friends and sponsors. Museum Friends Club

In 2004, the Museum of Russian Estate Culture initiated the creation of the Museum's Friends Club. The purpose of the Club: the revival of the estate Kuzminki.

Since February 2004, a section of the Club has been operating in the Museum - the Club of old-timers Kuzminok. Meetings of members of the Kuzminki Old-Timers Club are held regularly every second Saturday of the month.

We invite all lovers of Russian antiquity, who care for the revival of the Kuzminki estate, to become members Museum Friends Club!

Official site of the museum "Russian estate culture"

We spent one of the summer weekends in the wonderful noble estate of Vlakhernskoye-Kuzminki, which is located near the districts of Kuzminki, Lyublino and Vykhino-Zhulebino. Previously, I heard about Kuzminsky Park, but I only recently found out that once on its territory there was one of the richest and most beautiful estates in the Moscow region.

View of the horse yard

Until the 18th century, it was an unremarkable area that belonged to the Simonov and Nikolo-Ugreshsky monasteries. The only building that was located on these lands was a mill, so the territory of modern Kuzminki was called “The Mill” at that time. According to legend, the name "Kuzminki" came from the nearby church of Cosmas and Damian, but no evidence of the existence of such a temple in the area was found. According to another version, the local lands began to be called "Kuzminki" in honor of the best worker of the mill Kuzma. In 1702, the undeveloped lands of the Simonov Monastery, southeast of Moscow, were presented by Peter I to Grigory Dmitrievich Stroganov, who belonged to an old and very wealthy merchant family.

According to legend, the ancestor of the Stroganovs was a close relative of the Tatar Khan, who converted to Christianity, was baptized under the name Spiridon and became related to Dmitry Donskoy. When in one of the military campaigns he was captured by the Tatar army, the khan ordered him to renounce the Orthodox faith, and, having heard the refusal, he ordered Spiridon to be tied to a pole, his body was cut, cut into pieces and scattered.

When, some time after the martyrdom of Spiridon, his son was born, he was given the surname Stroganov, in memory of the torture his father was subjected to. However, many historians do not agree with the Tatar origin of the Stroganov family and argue that this family originates in the Novgorod land. Nevertheless, over the years, the Stroganovs managed to make a huge fortune: they owned more than a dozen cities and hundreds of villages, had their own salt works and were engaged in trade. This clan has always been a reliable support for the great princes and kings in state affairs. It was for his numerous merits that Grigory Dmitrievich received from Peter the Great his vast possessions in Kuzminki. However, he did not manage to build anything on these lands. It was only with his widow and children that the construction of the temple began, which was consecrated in honor of the family relic - the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God, which was presented to the Stroganovs by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.

The area received another name - Blachernae. Initially, the church was made of wood, so it repeatedly suffered from fire and was rebuilt. At the end of the 18th century, a stone building was built according to the design of the architect R. Kazakov. But this happened already under the new owner of the Vlakhernskoye-Kuzminki estate, Prince M.M. Golitsyn.

Even under the son of Grigory Dmitrievich Stroganov Alexander, the construction of the main house began on the estate, a system of ponds was built in such a way that they were connected to each other and looked more like a river.

Pond in Kuzminki

One of the daughters of Alexander Stroganov, Anna, married Prince M. Golitsyn, who, in addition to other houses and enterprises, received the Kuzminki estate as a dowry.

He began a large-scale transformation and improvement of the estate: the church and the manor house were rebuilt, an English and French park was laid. However, the estate reached its peak in the 19th century under his son Sergei Mikhailovich Golitsyn. He invited the famous architect D. Gilardi to equip the estate, who created a whole complex of buildings in the estate that forever glorified the master. Gilardi was the author of the outbuildings of the settlement, the Animal Farm, the Egyptian Pavilion, the Propylaea Colonnade, the Horse Yard and the Musical Pavilion, and also supervised the reconstruction of objects that had been built earlier and needed repair.

The Kuzminki estate was the place where the famous architect could roam freely. His buildings are devoid of defiant patterns and rich stucco, and are distinguished by the regular shapes and proportions characteristic of classicism. In the 19th century, Kuzminki was called Pavlovsk near Moscow, so amazing were all the architectural objects of the estate, which harmoniously fit into the surrounding landscape. CM. Golitsyn owned iron factories, where sculptural groups, gates, park benches and many other items were cast, which adorned the Kuzminki estate.

Visiting Prince S.M. Golitsyn was visited by members of the royal family and the most eminent representatives of the Russian intelligentsia. Unfortunately, the prince had no children, as his wife left him shortly after the wedding, and the estate passed to his nephew after his death. The last owner of the estate in 1912 sold it to the Moscow authorities. Before the revolution, the manor's house burned down, and later the entire estate was nationalized. In its place, an institute of veterinary medicine arose, which existed here until the beginning of the 21st century. At the same time, most of the buildings were ruthlessly destroyed.

Now the city authorities are trying to recreate the former splendor of the estate, but this is only partially successful. Let's see what can be seen in Kuzminki at the present time. We started our walk from the Church of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God, which was recently restored.

Church of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God

Opposite are cast-iron gates decorated with griffins, and behind them once stood a manor house. Now in its place is one of the buildings of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine, owned by the Russian Agricultural Academy.

Gate with lanterns

They say that the plan is to restore the manor house, but so far only two side wings have been recreated, in which exhibitions are held that tell about the history of the Russian estate and the Golitsyn family.

Reconstructed outbuilding

In front of the western and eastern wings, sculptures by contemporary authors depicting famous Russian writers and literary heroes are exhibited.

Exhibition of sculptures

We decided that the exhibitions can be visited in cool weather, but while the sun is shining, it is worth taking a walk in the park.

We go out to Poplar Alley and start a walk along Slobodka. This was the earlier name of the complex of buildings and service premises in which people serving the estate lived and worked. One of the outbuildings currently houses the Museum of Russian Estate Culture.

Museum of Manor Culture

Further we see the wooden building of the former hospital. It was one of the first buildings in Slobodka, which later came under the jurisdiction of the Zemstvo. It was in this small hospital that the famous Russian painter, the author of the paintings "Tea drinking in Mytishchi" and "Hunters at rest" V.G., died of consumption. Perov.

hospital building

We leave to Kuzminsky ponds and go along the coast.

The former Animal Farm is visible behind dense trees, so it was decided to go in the other direction. In some places on the shore, we came across humpbacked bridges connecting the shore with artificial islands.

humpback bridge

humpback bridge

On the way behind the fence, we see an abandoned building in a very bad condition. This is the former Orangery greenhouse. Under Prince Golitsyn, lemons, oranges, apricots and many other exotic plants were grown here.

Greenhouse

Not far from it is the Lion's Quay, which was restored not so long ago. It is decorated with Egyptian lions. In Soviet times, they were dismantled and taken to Lyubertsy to decorate some government building. The pier was slowly collapsing and turned into a mountain of cobblestones. However, now it is almost the same as in the old pre-revolutionary photographs. The only thing missing is the Propylaea colonnade on the other side of the pond, which has never been restored.

Lion's Wharf

Lion's Wharf

A little more and grottoes appear in front of us, created so that guests can hide from the heat on a summer day.

View of the grottoes

And on the other side of the pond, we see the most famous building of the Kuzminki estate - the Horse Yard with the Musical Pavilion. This is a real masterpiece of D. Gilardi.

horse yard

In the center near the colonnade, musical concerts were held for friends and guests of the Golitsyns. In 1846, the pavilion was decorated with two sculptures "Tamers" by the famous master P.K. Klodt. Similar works of the sculptor adorn the Anichkov Bridge in St. Petersburg, the streets in Naples and Berlin. Judging by the photo, last year these sculptures were in a satisfactory condition, but now we have noticed holes and rust, and the horse figure on the right side of the pavilion did not have a leg in its place. Nevertheless, the whole complex of the Horse Yard as a whole looks very beautiful.

Tamers

Tired of a long walk, we sat in one of the many street cafes next to the dam of the Upper Pond. By the way, a small white house is also a recreated architectural monument - it is a house on a dam, built in the 1840s. XIX century on the foundation of the same mill, which gave the first name Kuzminki.

House on the dam

A little aside, the Bird Yard, which existed on the estate in the 18th century, was reconstructed. Several species of exotic birds, taken away by the French during the war of 1812, were bred on it. With the expansion of Moscow, the tenants left the building, and it stood in a dilapidated state. Most recently, it was restored according to the original design of the Russian architect I. Egotov.

On the territory of the Vlakhernskoe-Kuzminki estate, you can visit the honey museum and the literary museum of K. Paustovsky, exhibitions in numerous pavilions and in the open air, in July you can watch the flower garden festival, ride a ferry along the cascade of ponds and just have a great time in nature. Let's hope that the reconstruction of the lost architectural objects will continue, and Kuzminki will again become one of the most beautiful and interesting estates in Moscow.

Kuzminki (Moscow region)- This term has other meanings, see Kuzminki. Kuzminki Municipal formation Kuzminki Coat of arms ... Wikipedia

Kuzminki- Kuzminki: Kuzminki is an autumn day of the folk calendar of the Slavs, celebrated on November 1 (14). In Moscow, Kuzminki (estate) is a large estate, now located on the territory of Moscow. Kuzminsky forest park park and forest park in Moscow. ... ... Wikipedia

Kuzminki (park)- Coordinates: 55°41′25″ s. sh. 37°47′22″ in.  / 55.690278° N sh. 37.789444° E etc. ... Wikipedia

Manor Lyublino- Coordinates: 55°41′18″ s. sh. 37°44′36″ E  / 55.688333° N sh. 37.743333° E etc. ... Wikipedia

manor- Cm … Synonym dictionary

Kuzminki- an architectural and artistic ensemble of the second half of the 18th and early 19th centuries, the former country estate of the Golitsyn princes (since 1960 within the boundaries of Moscow). In the XVIII century. The compositional center of the ensemble was a pond, along the banks of which in a picturesque landscape … Art Encyclopedia

KUZMINKI- architectural and artistic ensemble of Russian classicism 2nd floor. 18 early 19th century, former country estate of the Golitsins (since 1960 in the city limits of Moscow). Manor house, Orange Gallery (not preserved; architects R. R. Kazakov and I. V. ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Kuzminki- n., number of synonyms: 2 district of moscow (130) farmstead (35) ASIS synonym dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary

Manor Kuskovo- an architectural and artistic ensemble of the 18th century, located in the east of Moscow. Includes a palace built under the direction of the architect K. I. Blank, in the second half of the 18th century in the style of classicism; a regular park decorated with sculpture with ... ... Wikipedia

The Kuzminki estate is one of the oldest estates in Moscow. It is located at the metro station of the same name, so getting to Kuzminki is very easy. You can also get here from other stations: Volzhskaya, Ryazansky Prospekt, if you wish, you can go from Lyublino and Tekstilshchikov. To whom it is convenient, in general.

From st.m. Kuzminki to the park to go ten minutes. The entrance to the park will be marked by an arched sign with the inscription " Manor Vlakhernskoe-Kuzminki". The English landscape park, designed by the architect D. Gilardi in 1811-1820, spreads over a large area. As far as I know, this is the largest manor territory in Moscow.

The owners of Kuzminki at one time were two famous noble families: the Stroganovs and the Golitsyns. Grigory Dmitrievich Stroganov in 1702 was granted these lands by Peter I for good service. It was a sign of high disposition towards him from the side of the king.

But Grigory Dmitrievich practically did not use the received territories in any way. The construction of the estate complex in Kuzminki began only with his children. For the most part, this was done by Alexander Grigoryevich Stroganov, who later became the sole full owner of the estate.

Under A.G. Stroganov, the Church of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God is being built. This icon was the former shrine of the Stroganov family, so the church was consecrated in her honor. By the name of the church, the estate received a new name - the village of Vlaherna. A manor house and other outbuildings are being built near the church. All of them were originally made of wood.

The daughter of Alexander Stroganov, Anna, who inherited Kuzminki after his death, in 1757 marries Prince Mikhail Mikhailovich Golitsyn. Anna Aleksandrovna became the last owner of the Kuzminki from the Stroganov family and the first from the Golitsyn family. MM. Golitsyn received as a dowry from his wife, in addition to the estate, salt pans, iron foundries in the Urals, ancient documents, and many others.

At the foundries of Mikhail Mikhailovich, real masterpieces of iron casting were created to decorate Kuzminki. The estate has turned into a real open-air museum. All wooden buildings were rebuilt and made of stone. Most of them have survived to our time.

At one time, the village of Vlahernskoe was put on a par with Peterhof and the Parisian Versailles.

horse yard

Now what we saw in Kuzminki is the remnants of former luxury. Of all the buildings, only the church and the Horse Yard function. It has recently been restored, as well as two grottoes on the other side of the pond. The grottoes were a good shelter from the summer heat and heat. In the Great Grotto, which has only one entrance, theatrical performances were staged under the prince. There was no theater here, as in, so a grotto was adapted for these purposes.

The horse yard is open to visitors, but we decided not to go there. Asking the cashier selling tickets: “What is there?”, We received an indistinct answer: “Well, this is a horse yard!”, The cashier said, pouting her lips in displeasure. Then it became clear that there was nothing interesting there. Although, maybe I'm wrong. If anyone was there, write. It will be interesting to read.

Grotto

In Kuzminki, I was surprised that it took about 20 minutes to walk from the entrance to the park to the estate itself, which is quite a long time when compared with other estates where we were. The maps of the park in some places are not entirely clear. Only when you are near the Horse Yard, you begin to understand where you are and where everything is.

V Kuzminki park several ponds, but you can’t swim in them, like in most reservoirs in Moscow. A cafe-ship runs along the pond near the Horse Yard, where you can leisurely explore the park, sitting at a table and drinking cold beer, lemonade (whatever you like best).

On the territory of the park, mainly near the Mill Wing, on the dam, there are several cafes. Here they sell ice cream, kvass, beer, various souvenirs and trinkets. Not far from the entrance to the park, from the side of the station. m. Kuzminki has an amusement park and a platform for karting. But we did not see the cards themselves. Therefore, it is not clear whether there are races or not.

As I have already said, of the entire complex of buildings of the Kuzminki estate, only the Church of the Blachernae Mother of God, the Horse Yard and the Mill Wing have been restored. Plus, there is a honey museum. What was in the museum building before, I, unfortunately, do not know. The rest of the buildings require restoration. Among them are the Lord's house, the Orange greenhouse, the kitchen building. We got to the Animal Farm, which is also in need of repair. On the way to it, they saw another building without a sign with a description, which you will not immediately notice among the trees. The master's house could not even be photographed because of the trees surrounding it.

Therefore, having decided to go to Kuzminki, do not expect to see luxurious palace buildings here, as in, or in. It doesn't exist here. People come to Kuzminki to relax, sunbathe on the banks of the ponds, ride bicycles and roller skates. We met a lot of people on bikes. Perhaps somewhere in the park there is a rental. Kuzminki are very popular among residents of the city of any age category. People here have picnics, barbecue, play volleyball. And just sitting in a cafe on the shore of the pond, in my opinion, is a great pastime. Concerts are sometimes held near the Horse Yard. We just stumbled across this one. The songs they sang were not modern, so we were not particularly interested in it. Besides, we were about to leave. But all the seats near the stage, which served as a small terrace near the sculptures, were occupied.

One more fact concerning the estate in Kuzminki, which is simply impossible not to mention. Literally a week after visiting the park, the well-known program “The Battle of Psychics” was shown on TV. One of the tasks took place in the Lord's house of the Kuzminki estate. It turned out that ghosts live there, ghosts that the guards often hear. Some of them were even captured on camera. They look like round white phantoms. So, not everything is calm in the kingdom of Denmark ...

A walk in the Kuzminki park left me with a feeling of dissatisfaction. Yes, we walked in the park, sunbathed, rested. But the fact that the estate turned out to be non-working upset us. I read somewhere on the Internet that in 2010 several more buildings of the complex should be restored. I hope that among them will be the main palace - the Lord's House. After its restoration, it will be necessary to go to Kuzminki again.