Manor Almazovo, Moscow: description, sights, history and interesting facts

In the suburbs there are many places worthy of visiting and studying. When there is a question about how interesting it is to spend a weekend, then it is worth remembering about this estate. The estate Almazovo (Moscow region) is a place with a long and interesting history. In addition, here it is simply pleasant to spend time in nature, to admire the "classical" suburban landscape and to relax from the bustle of a big city.

History of creation

On the territory of the present-day Shchelkovo district, in an historic area called the "wasteland of Oshitko", the ancient estate Almazovo is located. The area for a long time was quite deaf, with dense spruce forests and impenetrable thickets. At the end of the 17th century, Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich presented this land to his comrades-in-arms - the family of Elizarov, Osip and Mikhail. Then the development of this territory began. Yelizarov's son-in-law named Almazov built the first wooden church in Oshitko in honor of Sergiy Radonezhsky, an intercessor of the Russian Land. In the 1830s the wooden church was replaced with a stone church, and the village was renamed Sergievskoe.

Owners

His name was the Almazovo estate in honor of Ivan Almazov, who owned these lands in the middle of the 18th century. But the most famous owners of the estate, under which it blossoms, will be the dynasty of Demidov. In 1753 the village was acquired by the famous Nikita Demidov. The dynasty of Demidovs is known for its entrepreneurial and patronage activities. The ancestor of the family was the smith Demid Antyufeev. His son, Nikita Demidov, was a master of weaponry who, with his talents and skills, reached the top in the social hierarchy. He became the ancestor of the mining dynasty in the Urals, he was personally acquainted with Peter the Great. His activity led to the fact that he was transferred to the possession of the Nevyansky state plant, which for a number of years he brought to the highest-performing and profitable enterprises of the empire. For the development of the mining industry, Demidov was awarded the title of nobleman. The grandson of the famous Nikita Demidov, his full namesake, and became the owner of Almazovo. He was known as a great lover of science and arts, a great patron and a powerful entrepreneur. Over the years of management, Demidovs' state has grown more than 1.5 times. With his characteristic energy and efficiency, Demidov took up the arrangement of the purchased estate. He went into all the details of the building, the gardeners could not even cut or transplant the tree without his knowledge.

Architecture

The Almazovo estate was in the woods, on a very marshy plain. Therefore, first the builders had to drain the land, cut down part of the forest to clear the place for Nikita Demidov's large-scale plans. And he wanted to build a big house with an adjacent park, which provided for canals, ponds and islands. Inspired by the mining engineer, of course, the views of Venice. For the work, he invited the famous Swiss architect Domenico Gilardi. The hereditary architect built a lot and productively in Moscow, especially after the destruction of 1812. He was well acquainted with the architecture of Venice and enthusiastically embarked on the embodiment of Demidov's dream. The project because of the breadth of design and the difficulties of the forthcoming works was a real record-holder in value, for Demidov it became a kind of a sign of prestige. Although the main property of the estate was the park, the house was also a grandiose structure. The apartment house was designed in Empire style with a powerful portico on two columns, the windows of the building were decorated with a white ochelium and window sills on the consoles. Another interesting landmark of the estate was the temple, erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon. The building was made in the style of classicism, the walls are decorated with fresco paintings, a tall three-tiered bell tower ended with an elegant spire. The iconostasis of the church was consecrated in honor of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God, one chapel was consecrated in honor of Nicholas the Wonderworker, the second - in honor of Sergius of Radonezh.

Manor Park

The main thing about the famous Almazovo estate was the park. His plan was really grandiose. The composition was constructed with respect to a straight channel 700 meters long. On its sides there is a chapel, stables, various buildings. The channel began near the small pond and ended with a large one. In the center of the channel was created Lebyazhy island in the form of a hexagon. Two "sleeves" led to the master's house, the church, wings for guests, rooms for servants and office buildings were located along the banks. From a large channel, small channels diverged, leading to islands of different purposes. On one of them was a splendid orchard, a greenhouse. The adjoining territories were decorated with paths for walks, decorated with flower beds, pavilions and rotundas for rest, picnics, tea-parties, a beautiful alley leading to the main building. Many interesting plants were planted in the park, Demidov strove to create the atmosphere of the "Garden of Eden", here was planted a lime forest, oak forest, an "English" lawn was sown.

"Life" of the estate

By 1813 the estate had acquired a generally completed appearance, although the works on improvement were continued for many more years. Demidov spent a little time in the estate, he was too busy doing business, patronizing affairs. He arranged noisy festivities, carnivals, and amazed guests with a grand scale and imagination. Aristocracy enthusiastically skated through the canals, walked in the park and enjoyed the beauty of nature. But the "golden age" of Almazovo did not last long, in the mid-1830s Nikita Akinfievich sold his offspring. Subsequent masters not only did not continue construction, but also did not keep the park in proper condition. This led to the fact that the islands begin to "swim", the grass grows, the alleys lose shape. Gradually, the manor grows old and loses its former luxury and attractiveness. After the revolution, the house and church in Almazovo were looted. In Soviet times, part of the surviving buildings were given to a boarding school.

Almazovo today

In the 90 years of the 20th century, on the initiative of the military AA Zinoviev, the worship service was restored in the church of the manor, and later a small restoration was carried out. The school staff with their small forces maintain a minimum order in the park and the condition of the ponds. However, there is no one to carry out systematic care of the park, and the features of the beautiful garden are gradually eroding. Marshes take their own and to some of the islands it already becomes unsafe to get to. However, in this form, the Almazovo estate, impressions, stories, advice about which can be found on the sites of travelers, preserves the grandeur of the former design. On ponds and a large canal you can swim by boat, it is possible to approach some ancient bridges. System tour activity is not here, but enthusiasts go to the park and even drive tourists.

Main Attractions

The Almazovo estate (address: Almazovo, Moscow region, Shchelkovo district) is not a place of pilgrimage for tourists, there is little to be seen here. The main attraction is the church of St. Sergius of Radonezh, which underwent a qualitative restoration, in which artists and artists from the Moscow Kremlin took part. You can also see the central part of the park, in general terms, retained the original design of the creator.

How to get there

For a weekend in nature, the Almazovo estate is quite suitable. How to get to this place? We need to go from Moscow along the Schelkovskoye highway to the village of Bear Lake, turn off at the Sokolovo sign, then follow signs to the Temple of Sergius of Radonezh. You can also get there by train on the Fryazino branch to the Monino stop. Then take the bus to Almazovo.

Interesting Facts

The estate of Almazovo (Moscow) has survived its best days, in which many interesting facts and stories survived. So, they say that Demidov's spirit continues to wander around the park in search of its former splendor. It is interesting that according to the architect's plan in a large pond, a real quest with 8 stops was planned, for this several pavilions were built, including the Chinese Tower, the Lodge of Solitude, several arbors.