Rostov-on-Don is a large modern city that boasts a large number of historical attractions and modern entertainment facilities. There are also unrecognized, little-known objects of cultural heritage in this metropolis. One of these attractions - the house of Wrangel. An ancient mansion with an interesting history is today in a deplorable state.
The history of a glorious family
Petr Nikolayevich Wrangel is a well-known figure in the White Civil War movement. Probably, this amazing man did not plan to build a military career. Pyotr Nikolayevich joined the rank-and-file after graduating from the Mining Institute. In 1919, Wrangel has already received the title of Commander of the Caucasian Volunteer Army. Peter Nikolaevich became famous as a wise military leader, thanks to his quick and prudent decisions, many lives were saved. The future Commander spent his childhood and youth in Rostov-on-Don. Pyotr Nikolayevich's father, Baron NG Wrangel, came from an ancient and noble Swedish family, many of whose representatives wore the rank of generals and field marshals. Nikolai Georgievich was a talented entrepreneur and a respected public figure. His wife, Baroness Maria Dmitrievna, was engaged in charity, she is best known as the organizer of the first school for women in Rostov. In the family Wrangel two sons were born. Petro Nikolayevich's brother-Nikolai Nikolaevich was famous as an art critic, organizer of museum exhibitions, art critic.
The main city residence of Wrangel
The mansion, known today as the house of Wrangel, was built in 1885. Its modern address: Gazetny Pereulok, 8. The building was replaced by several owners, after which it was purchased by Nikolai Georgievich. One-story mansion, executed in the style of neoclassicism, is attached to an older two-story building. Here once was the Agency of the Russian Society of Shipping and Trade, whose head was N.G. Wrangel. Nikolay Georgievich could get from his living mansion to work - passing through the inner courtyard or adjacent rooms. The house of Wrangel differs in asymmetry in the design of the facade and the layout. The main entrance is decorated with Doric columns and attic. The southern side of the building looks interesting. Up to now, a window has been preserved, decorated with sculptural herms. According to historical evidence, interior interiors were no less luxuriously decorated. Small fragments of stucco molding in an abandoned building can still be seen today.
The difficult fate of the architectural masterpiece
The house of Wrangel after nationalization was used as a kindergarten. Establishment of preschool education ceased to exist in the 90s of last century. The old mansion remained abandoned and abandoned. Several times the building was attacked by vandals. The window openings, the facade with crumbling plaster, covered not with the most pleasant man-made inscriptions, are disorderly packed with boards. It is in this form that the inhabitants of Rostov are accustomed to seeing the historic building. And yet this building is not only a unique architectural monument. P.N. Wrangel is known far beyond Rostov. The restoration of the paternal house of the famous Commander could stimulate the influx of tourists into the city.
Who is the master of the house?
The government of Rostov-on-Don was concerned about the fate of Wrangel's house only in 2007. According to preliminary estimates, the cost of complete restoration of the building will be at least 70 million rubles. An ancient mansion was transferred at no cost to the Rostov diocese. Under the original agreement, the new owner had to conduct the entire complex of repair and restoration works at his own expense. In 2008, the Rostov diocese designed the building into a property. No funds were found for repairs, and a few years later the object was sold to the company "Management of Mechanization". To date, no visible reconstruction work has been carried out. Everything is just as sad and neglected the house of Wrangel. Photos of the mansion made this year, you can see in our article. The building has temporary windows and a roof, in this "preserved" condition the house is already quite long.
Promising tourist object
It is unacceptable to forget such an outstanding person as P.N. Wrangel. Houses, apartments of many other less famous figures of the past today are turned into popular museums among tourists. So why not restore a monument of architecture with an outstanding history? On the assurances of representatives of the Rostov diocese, it was on the condition of complete restoration and the subsequent opening of the museum that the object was sold. The buyer was selected very carefully, often called a "modest patron". However, the new owner of the building refuses to communicate with the press.
Will be restored an old mansion
The House of Wrangel (Rostov-on-Don) is an architectural monument. Today this object is protected at the federal level. A separate document - a security agreement regulates the rights and obligations of the new owner of the building. Demolition or reconstruction of an ancient mansion is prohibited. At the same time, the owner is obliged to maintain the condition of the facility, regularly inspect it and carry out restoration work. It is possible that very soon the house of Wrangel will be restored. Rostov dreams of finding a new museum, many residents of the city advocate the restoration of the building and the opening of a cultural center.