Arkhangelskoye Estate
Arkhangelskoye Estate is one of the most attractive places in the Moscow region, characterized by unprecedented beauty and unique atmosphere of antiquity. The palace and park complex is famous for its remarkable architecture of the XVIII-XIX centuries and unique decoration of the premises. Here you can find amazing villas and luxurious castles, surrounded by charming lawns, manicured alleys and statues of marble.
Video: Arkhangelskoye Estate
ContentsHighlights
‘
Historical Background
Highlights
The Grand Palace, located in the central part of the Arkhangelskoye estate, was designed by French architect Charles de Guerne. In 1780, he began to develop a project of the building, but his plan was significantly changed directly during construction. The finished building belongs to the mature classicism – it has a symmetrical design, which is emphasized by a belvedere and a central four-column portico of the Ionic order. The south side of the building faces the park and is decorated with majestic columns.
.
The Church of Michael the Archangel is considered to be the oldest structure within the estate. Originally the structure was built of wood, in 1667 it was restored at the expense of Boyar Odoyevsky. Distinctive features of the temple are the unusual diagonal placement of aisles and the original design of vaults on two pillars.
.
The Small Palace “Caprice”, built in the late 18th century, was first a one-story pavilion. After some time it was supplemented with another floor. During the reign of Prince Yusupov there was an exhibition of paintings, the descendants of the owner due to financial problems had to rent the building. In front of the “Caprice” there were many statues, busts and vases. In the middle of the XIX century, these items were moved to the upper terrace.
.
The Temple-Tomb of the Yusupovs is one of the most elegant examples of architecture in the Arkhangelskoye estate. It was created after a sad incident in the princely family – in 1908 the son of the owner of the estate died in a duel. The high plinth gives the impression that the building seems to float above the ground and rushes upwards. Wide staircases lead to the portico, large columns support the pediment, the structure is complemented by a dome mounted on a massive drum. No one is buried in the tomb, because after the revolutionary events the descendants of the famous family preferred to emigrate. Art exhibitions used to be held inside, but now concerts are organized.
.
The temple-monument to Catherine II was erected in the western side of the park in 1819, according to the design of architect Eugraf Tyurin and sculptor Jean-Dominique Rachette. The famous Russian ruler appears in the image of the ancient Roman Themis. On the wall behind the figure of Catherine II is a quote from Renaissance poet Torquato Tasso: “You, to whom heaven has sent and fate has granted to wish justly and to achieve what is desired.”
The Gonzaga Theater appeared in the estate “Arkhangelskoye” in 1817-1818. The beginning of construction work was initiated by Prince Yusupov, and the plan of the building was developed by Pietro di Gottardo Gonzaga, an architect and painter from Italy. He also made several sets of decorations, four of which have survived to this day.
.
The “porcelain establishment” was opened by Yusupov in 1818. By founding this enterprise, the prince did not at all wish to enrich himself by selling tableware – he presented exquisite sets and various original items as gifts to loved ones. In the modern world porcelain trinkets produced here are of great value to collectors.
.
Useful information
To get to the estate, use a private car or public transportation. From the metro station “Tushinskaya” there are buses №151, №549 and №54. If you go by car, turn to Novorizhskoye or Volokolamskoye highway, from where you can get to Ilyinskoe highway. “Arkhangelskoye” is located at 5 km of this highway.
.From April to November, the park is allowed to visit from 10.00 to 21.00 on any day of the week. Exhibitions and museums on the territory of the Arkhangelskoye estate at this time are available from 10.30 to 17.00 on weekdays except Monday and Tuesday, until 18.00 on Saturday and Sunday. In winter the estate is open for viewing from 10.00 to 18.00 on weekdays and for an hour longer on weekends. Museums are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Access to exhibits is limited to half an hour before closing. The last Wednesday of the month is a sanitation day.
.Due to the great popularity of this place it is better to book excursions in advance. To do this, contact the administration of the estate “Arkhangelskoye” by phone or e-mail. Excursions for prefabricated groups are held if there are more than 10 people and a free tour guide.
.
A single admission ticket to see the park and expositions costs 500 rubles, a discounted ticket costs 300 rubles. Those wishing to simply enter the paid part of the park must pay 150 rubles, on preferential terms – 50 rubles. Professional photography within the estate is carried out only by prior agreement with the administration – to get permission, you will have to pay 3000 rubles.
.
