Arkhangelskoye

The grand architectural ensemble of the Arkhangelskoye estate including the palace, the surrounding park and the theatre is one of the most harmonious and complex monuments of the Russian manorial architecture of the 18th and 19th century.

Its history begins in 1810, when Prince Nikolai Yusupov, the rich grandee and patron of arts, became the owner of the estate. Prince Yusupov was one of the richest Russian men of his time. He owned lands in 23 districts of Russia, several manufactures, many houses, factories, fisheries and salt mills as well as dozens of thousands of serfs. Yusupov occupied several top state positions, one of which was the post of the director of all Imperial Russian theatres and the St. Petersburg Hermitage.

He was personally acquainted with many famous European philosophers, artists and architects, since he regularly bought paintings, sculpture and books in Europe - both in the line of duty and for his own collections. After the end of the Napoleon war in 1812, Yusupov ordered several famous Russian architects including Joseph Bove, Melnikov, Zhukov and an Italian architect Gonzago to commence the reconstruction of his Arkhangelskoye estate. The actual works were carried out by many talented serfs of Yusupov, commissioned for this work from all over his lands: builders, artists, sculptors and gardeners.

The palace interior was sumptuously decorated. Yusupov ordered to bring there dozens of precious artworks from St. Petersburg including works by Van Dijk, Vije-Lebren, Francois Boucher, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Hubert Robert and many others. The estate was also famous for its library containing over 30 thousand books, some of them rare and precious.

The Grand Palace’s luxurious interiors were augmented with ancient sculptures, tapestries, porcelain collections, crystal chandeliers and wall lamps, precious mirrors, furnishings and marvellous murals. At the golden days of the estate Yusupov has opened there porcelain and crystal factories, whose production became famous in Russia and was primarily used in Arkhangelskoye and other Yusupov estates.

In 1817, Yusupov orders the construction of a serf theatre, which could accommodate up to 400 guests. The theatre prided itself on twelve scenery sets designed by the famous Italian scene designer Gonzaga. Those are the only of his works still in existence. On the gently sloping river bank, three terraces of the Grand palace, which are lavishly decorated with marble statues, busts, vases, and benches made by Italian masters, offer a marvellous view of the entire estate.

The central part of the estate is situated in the middle of a huge park (over 400 hectares), which is decorated by many pavilions, gazebos and conservatories. In summer Prince Yusupov hosted brilliant receptions in Arkhangelskoye with practically all of Moscow’s aristocracy in attendance. The estate has seen many dances and festivities, which were usually accompanied by colourful fireworks in the evenings.

What is worth seeing at the estate now?
Today, the estate still stands. However the Grand Palace is nowadays under restoration and is not open for guests.

Nevertheless, its beautiful park with many sculptures and various outbuildings is still worth the trip. Should you choose to visit Arkhangelskoye, you will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views at the garden terraces.

Nowadays, the estate has become the summer time centre of cultural life: it regularly hosts concerts and exhibitions. There is also a rather good restaurant right outside the estate border.