Estates of Moscow and Moscow Region

Who said you need a whole vacation for travel? There's such a cool format as a short travel trip. This is when you can go somewhere in the region for the weekend or pretend to be a tourist and explore all the sights in the city. For example, in Moscow and the Moscow region. They are rich in beautiful museum-estates where you can walk and enjoy your weekend.

Estates of Moscow

To go on a trip, sometimes you don't even need to leave Moscow. The capital holds many cool locations: ancient estates of princes, counts, and other aristocrats. Walking through them, you can immerse yourself not only in the park's tranquility but also in history.

Izmaylovo

Perhaps this is one of the most famous estates in Moscow. And there are reasons for that: Izmaylovo is a former country residence of Russian tsars. And they, as is known, loved luxury and comfort. So there is definitely something to see here. Moreover, the estate is located on the capital's only man-made island (it is called Izmaylovsky) in the middle of the Serebryano-Vinogradny Pond. In general, Izmaylovo is a unique historical complex of monuments dating back to the 17th–19th centuries.

Previously, there was a continuous forest here, which surrounded ancient Moscow and was used for royal hunting. The estate itself appeared here by order of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov (remember history lessons: this is Peter I's father). So it's not surprising that the childhood and youth of Russia's future first emperor were connected with Izmaylovo. Moreover, in 1685–1694, local groves were used for maneuvers of Peter's 'toy' regiments.

Around that time, the Bridge Tower served as the ceremonial entrance to the estate. Now, it houses a branch of the State Historical Museum "Izmaylovo and the Rulers of Russia."

Address: Gorodok imeni Baumana, 2, bldg. 14

Kuskovo

If Izmaylovo is one of the most famous estates in the capital, then Kuskovo is one of the most romantic. It was once the summer residence of the Sheremetev counts. It was even called "Moscow Region Versailles" to emphasize the elegance and beauty of the complex. Just imagine: a huge landscaped area with beautiful buildings and a picturesque park with sculptures and ponds. Kuskovo truly resembled a garden of French kings.

Alas, not all of this wealth has survived to our days. However, even today you can see more than 20 architectural monuments here. Among them are the palace, grotto, a large stone orangery, and an ancient church.

Address: Yunosti Street, 2

Vorontsovo

The estate is located in the park of the same name. Vorontsovo is a true architectural monument of the 18th–19th centuries. It once belonged to the boyar Fyodor Vasilyevich Voronets. Today, it is an excellent place for solitude and leisurely strolls.

Just imagine: a quiet evening, the scent of linden trees, the rustle of oak crowns, and disabled smartphone notifications… Isn't this true relaxation? By the way, the trees growing on the territory saw the first owner of these lands. And today, anyone can walk in their shade and enjoy the cascade ponds.

Address: Vorontsovsky Park, 3

Kolomenskoye

Let's start with an interesting fact: archaeological excavations were once conducted here. During these, it was discovered that the first people appeared on the territory of today's Kolomenskoye Park as early as the 1st millennium BC.

Fifteen centuries later — in the 14th century (AD) — these places became the summer country estate of Moscow tsars.

Today, the ancient patrimony of Russian rulers is part of an artistic historical-architectural and natural-landscape museum-reserve (yes, it sounds complicated). If we omit all the clever terms, we can simply say: Kolomenskoye is a significant location for researchers and a favorite spot for photo shoots for Muscovites and city guests. The latter particularly enjoy the view of the Moskva River from Kolomenskoye. Many ancient historical and architectural monuments have been preserved on the estate's territory.

Address: Andropova Prospekt, 39

Lefortovo

Another former residence of rulers. This time — emperors. The construction of the garden and park ensemble in Lefortovo began in the 18th century. At that time, the entire process was concentrated in the hands of one of Peter I's closest associates — Fyodor Alekseevich Golovin. Through his efforts, Lefortovo Park was created, somewhat resembling the Versailles ensemble.

Shady alleys and ponds have survived to this day. Among the historical architectural objects, there are also remnants of an 18th-century red brick terrace and the semi-ruined Grotto of Rastrelli (that's the guy who built the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, by the way, here are tickets from St. Petersburg to Moscow). In addition, Lefortovo has preserved a dam-bridge that divides the ponds into Upper and Lower.

Address: Krasnokazarmennaya Street, 3

Ostankino

Don't confuse it with the tower. The magnificent Ostankino Palace, which belonged to the Sheremetev counts, is a true delight of 18th-century Russian art. This paradise for aesthetes has everything: architecture, sculpture, painting, graphics, theater, and decorative art. Nowadays, exhibits are collected here that tell the touching love story of a serf actress and Count Sheremetev.

However, in the autumn of 2012, the palace went for restoration (and has not yet reopened). For this reason, about 3,500 exhibits were sent to other museums. Alas, the park is also currently closed, but you can view the facades.

Address: 1st Ostankinskaya Street, 5

Altufyevo

The first mentions of the estate date back to the 16th century. In those days, Neupokoy Myakishev (sounds like a joke, but that was really the man's name) looked after these lands. He was the key-keeper of the Bread Court (ironic, given his surname). Unfortunately, the buildings from that time have not survived to this day — the Time of Troubles interfered. The estate was completely ruined and burned down.

Then these territories passed from one owner to another until they eventually came into the possession of the noble family of Oltufyevs. In fact, in those days it was called that way: with an "o". It was later that Muscovites renamed the estate to "Altufyevo".

Today, you can see the manor house that belonged to the Oltufyevs (though time has not spared it, so visually it indeed looks ancient), the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and the Altufyevsky Pond.

Address: Altufyevskoye Highway, 149

Petrovsko-Razumovskoye

This beautiful Baroque-style estate appeared in Moscow in the 18th century. In its time, these lands passed as a dowry to Naryshkina, becoming the property of Count Razumovsky. Around the same time, the estate received its current name — Petrovsko-Razumovskoye.

Today, it houses the Timiryazev State Agrarian University. Alas, currently, the historical part of the park is not accessible for free visits. You can only get there on a guided tour as part of an organized group or on specific memorial dates. However, you can freely walk through Timiryazevsky Park with its ponds and sculptures. Entrance is open to guests and residents of the city.

Address: Timiryazevskaya Street, 47-49

Cheryomushki

In 1678, this noble estate belonged to Prince Prozorovsky. Later, Fyodor Ivanovich Golitsyn became its owner. Today, it houses a scientific organization — the Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics.

Interestingly, the estate's territory is divided in two by Bolshaya Cheryomushkinskaya Street. On one side, there is the Parade Courtyard, the manor house, a large park with a pond, and on the other — the Stable Yard and outbuildings.

In general, there were many country estates of Moscow nobility in the Cheryomushki area once. But not all of them have survived to this day. Cheryomushki is one of the surviving ones. The estate has preserved its main building, regular and landscape parks. Since the Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics is now located in the building, part of the territory is closed for walks.

Address: Bolshaya Cheryomushkinskaya Street, 25-28

Grachyovka

This was once a luxurious estate in the merchant eclecticism style. It miraculously survived to this day. Grachyovka is also called "Moscow Region Monte Carlo" due to the architectural similarity of the main house. It is richly decorated with stucco, turrets, and sculptures. In its time, the owner of the estate — merchant Grachyov — built his palace in the style of the gambling house of the Principality of Monaco.

During the Soviet era, the estate fell into disrepair: the church was abandoned, the park neglected, rural houses demolished, and the Likoborka River was channeled into a collector. But now the Znamenskaya Church and the manor house have been restored. So Grachyovka remains a good location for walks.

Address: Klinskaya Street, 2

Neskuchnoye

The location is also known by another name — Neskuchny Garden. There's plenty to walk around here: even linden alleys, fountains. In short, it definitely won't be boring. Plus, in different parts of the park, you can spot picturesque buildings of the old Neskuchnoye estate.

In fact, on the territory of the modern Neskuchny Garden, there were once several noble estates: Trubetskoy, Golitsyn, as well as the estates of Orlov and Demidov. Now you can see the preserved Alexandrinsky Palace, the maid of honor's building, the hunting lodge, and the former riding arena. There is also a representative building with outbuildings here — it houses the Academy of Sciences, so tourists are not allowed inside. But you can walk around the landscape park as much as you like.

Address: Leninsky Prospekt, 14-20

Estates of Moscow Region

Already explored all the beautiful capital locations? Then here are some ideas for where you can go for a weekend trip from Moscow and which museum-estates to visit in the Moscow Region.

Bykovo, Zhukovsky District

Not far from the village of Bykovo is an estate that has changed several eminent owners during its existence. The most famous of them is Count Vorontsov-Dashkov. It was under him that the main part of the palace and park ensemble, which has survived to this day, appeared on the estate. This is the very red stone palace with statue-columns and a tower for an observatory.

Alas, the estate is now abandoned, although many buildings have been preserved. Among them are the palace itself, a garden with a rotunda gazebo, and an active church in pseudo-Gothic style. And, of course, you can walk through the park and find ponds and semi-ruined statues.

Address: Bykovo settlement, Ramensky District, Moscow Region

Marfino, Mytishchi District

Another Moscow Region estate that has changed more than one owner. It was successively owned by the Golitsyns, Saltykovs, Orlovs, and Panins. From the former, a church in the Golitsyn Baroque style remains. After the Saltykovs, the stone palace they built, a rotunda gazebo, a stable yard, a staircase with griffins, and a pier have been preserved. The Panins, in their time, redesigned a large part of the architectural ensemble, supplementing existing buildings with elements of Empire style and Nikolayev Neo-Gothic.

During the reign of Catherine II, all Moscow nobility gathered in Marfino. Hunts, theatrical performances, and balls were held here. Centuries later, the beauty of these places attracted filmmakers. More than a dozen films were shot here, ranging from Soviet classics to modern cinema. Marfino can be seen, for example, in the films "A Friend Among Strangers, a Stranger Among Friends," "The Woman Who Sings," "The Master and Margarita," and "The Crusader."

Currently, there is an active sanatorium here. Therefore, to enter the park territory and walk to the palace, you need to obtain a pass at the checkpoint. So, if you plan to visit Marfino, bring your passport.

Address: Marfino village, Moscow Region

Abramtsevo, Sergiev Posad District

The names of Russian writers are also associated with this estate. Abramtsevo was once owned by the writer Aksakov, who often hosted Tyutchev, Turgenev, the philosopher Khomyakov, and the outstanding ethnographer Kireevsky. Gogol also visited here. Moreover, he even had a separate room where the writer rested for long periods. An interesting fun fact: in 1849, Gogol read several chapters of the second volume of "Dead Souls" to the guests and owners of Abramtsevo.

Later, Mamontov, a well-known industrialist and patron of the arts, became the owner of the estate. Repin, the Vasnetsov brothers, Vrubel, and Chaliapin visited him.

Today, the estate has become the "Abramtsevo" Museum-Reserve. Now you can not only walk through the picturesque territory but also look inside, where exhibitions and displays of ceramic and wooden products await.

Address: Abramtsevo village, Muzeynaya Street, 1, Khotkovo urban settlement, Sergiev Posad urban district, Moscow Region

Vasilyevsky Castle, Odintsovo Urban District

If you want to see something Victorian, then this is the place for you. Vasilyevsky Castle estate was built at the end of the 19th century and once belonged to the Shcherbatov princes. Visually, this red brick mansion with a tower and an openwork balcony strongly resembles the estate of some English aristocrats of the Victorian era. This makes the estate unlike any other in the Moscow Region.

It is also worth mentioning the first owners of Vasilyevsky Castle. The Shcherbatovs were quite eccentric and active personalities. The prince bred Arabian horses and even sent peasants to agricultural exhibitions in England for experience exchange. The princess traveled extensively in Asia: she visited India, Indonesia, Singapore. Under the Shcherbatovs, an exotic garden and a library with tens of thousands of books were arranged on the estate's territory. And roe deer roamed the park.

Today, it is a good location for a mini-trip. Alas, it is unlikely you will be able to get inside the castle itself, but walking around the mansion is possible and even recommended. The places here are beautiful: the Moskva River flows nearby, across which a hundred-meter suspension bridge stretches.

Address: Herzen Sanatorium settlement, Odintsovo Urban District, Moscow Region

Dubrovitsy, Podolsk District

Once, Peter I's tutor, Prince Golitsyn, lived here. Under him, the main attraction of the estate, the Znamenskaya Church, was built. An interesting fact: no historian knows which architects Golitsyn summoned and from where to erect this temple. But we are sure of one thing: the church looks very unusual against the backdrop of traditional Orthodox architecture. By the way, because of this dissimilarity, the temple was initially even refused consecration.

The main house has also been preserved in Dubrovitsy. However, it has been rebuilt many times, so today it represents a mixture of several Baroque style directions. Currently, inside are one of Russia's largest specialized libraries dedicated to animal husbandry and the "Golitsyn" restaurant, named after the former owner of Dubrovitsy.

Address: Dubrovitsy settlement, Podolsk District, Moscow Region

Gorenki, Balashikha

This estate changed many owners, but perhaps its heyday came during the period when it belonged to Count Razumovsky. He rebuilt the palace, created a magnificent park with gazebos and cascade ponds, and grew exotic plants in the orangery, making Gorenki famous for its unusual and unique garden at that time. It's no wonder that at the turn of the 18th–19th centuries, the estate became one of the most impressive in the Moscow Region.

Today's travelers can freely walk through the territory of Gorenki Park along shady alleys around the ponds. However, getting into the museum-estate is not so simple: entry is only possible by appointment as part of an excursion.

Address: Enthusiastov Highway, 6, Balashikha, Moscow Region

Arkhangelskoye

Arkhangelskoye is considered one of the most beautiful palace and park ensembles in the Moscow Region. And rightly so: for three hundred years, the estate was owned by the Odoevsky, Golitsyn, and Yusupov princes. On its territory, there are several parks: French, Italian, and English. Thanks to them, Arkhangelskoye was considered the "Moscow Region Versailles."

The estate is also famous for one of the largest collections of sculptures not only in the Moscow Region but throughout Russia. For the most part, it consists of works by Italian masters of the late 18th — early 19th centuries.

Many figures of Russian culture appeared in Arkhangelskoye in their time. Pushkin was among them. So if you want to relax in peace and quiet, head to Arkhangelskoye.

Address: Arkhangelskoye settlement, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region

Serednikovo

Fans of literary places, we recommend a trip to Serednikovo. This architectural and park ensemble is an example of Russian classicism architecture and one of the most famous Lermontov places in Russia. It was in this estate that the future author of "A Hero of Our Time," Mikhail Lermontov, spent his summer holidays. By the way, the local landscapes inspired the poet, so descriptions of these locations can be found in his early poems. For example, the estate itself and the fast Goretoyka River.

Currently, excursions are conducted here, so you can visit the ceremonial courtyard and the manor house

only as part of a group.

Address: Mtsyri Sanatorium settlement, bldg. 1, Solnechnogorsky District, Moscow Region

Ivanovskoye, Podolsk

Once, at the beginning of the 19th century, this Moscow Region estate belonged to Leo Tolstoy's great-uncle — Fyodor Tolstoy. Later — to Count Zakrevsky. Under the latter, Ivanovskoye became a kind of center of social life. Representatives of Moscow nobility came to the estate to visit and watch theatrical performances.

Now, anyone can come here. Travelers will find a large bright house with columns on the bank of the Pakhra River, a building with a semi-rotunda where a serf theater once stood, and outbuildings. By the way, Ivanovskoye is one of the best-preserved classical noble estates in the Moscow Region.

Address: Parkovaya Street, 1, Podolsk, Moscow Region.

Muranovo, Pushkinsky District

This place is better known as Tyutchev's estate in Muranovo. But the history of the estate is connected not only with this poet. Baratynsky once lived here, under whom the main house was built. The poet decided to leave for Muranovo after the Decembrist uprising to lead a calm and measured life away from the city's hustle and bustle. Later, Tyutchev's family began to live here. The poet married the niece of Baratynsky's wife (we know, it's complicated, but such were the family ties between the poets). It's no wonder that many eminent writers visited Muranovo in their time, including Gogol.

Today, the estate houses a museum dedicated to Tyutchev and Baratynsky. It contains about 28,000 exhibits, almost 10,000 books, and a collection of antique furniture (for a moment, one of the largest in the country). It's worth coming here not only to study the literary heritage. On the estate's territory, there is a very quiet park with linden and rose alleys, ancient oaks, and picturesque ponds. So, like Baratynsky in his time, you can come to Muranovo to relax from the hustle and bustle of the big city in the shade of the trees.

Address: Ashukino urban settlement, Muranovo village, Pushkinsky Urban District, Moscow Region

Here are some ideas for a weekend trip from us. Once you've visited all the estates in the capital and the region, you can embark on a journey along Russia's Golden Ring. How does that sound?