MANOR
NIKOLSKOE-OBOL'YANINOVO
NIKOLSKOE-OBOL'YANINOVO
unique monument of history and culture from the 18th century
located in the Moscow Region, in the village of Pod'yachevo
located in the Moscow Region, in the village of Pod'yachevo
The noble estate of Nikolskoye-Obolyaninovo is located 43 kilometers north of Moscow in the village of Pod'yachevo in the Dmitrovsky District, at the highest point of the Moscow region, 293 meters above sea level, on the Klin-Dmitrov Ridge.
Beautiful views of the hills and unique nature can be seen from here. At times, it seems like it's the foothills.
The estate has a unique history associated with the names of former owners - the Obolyaninovs and the Olsufievs, as well as world-renowned Russian figures in the arts and sciences, such as Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy, who sincerely loved this place and visited it multiple times, working on his works and even teaching peasant children in the local school; Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev, who conducted meteorological experiments here; and Nikolai Nikolayevich Ge, who was inspired by the unique local landscapes.
Beautiful views of the hills and unique nature can be seen from here. At times, it seems like it's the foothills.
The estate has a unique history associated with the names of former owners - the Obolyaninovs and the Olsufievs, as well as world-renowned Russian figures in the arts and sciences, such as Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy, who sincerely loved this place and visited it multiple times, working on his works and even teaching peasant children in the local school; Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev, who conducted meteorological experiments here; and Nikolai Nikolayevich Ge, who was inspired by the unique local landscapes.
Bird's-eye perspective video
History
Famous Owners
In 1784, with the funds of the village owner Peter Mikhailovich Vlasov, a stone church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Worker with a chapel of Saints Peter and Paul was consecrated. The chapel was completed and consecrated in 1789. The main altar was consecrated a little later, in 1791. During Vlasov's ownership, there was already a "single-story manor house, with a regular garden with fruit trees," and large ponds.
From 1802, the owner of the village was Peter Khrisanfovich Obolyaninov, a favorite of Emperor Paul I, who had served as the head of the Secret Chancellery and the Attorney General. After the assassination of Paul I by conspirators, Obolyaninov was immediately retired. Over time, he was elected as the leader of the nobility of the Moscow Governorate for many years. P.K. Obolyaninov owned the village until his death.
Under P.K. Obolyaninov, a wooden main house was built. Some changes were made to the church. In 1808, the chapel was renamed the Twelve Apostles.
From 1802, the owner of the village was Peter Khrisanfovich Obolyaninov, a favorite of Emperor Paul I, who had served as the head of the Secret Chancellery and the Attorney General. After the assassination of Paul I by conspirators, Obolyaninov was immediately retired. Over time, he was elected as the leader of the nobility of the Moscow Governorate for many years. P.K. Obolyaninov owned the village until his death.
Under P.K. Obolyaninov, a wooden main house was built. Some changes were made to the church. In 1808, the chapel was renamed the Twelve Apostles.
In 1825, between the western towers of the fence and the bell tower, stone guardhouses and a storeroom were constructed. Since Peter Khrisanfovich had no children, the village passed to his nephew, Mikhail, the son of a not-so-wealthy Pskov landowner named Mikhail Khrisanfovich. A daughter named Anna, the future heiress, was born to the war-disabled retired colonel Mikhail Mikhailovich on October 10, 1835.
Anna Mikhailovna Obolyaninova's husband was Major General and member of His Imperial Majesty's suite, Count Adam Vasilyevich Olsufyev (1833-1901). He was a graduate of the Pages Corps, wing-adjutant to Alexander II, Major General in the Suite, and retired in 1882 with the rank of Lieutenant General. During the Olsufyevs' ownership, the estate underwent significant changes: a school, a hospital, and over ten outbuildings were constructed. A meteorological station was established on the estate, and the count paid great attention to forest cultivation. In 1892, the area of forest plantations amounted to approximately 145 hectares. The Olsufyev family was known for their high level of culture and education.
Anna Mikhailovna Obolyaninova's husband was Major General and member of His Imperial Majesty's suite, Count Adam Vasilyevich Olsufyev (1833-1901). He was a graduate of the Pages Corps, wing-adjutant to Alexander II, Major General in the Suite, and retired in 1882 with the rank of Lieutenant General. During the Olsufyevs' ownership, the estate underwent significant changes: a school, a hospital, and over ten outbuildings were constructed. A meteorological station was established on the estate, and the count paid great attention to forest cultivation. In 1892, the area of forest plantations amounted to approximately 145 hectares. The Olsufyev family was known for their high level of culture and education.
Names of Great People Associated with the History of the Estate
Mikhail and Dmitry, sons of Mikhail Khrisanfovich Obolyaninov, graduated from Moscow University (in Moscow, they got to know Leo Tolstoy, who had been a neighbor of the Olsufyevs in Khamovniki). Their daughter, Elizaveta, attended the highest women's courses in Moscow and studied abroad. The Olsufyevs, living on their estate and observing the lives of the peasants, sought to improve their condition. In the 1860s, the Olsufyevs gave their peasants land without redemption payments, and in 1906, Mikhail Olsufyev transferred all the property to the peasants, except for the estate itself and the rights to the forest.
Mikhail Adamovich Olsufyev (1860-1918) spent 30 years educating children from poor peasant families, preparing them for enrollment in educational institutions, and even paying for their education.
During this time, Obolyanovo became a center for those who prioritized their spiritual needs. Among such people were well-known artists, writers, and scientists. Leo Tolstoy frequently visited Obolyanovo (the estate had a remarkable library that the writer used for his work on the novel "Resurrection," the story "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," and the tale "The Master and the Worker"). Other visitors included the mathematician M.I. Kovalevsky, chemist D.I. Mendeleev, and artists N.N. Ge and P.I. Neradovsky.
In Obolyanovo, Leo Tolstoy spent a lot of time outdoors, often walking, riding horses, skiing, chopping wood, and talking with the peasants. Utilizing the excellent library of the Olsufyevs, he devoted a considerable amount of time to reading and even selected "what is suitable for publication." The writer's extensive internal work in Obolyanovo is evident in his numerous diary entries, which recorded his reflections on social issues, falsehood and violence, philosophical and artistic dilemmas, and the high duty of a writer. "Here, we enjoy, most importantly, the silence... I write diligently," the writer informed his wife on February 27, 1896. "I go for walks and revel in the quiet and freedom from human demands."
After 1917, at various times, the estate house housed a volost council, an orphanage, a school, and a library, overseen by the local writer S.P. Pod'yachev. In 1934, after his death, the village of Nikolskoye-Obolyaninovo was renamed Pod'yachevo.
Mikhail Adamovich Olsufyev (1860-1918) spent 30 years educating children from poor peasant families, preparing them for enrollment in educational institutions, and even paying for their education.
During this time, Obolyanovo became a center for those who prioritized their spiritual needs. Among such people were well-known artists, writers, and scientists. Leo Tolstoy frequently visited Obolyanovo (the estate had a remarkable library that the writer used for his work on the novel "Resurrection," the story "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," and the tale "The Master and the Worker"). Other visitors included the mathematician M.I. Kovalevsky, chemist D.I. Mendeleev, and artists N.N. Ge and P.I. Neradovsky.
In Obolyanovo, Leo Tolstoy spent a lot of time outdoors, often walking, riding horses, skiing, chopping wood, and talking with the peasants. Utilizing the excellent library of the Olsufyevs, he devoted a considerable amount of time to reading and even selected "what is suitable for publication." The writer's extensive internal work in Obolyanovo is evident in his numerous diary entries, which recorded his reflections on social issues, falsehood and violence, philosophical and artistic dilemmas, and the high duty of a writer. "Here, we enjoy, most importantly, the silence... I write diligently," the writer informed his wife on February 27, 1896. "I go for walks and revel in the quiet and freedom from human demands."
After 1917, at various times, the estate house housed a volost council, an orphanage, a school, and a library, overseen by the local writer S.P. Pod'yachev. In 1934, after his death, the village of Nikolskoye-Obolyaninovo was renamed Pod'yachevo.
The map of the manor and the park
CuRRENT CONDITION OF THE MANOR
Despite its status as a federal cultural heritage monument, the condition of the site is critical.
If steps are not taken today to protect the main mansion of the estate from deterioration and roof leaks, there will simply be nothing left to restore.
If measures are not taken to preserve the landscape park, one of the finest examples of 18th-century garden and park art in Russia will turn into an overgrown forest, and the estate ponds will become swamps.
If steps are not taken today to protect the main mansion of the estate from deterioration and roof leaks, there will simply be nothing left to restore.
If measures are not taken to preserve the landscape park, one of the finest examples of 18th-century garden and park art in Russia will turn into an overgrown forest, and the estate ponds will become swamps.
PHOTOS BEFORE WE STARTED
OUR INITIATIVE
An initiative group of local residents from Pod'yachevo village united in 2017 with the goal of preserving a unique monument that is in a deteriorating state.
This project has sparked a public movement, consisting of caring villagers, neighbors, and visitors to the village of Pod'yachevo.
The project unites people with a common idea to preserve the history of an 18th-century Russian village, and breathe new life into the settlement through the creation of new meanings - cultural events, festivals, and tourist infrastructure within the monument's territory.
This project has sparked a public movement, consisting of caring villagers, neighbors, and visitors to the village of Pod'yachevo.
The project unites people with a common idea to preserve the history of an 18th-century Russian village, and breathe new life into the settlement through the creation of new meanings - cultural events, festivals, and tourist infrastructure within the monument's territory.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are the driving force behind this project - a group of local residents comprising a teacher, an entrepreneur, and the director of the local cultural center who came together to change the future of their village. They initiated the project in 2017 with a shared vision. Later, young people, elderly folks, and even children joined their ranks, all of whom dreamt of living in a beautiful place with a magnificent manor.
Year after year, these dedicated individuals undertook a tremendous amount of work. They cleared away debris, repaired the roof, cleared overgrown shrubbery, and beautified the entire area to restore the manor to its former glory. The park, in particular, deserved special attention and received multiple clean-ups annually.
The results of their years-long efforts are now clearly visible. The manor can be seen from various angles, leaving passersby in awe of its stunning architectural features. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through the hard work and determination of a community united by their passion for preserving the past and securing a brighter future for their village.
Year after year, these dedicated individuals undertook a tremendous amount of work. They cleared away debris, repaired the roof, cleared overgrown shrubbery, and beautified the entire area to restore the manor to its former glory. The park, in particular, deserved special attention and received multiple clean-ups annually.
The results of their years-long efforts are now clearly visible. The manor can be seen from various angles, leaving passersby in awe of its stunning architectural features. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through the hard work and determination of a community united by their passion for preserving the past and securing a brighter future for their village.
Visualization of the restoration
OUR MISSION
The project holds immense socio-cultural significance for the development of the village of Pod'yachevo.
Implementing the project correctly, for the benefit of people and the interests of future generations, through the creation of infrastructure, opens up unique opportunities for reviving the cultural identity of the Russian village and the spirit of the unique historical era of the Russian state in the 18th and 19th centuries, which can be described as the Golden Age of Enlightenment.
We are exploring and working on the possibilities of creating a cultural center, a center for traditional crafts, a museum of the Russian estate, or a nature reserve within the monument's territory. The site has a unique potential to attract tourist traffic from the Moscow region and Moscow.
Implementing the project correctly, for the benefit of people and the interests of future generations, through the creation of infrastructure, opens up unique opportunities for reviving the cultural identity of the Russian village and the spirit of the unique historical era of the Russian state in the 18th and 19th centuries, which can be described as the Golden Age of Enlightenment.
We are exploring and working on the possibilities of creating a cultural center, a center for traditional crafts, a museum of the Russian estate, or a nature reserve within the monument's territory. The site has a unique potential to attract tourist traffic from the Moscow region and Moscow.
OUR VISION
In a picturesque Russian village called Pod'yachevo, nestled in the serene countryside, there existed a hidden gem—an old manor house with a beautiful park. This manor, steeped in history and surrounded by enchanting natural beauty, had once been a place of inspiration for the great writer Leo Tolstoy. It was here that he had penned some of his most cherished poems and found solace in the quietude of the countryside.
Over the years, however, the manor had fallen into disrepair, and its historical significance was slowly being forgotten. That is until a group of passionate individuals from both near and far came together in 2017 with a vision to breathe new life into this treasured place. They saw the potential to create a space that would not only honor Leo Tolstoy's legacy but also serve as a hub for culture, art, and community in the 21st century.
The group of residents, along with artists and historians, united to form a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the manor. With unwavering determination, they embarked on a journey to transform the dilapidated manor into a vibrant social and cultural center.
Their plan is ambitious but rooted in preserving the essence of the past while embracing the possibilities of the future. They envisioned a place where artists of all disciplines could find inspiration, and where children could explore their creativity. The manor, with its rich history, would become an art center with studios, galleries, and spaces for workshops and exhibitions.
At the heart of the manor, they established a state-of-the-art multimedia museum, showcasing Leo Tolstoy's life and work through cutting-edge technology. Visitors could immerse themselves in the writer's world, thanks to interactive displays and virtual reality experiences. The museum served as a bridge between heritage and ultra-contemporary technology, allowing people to engage with Tolstoy's words and ideas in entirely new ways.
The manor's park, once forgotten and overgrown, was meticulously restored to its former glory. It became a space for open-air concerts, cultural events, and festivals. The serene pathways and vibrant flowerbeds were complemented by sculptures and art installations created by local artists.
As the years passed, the manor's transformation captured the hearts of villagers, tourists, and art enthusiasts from far and wide. It became a place where creativity thrived, and the spirit of Leo Tolstoy's poetry lived on. The social and cultural center had succeeded in preserving history while embracing the future—a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary artistry that united people and generations, just as the group of passionate individuals had envisioned.
Over the years, however, the manor had fallen into disrepair, and its historical significance was slowly being forgotten. That is until a group of passionate individuals from both near and far came together in 2017 with a vision to breathe new life into this treasured place. They saw the potential to create a space that would not only honor Leo Tolstoy's legacy but also serve as a hub for culture, art, and community in the 21st century.
The group of residents, along with artists and historians, united to form a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the manor. With unwavering determination, they embarked on a journey to transform the dilapidated manor into a vibrant social and cultural center.
Their plan is ambitious but rooted in preserving the essence of the past while embracing the possibilities of the future. They envisioned a place where artists of all disciplines could find inspiration, and where children could explore their creativity. The manor, with its rich history, would become an art center with studios, galleries, and spaces for workshops and exhibitions.
At the heart of the manor, they established a state-of-the-art multimedia museum, showcasing Leo Tolstoy's life and work through cutting-edge technology. Visitors could immerse themselves in the writer's world, thanks to interactive displays and virtual reality experiences. The museum served as a bridge between heritage and ultra-contemporary technology, allowing people to engage with Tolstoy's words and ideas in entirely new ways.
The manor's park, once forgotten and overgrown, was meticulously restored to its former glory. It became a space for open-air concerts, cultural events, and festivals. The serene pathways and vibrant flowerbeds were complemented by sculptures and art installations created by local artists.
As the years passed, the manor's transformation captured the hearts of villagers, tourists, and art enthusiasts from far and wide. It became a place where creativity thrived, and the spirit of Leo Tolstoy's poetry lived on. The social and cultural center had succeeded in preserving history while embracing the future—a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary artistry that united people and generations, just as the group of passionate individuals had envisioned.
Contacts
Email: usadba.nikolskoe@gmail.com
