- District of Sheksna
- District of Cherepovets
- District of Chagoda
- District of Kharovsk
- District of Ustyuzhna
- District of Ust'-Kubinskoye
- District of Tot'ma
- District of Tarnoga
- District of Syamzha
- District of Sokol
- District of Nyuksenitsa
- District of Nikolsk
- District of Mezhdurech'ye
- District of Kichmengsky Gorodok
- District of Kirillov
- District of Kadui
- District of Gryazovets
- Vologda
- Cherepovets
- District of Vytegra
- District of Vologda
- District of Vozhega
- District of Verkhovazh'ye
- District of Veliky Ustyug
- District of Vashki
- District of Belozersk
- District of Babushkino
- District of Babaevo
- Historical Review
- Renowned Vologodians
- Vologda Specialities
- Economy
- Culture
- Statistics
- Education
- Public Health Care
- Tourism
- Foreign Relations
- Symbols of the Oblast
- Nature
- Maps
- Film about Vologda Oblast
Bryanchaninovs' country estate
In 2009 the Bryanchaninovs' country estate, a place of interest historically and culturally was restored in the village of Pokrovskoye (Gryazovets District) with funds provided by the Oblast budget. The Most Holy Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Alexius II gave a blessing to it. Alexius II visited the native land of Holy Hierarch Ignaty (Dmitry in Holy Baptism) twice - in 1992 and 2007.
Holy Hierarch St. Ignaty Bryanchaninov was born into the Bryanchaninov family, a family of long-standing nobility on February 5, 1807 in the village of Pokrovskoye. Holy Hierarch Ignaty earnestly saw as his most important tasks apostolic service to the flock, bringing peace and strengthening and spreading Holy Orthodoxy. Ignaty made zealous efforts to establish liturgical life and normalize relations between clergy and laity. The Holy Hierarch took care to improve the daily life of the clergy, to raise its educational level, and to improve their interrelations to a level consistent with their spiritual calling.
Even in our days, there is continued interest in Bishop Ignaty himself and in his immortal writings. Holy Hierarch Ignaty Bryanchaninov is the best spiritual director, the best example of how in the whirlpool of life one can preserve faith in Christ. The Bryanchaninovs' country estate attracts the ever-increasing number of Orthodox pilgrims and tourists from all parts of Russia.
The history of Pokrovskoye settlement is connected with the Bryanchaninov family that started with the boyarin Mikhail Brenko, killed in the Battle of Kulikovo. The Bryanchaninovs' lands in Vologda, Gryazovets and Kadnikov districts were first mentioned in a chronicle of the 17th century. Probably Pokrovskoye was granted to the Bryanchaninovs for their participation in the volunteer corps of 1611-1612.
In 1803 the settlement of Pokrovskoye was inherited by Alexander Semyonovich Bryanchaninov, father of Ignaty. Being a person of great enterprise, the owner decided to construct a new manor next to the rural churchyard where all the deceased members of the family had been buried. The construction was completed in 1812.
It is believed that the house was designed by a self-taught person Alexander Sapozhnikov. Though some researchers consider the distinct, graceful and strict proportions of the building reveal many points in common with the Moscow school of architecture presented by Matvey Kazakov. At the same time other scholars think it has much in common with architectural works by another well-known master - Nikolay Lvov.
Its territory making up 1965 hectares in 1840-1850s, the country estate in Pokrovskoye grew and thrived. It focused on weaving, gilding and carving. The country estate also boasted small factories, a kennel with more than 200 dogs, and a menagerie for hunting.
In 1918 Vladimir and Sophia Bryanchaninovs, the last owners of the country estate emigrated to Czechoslovakia having left all their property. Later they moved to France and their children left for Australia in 1945.
In 1924 the country estate was turned into a sanatorium for people suffering from tuberculosis. Over the following decades the house was extensively modified and renovated. But owing to the untiring efforts of Head Doctor Alexander Tarasov it was preserved.
The building's architecture features all characteristics of a classical composition. The contemporaries appreciated the mansion at its true worth, and the posterity could admire it in all its beauty because the sculptural group restored it to its original appearance. The portal is quite remarkable in its architecture, but the stucco moulding above all attracts the visitors' attention. Attributes of military glory - helmets, banners, peaks, horse heads reveal feat of arms of the Bryanchaninov family. All elements were reconstructed during restoration work that started in 1997.
The Intercession Church is a brick structure. It was constructed in the early classicism style in 1810. The interior of the temple has much in common with the architectural lines of the mansion, thus the church and the manor perfectly harmonized with and supplemented each other. The Bryanchninovs were churchy people and regularly attended divine services.
The family necropolis is located to the left of church. Vladimir Bryanchaninov, the last owner of the manor passed away in France in 1963. His ashes were transported to Russia by his granddaughter Tatyana Watson and buried in Pokrovskoye. Ms. Watson who lives in Australia now comes to Pokrovskoye very often. Those who ever met Tatyana Watson mention her affectionate love to the Native land.
The priesthood of the Alexander Nevsky Temple of Vologda patronized the church in the 1990s. Every year on May 13th its priests conduct divine services in Pokrovskoye to commemorate Saint Ignaty. Many believers from Vologda, Gryazovets and neighbouring villages flock here annually to mark the Intercession of the Holy Virgin.
The Bryanchaninovs' country estate was opened to public in January 2010. Historical and archival documents, pictures of the settlement of Pokrovskoye and photos of Holy Hierarch St. Ignaty and other representatives of the noble family are on display there. An exposition depicting all stages of the scientific restoration of the manor merits special attention. Music can be heard in the ancient manor again. It has become home to literary and theatrical events and performances. Situated 28 km off Vologda, the Bryanchaninovs' manor is the main sight of Pokrovskoye and will certainly be a big draw for residents of Vologda and its visitors.
Working hours:
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Days-off: Monday, Tuesday
Website: http://usadby35.ru/
E-mail for excursions: us.pokrovskoe@yandex.ru