Moscow Information Guide |Rus-a| Arkhangelskoe Estate

One-day trip to a beautiful place, situated though in the city but far from traffic jams, busy streets and thousands of people, might be the best way to spend a weekend in Moscow. One of the possible destinations is Arkhangelskoye estate: a 19th century complex of palaces and gardens, located around 20 km to the west of Moscow and 2 km southwest of Krasnogorsk.

​

The estate has seen many owners, all of whom were heads of noble families, close to the crown. Arkhangelskoye's oldest building is now the church of Archangel Michael of the early 17th century.

In the 19th century the estate belonged to the Yusupov family – one of the richest families in Russia, who also owned a famous (for some – infamous) palace in the center of St.Petersburg, where G.Rasputin was killed, and many other less well-known houses. The Yusupovs were people of a good taste; they appreciated the power of art, so they turned the territory into a picturesque series of houses and parks and gathered a unique collection of fine art including paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics and interior. Today all this can be enjoyed at the museum in the main building.

​

Arkhangelskoye proves that nothing is more inspiring and perfect than simplicity. Built in a neoclassical style by a French architect Jacob Guerne, colored white and yellow, the main palace enraptures from the first sight. Another popular building is the Colonnade, meant to serve as a mausoleum for the eldest son of the last Princess Yusupov, Nikolay, who got killed in a duel. Her younger son, Felix, was one of the conspirators, who killed Grigory Rasputin. The Colonnade was not finished before the Revolution of 1917 and was turned into an exhibition hall when the estate was nationalized. Today it is one of the finest corners of the estate.

​

Straight and wide alleys of a French park keep the cool of nature even on a hot day. Decorated with Antique-like sculptures and fountains, it descents to the river, where one can feed ducks or organize small picnics. The park is widely used for weddings, birthdays and photoshoots.

​

Another activity to enjoy at Arkhangelskoye is concerts. Classic music is often played in different buildings as well as outside, so that visitors can experience the atmosphere either of a peaceful family evening or a bright ball of the 19th century. Tickets are to be bought in advance.

How to get: either by car or by buses, going from Tushinskaya metro station (540,541,549).