The Wooden Palace of the Naryshkins

Looking at these ruins and a pile of broken bricks, it is hard to believe that life once thrived here: noisy balls were held, children's laughter echoed, and weddings were celebrated. Cows grazed on the floodplains of the Tsna and Vysha rivers, and in the estate of Bykova Gora, a workshop for bead weaving and carpet making operated. This village in the Ryazan region belonged to the chamberlain Emmanuel Naryshkin. In 1871, he built a two-story house with a balcony, a veranda, and a covered gallery leading to a stone annex. The house stood on massive stone arches, and the estate was characterized by pointed windows. The entire complex was executed in the neo-Russian style, including the manager's house with an octagonal tower and gallery.

The architectural ensemble was complemented by alleys, parks with gazebos, and a greenhouse where peaches and apricots bloomed. The Naryshkins also cared for the local peasants, who were no longer serfs, by building a hospital and a school for them. Additionally, sawmill, tar, distillery, and glass factories were erected. Bykova Gora was famous for bead weaving: artisans produced carpets, lace for wedding dresses, linens, and handkerchiefs that were in demand at provincial markets.

In September 1886, the estate was visited by Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich with his wife Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna and the son of Alexander II, Pavel Romanov. Since 1918, the estate began to fall into disrepair: it was nationalized, and Naryshkin's widow was sentenced to execution, but she died of a heart attack during transportation. Later, a pioneer camp was established here, followed by a tuberculosis sanatorium. Over time, the entire complex fell into neglect and turned into a ghost estate. This is the fate of yet another magnificent noble estate.