The imperial times are long gone, and the city cemeteries no longer hold the graves of once-powerful families. Only the miraculously preserved buildings remind us of past centuries. One such architectural monument is the house of Prince Barataev, located in the historical center of Saratov. Prince Ivan Mikhailovich Barataev, the founder of this mansion, belonged to an ancient noble family, was a secret advisor, and an example of a provincial figure of the Russian Empire. For several years, he selflessly led the local Noble Assembly and left a good memory of himself. Thanks to his efforts, a significant sum was raised for the construction of the free Saratov hospital, which still operates today, although it has hardly been renovated since then. Unfortunately, little remains from those times, and the Barataev house is in a deplorable state, but let’s take it step by step.

Ivan Mikhailovich was not only an outstanding public figure but also a good host. In the early 19th century, he decided to build a new family mansion, and a magnificent house appeared on the site of the old fortress fortifications. The building was executed in the classical style, its facade adorned with majestic columns. A beautiful fruit garden spread around the house, creating a picturesque frame for the stone mansion. Unfortunately, after the Bolsheviks came to power, the garden was destroyed, and the house was turned into communal housing, completely losing its interior decor. The external appearance of the building is also rapidly deteriorating, and even its status as a masterpiece of pre-revolutionary architecture does not contribute to its restoration. Nevertheless, even in its current state, the house of Prince Barataev stands out against the faceless Soviet and modern construction. It is hard to say how much longer it will stand without the necessary repairs, but the loss of such a mansion would be a criminal negligence on the part of the local authorities.