Let's take a stroll down one of the most beautiful streets in Moscow, Ostozhenka. It is rich in cultural institutions and ancient buildings. Special attention is drawn to the city mansion of Vsevolozhsky, built in the early 19th century. It was constructed between 1817 and 1825 and was named after its owner. The project was developed by architect S. Kushnikov, a nephew of N. Karamzin.

Let's dive into history. The owner of the house, Alexander Vsevolozhsky, was a notable figure. His father, Nikolai Vsevolozhsky, lived in a manor on Timur Frunze Street (formerly Tepliy Lane) and had significant merits for the Motherland, participating in the Russo-Swedish and Russo-Polish wars. His house housed a printing press where books of various genres were published. In 1817, Nikolai Vsevolozhsky was appointed governor of Tver.

Alexander Vsevolozhsky, the son of Nikolai, participated in the Patriotic War of 1812 and commanded the militia. He was friends with Pushkin, Griboedov, and Glinka, and many of them likely visited his home. Alexander was also a member of the literary-political circle 'Green Lamp.' The estate was home to the revolutionary thinker Bakunin for a time, and the critic Belinsky often visited. In the 19th century, the Kirievsky brothers, known philosophers and publicists, lived here.

The house at Ostozhenka, 49, is also interesting from an architectural perspective. Built in the classical style, it features restrained decor, Doric columns, classical windows, and doorways with a massive portal. The terrace is made of stone, while the front part of the house is single-story and wooden, making it one of the few surviving wooden structures from the 19th century. The back part of the house is stone and two-level, but not taller than the front. The second floor is designated for children's rooms due to low ceilings. The facade is adorned with a six-column portico with stucco decor depicting the Muses and Apollo. The upper part of the facade is crowned with a medallion bearing the coat of arms of the Vsevolozhsky family, which traces its lineage back to Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich and the princes of Smolensk. Inside, the layout and decoration of some rooms have been preserved, including a grand enfilade with columns and a cozy living room that opens to the garden.

Today, the estate houses the publishing house 'Ansar,' the International Islamic Mission, and the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia.