It is with regret that one must acknowledge that the central part of Russia now represents a region of abandoned estates, manors, and churches. However, in some places, one can find unique structures, such as the former estate of Istye in the Starozhilovsky District of the Ryazan Region. Locals tell legends that the mother of Peter I may have originated from these parts.

It is particularly remarkable that Istye is home to the only blast furnace in Eastern Europe, built thanks to the first Russian emperor. Its construction was not accidental: several years ago, rich deposits of iron ore were discovered near Istye, leading to the establishment of a smelting plant that brought significant income and contributed to the growth of the village.

The owners of the plant, the Khlabnikov family, invested their profits into the development of Istye, completing buildings and improving the estate. The new owner, Anna Petrovna Poltoratskaya, continued their endeavors and built the Christ the Savior Church with her own funds. This building is a two-light rotunda with a narthex and altar, topped with a dome featuring a metal sphere and cross.

Until the early 20th century, the Istye factory thrived. From 1874, it shifted its focus to railway needs, producing switches, rails, and wheels for locomotives. The factory had such powerful industrial potential that it continued to operate even during the Soviet era. However, today many pre-revolutionary structures are in ruins, which, on one hand, is sad, but on the other, it is also a kind of attraction.