History of the estate on Prechistenka

On Prechistenka, opposite the Fire Station building, among luxurious mansions, lies the famous estate of Denis Davydov. This building, dating back to the second half of the 18th century, once occupied the entire block between Barykovsky and Sechenovsky lanes. The mansion holds memories of many interesting personalities who lived here in their time.

Owners and Notable Personalities

In the 1770s, the house belonged to General of Infantry, Chief of Police of Moscow Nikolai Petrovich Arkharov, a well-known investigator and figure in Moscow. It was from his surname that the term "arkharovets" originated, initially referring to a police officer in an ironic sense.

After Arkharov, the house passed to General G. I. Bibikov, a hero of the Patriotic War of 1812. Bibikov was a great lover of music, so balls were often held in the estate, attended by representatives of the bohemia. Here, one could meet Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin with his wife Natalia Goncharova, Prince Pyotr Vyazemsky, and Count Fyodor Tolstoy. The general also introduced his serfs to the arts.

From 1835 to 1837, the estate belonged to Lieutenant General and poet Denis Vasilyevich Davydov, a hero of the 1812 war. Davydov was at the forefront of the partisan movement in Russia, so the mansion was called "the house of the chief partisan." During that time, historical attributes and paintings of great Russian commanders appeared here: A. Suvorov, M. Kutuzov, P. Bagration. Davydov was often visited by notable guests, including A. S. Pushkin and E. A. Baratynsky.

After Davydov's death, the estate passed to doctor Illarion Ivanovich Dubrov, an orderly at the Moscow military hospital. Before the 1917 revolution, it housed the women's gymnasium of S. A. Arsenyeva.

During the Soviet era, the building was occupied by officials of the district committee of the Communist Party. A memorial plaque in honor of D. V. Davydov, created by A. Kotyrev, was installed on the house.

Reconstruction and Restoration

During the Moscow fires of 1812, the house was severely damaged but was soon restored. It was raised with a mezzanine featuring a wide arched window and Corinthian columns were added at the main entrance. The building has been extended multiple times.

Today, the walls of Davydov's mansion on Prechistenka have been restored; however, unfortunately, the interior decor has not survived.