Medieval castles in gothic style. The interiors of ancient castles in our time. Part 3. Gothic

Gothic architecture is more than just amazing. It is timeless and often breathtaking. Needless to say, Gothic architecture was one of the most extreme expressions of humanity. The thing is, you never know when or where you will come across this unique style of architecture. From American churches to grandiose cathedrals and even some civic buildings, Gothic architecture is still loved by people today, but nothing compares to the classic Gothic architecture that we'll be illustrating in this article.

There are several different types, but they are all beautiful. From French to English to Italian style, Gothic architecture is like no other. France was the birthplace of Gothic architecture, and if you look at history gothic architecture it is almost spiritual. That's why you often see 12th century cathedrals, and even modern churches built in the beautiful style of Gothic architecture. It is one of the most captivating architectural styles known today. The beauty lies in the extreme complexity of the designs and in every small detail of the finish. These works of art have stood the test of time.

These are just a few of the many wonderful designs of Gothic architecture that are available for public viewing. These structures are again simply indescribable. If you ever get a chance to see one of these marvelous works of art, then you can understand the true grandeur, the nostalgic history or the realism of the ghostly images that seem to wander through the indescribably beautiful halls of these stunning buildings. Nothing compares to what you will feel when standing in front of one of these wonderful buildings.

10. St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

St. Stephen's Cathedral, which was built in 1147, stands on the ruins of two churches that used to be on this site. This is a perfect example of all that Gothic architecture has to offer. In fact, it is considered the metropolis of the great Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna, and also serves as the seat of the archbishop. It is the most important religious building in Austria.

St. Stephen's Cathedral has endured the test of time and witnessed many historical events. It is covered with a beautifully painted roof, which currently stands as one of the city's most unique and recognizable religious symbols. The exquisite fortress is a distinctive feature of the Vienna skyline.

There's something about the structure of the building that many of us don't know about - the north tower was actually meant to be a mirror image of the south tower. The building was originally planned to be much more ambitious, but given the fact that the Gothic era had passed, construction stopped in 1511 and a hat was added to the north tower in the style of Renaissance architecture. Now the inhabitants of Vienna call it "the top water tower».

Locals also refer to the entrance to the building as "Riesentor" or "giant's door". The bells that were once housed in the Heidentürme ( south tower) were lost forever during World War II. However, on north tower there is a bell tower that is still functioning. The oldest parts of St Stephen's are its Roman towers and the giant's door.

9. Mir Castle


Mir Castle is a breathtaking example of 16th century Gothic architecture located in the Grodno region. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Belarus. The famous Prince Ilyinich built it in the early 1500s. However, the construction of this 3-storey castle began as the construction of a gothic work of art. It was later finished by its second owner, Mikołaj Radzivilla, in the Renaissance style. The castle was once surrounded by a moat, and beautiful Italian gardens are laid out against its northern wall.

Mir Castle suffered significant damage during the Napoleonic Wars. Nikolai Svyatopolk-Mirsky bought it, and began restoring it before handing it over to his son for complete completion. Mirsky's son hired a well-known architect named Teodor Bursze to fulfill his father's wishes, and his family owned Mirsky Castle until 1939.

The castle once served as a ghetto for Jews after they were liquidated by Nazi forces. Subsequently, it became a housing stock, but today the Mir Castle is a National Heritage Site. This is a huge part of the local and national culture, and a phenomenal piece of Gothic architecture that can be admired by both locals as well as tourists.

8. Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp (Antwerp Cathedral)

Antwerp Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp, is a Roman Catholic building in Antwerp, Belgium. The construction of this outstanding masterpiece of Gothic architecture began in 1352 and continued until 1521. Construction was stopped in 1521 and today remains unfinished.

The cathedral stands where, from the ninth to the twelfth century, there was a small chapel of Our Lady. Now it is the largest and most spectacular gothic architectural style church in the Netherlands.

Looking at this royal building, it is hard to imagine that in 1533 a fire destroyed it and this, in fact, was the reason that it was not finished. However, due to its amazing beauty, it became an archbishop's cathedral in 1559. From the early 1800s to the mid-1900s, it was empty again and was even damaged during several local wars.

The amazing building has endured the test of time, war, fire, and its story found a happy ending when it was completely restored in the 19th century thanks to restoration. In 1993 the restoration that had begun in 1965 was finally completed and this impressive masterpiece of Gothic architecture and work of art was reopened to the public.

7. Cologne Cathedral

What a majestic masterpiece of Gothic architecture! Its construction lasted from 1248 to 1473, then it stopped and resumed only in the 19th century. Like many of its statute buildings, Cologne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church and is located in Cologne, Germany. It serves as the residence of the archbishop, beloved by the people, as well as the archdiocese. This monument is a beacon and a symbol of both German Catholicism and outstanding and memorable Gothic architecture. Cologne Cathedral is also on the World Heritage List and is Germany's most visited tourist attraction.

The Gothic architecture presented in this building is simply amazing. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe with the second highest sphere. This building also has the largest façade of any church in the world today. The width-to-height ratio of the kliros compared to other medieval churches puts it in first place in this category as well.

There are so many beautiful things to see in this indescribably beautiful building that in order to truly appreciate them, you have to see them with your own eyes.

Its design was based on that of the Amiens Cathedral. It repeats the design with a Latin cross and high Gothic vaults. In the cathedral you can see beautiful stained glass windows, a high altar, original fixtures and much more. It truly can be called a modern treasure.

6. Burgos Cathedral (Cathedral of Burgos)


This example of Gothic architecture of the 13th century again appears before us in all its glory. Burgos Cathedral is an immaculately built and finely detailed cathedral located in Spain and occupied by Catholics. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This is a huge architectural masterpiece, the construction of which was started in 1221 and continued until 1567. The cathedral was built in the French Gothic style. Later in the 15th and 16th century, elements of the Renaissance architectural style were also introduced into its structure. It was included in the list of cathedrals considered to be World Heritage Sites of Cathedrals and Gothic Architecture at the end of 1984, thus becoming the only Spanish cathedral to have this status.

There are many things to admire in this historically rich and beautiful place. From the statues of the 12 Apostles to the Condestable Chapel and the entire work of art, there are many more than we can describe in this article. The cathedral is Gothic to the core and is filled with angels, knights and heraldry among other stunning beauties.

5. St Vitus Cathedral


This magnificent example of Gothic architecture is located in Prague. St. Vitus Cathedral is much more beautiful than words can describe. The cathedral was built in strictly Gothic style. He's just amazing. If you ever get a chance to look at it - be sure to do it. This opportunity is definitely given only once in a lifetime!

The cathedral is not only a wonderful example of Gothic architecture, the church itself is the most revered and important in the country. It is also the largest cathedral. It is located next to the Prague Castle and the tombs of the Holy Roman Emperors, in addition, the remains of Czech kings are buried there. The whole complex, of course, is in the possession of the state.

4. Westminster Abbey


Westminster Abbey is also known as the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster. For the most part, the abbey is built in the Gothic style and is one of the most notable religious buildings in London.

According to legend, in the late 1000s, on the site where Westminster Abbey is now located, there was a church called Thorn Ey (Thorn Ey). The construction of Westminster Abbey, according to legend, was begun at the request of Henry III in 1245 to prepare the place of his burial. More than 15 royal weddings have been held at the abbey.

This amazing work of Gothic architecture has witnessed many historical events, wars, it has suffered its share of damage, and survived many days of glory. Now it is a constant reminder of the events of bygone days.

3. Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres. This is a Roman, medieval Catholic cathedral, which is located in France. Most of it was built between 1194 and 1250 and it has been remarkably well preserved. In the 13th century, minor changes were made to the design of this outstanding work of Gothic architecture, but in general it remained almost the same as it was originally. The Holy Shroud of the Virgin Mary is kept in Chartres Cathedral. It is believed that the shroud was on Mary at the time of the birth of Jesus. This building and the relic it houses are popular tourist attractions that attract many Christians.

2. Rheinstein Castle (Burg Rheinstein)


Rheinstein Castle is majestic castle nestled on a hillside in Germany. It is simply an unforgettable sight, and the style of Gothic architecture used in its construction cannot be compared with other buildings of the same time period.

It was built between 1316 and 1317, but by 1344 it began to fall into disrepair. However, in 1794 it was bought and restored by Prince Fredrick of Persia, who lived there until 1863.

1. Oudenaarde Town Hall


Finally we come to the description of the Town Hall of Oudenarde. This is a delightfully beautiful town hall in Oudenaarde, Belgium. The architect behind this masterpiece is Hendrik van Pede and it was built between 1526 and 1537. This building is a must see for all those people who love history and fine art or old buildings.

Castles in Europe were built over many centuries. The masters of these architectural masterpieces have ranged from cruel rulers such as Count Dracula to romantic dreamers such as Ludwig II, who built Neuschwanstein Castle. We bring to your attention the rating of the most beautiful castles in Europe.

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Castles in Europe were built over many centuries. The masters of these architectural masterpieces have ranged from cruel rulers such as Count Dracula to romantic dreamers such as Ludwig II, who built Neuschwanstein Castle. In their possessions, the kings not only rested after a successful hunt, but also hid from enemies. To date, only a small number of castles are inhabited by descendants of noble families, while the rest of the castles have film sites and museums. We bring to your attention the rating of the most beautiful castles in Europe.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

The most fabulous and luxurious castle today is the German Neuschwanstein, which translates as "New Swan Rock". Located in the southwest of Bavaria, near the city of Füssen, the castle was built in 1883 by the romantic king Ludwig II. A castle was erected on the site of two fortresses, on the top high cliff. Ludwig II dreamed of his castle from a young age, but only at the end of his life was he able to realize his old dream. The king ordered to blow up the rock in order to free up a site for the construction of his " fairytale palace". The construction of the castle began in 1869 and continued until 1886, although the castle was never completed. Ludwig II did not spare money for the construction, so the best sculptors, architects, painters and wood carvers worked on the construction and decoration of the castle. And to this day, Neuschwanstein can be said to soar in the clouds, and its fabulous appearance and luxury of the interiors amaze the imagination.There is an opinion that it was Neuschwanstein Castle that was taken as the basis for the construction of the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris.

2. Pena Castle, Portugal

Pena Castle, built in the style of European romanticism, is one of the main decorations of Portugal. The palace is located near the city of Sintra on a hilltop overlooking the sea. Previously, on the site of the modern castle, there was a medieval chapel dedicated to Lady Pena. The chapel was built in the 15th century after the Virgin Mary appeared to King John II. Later, 18 monks built a small monastery near the chapel. However, in the 18th century, the building was badly damaged by lightning and earthquakes. However, only in the 19th century, the King of Portugal Ferdinand II decided to build on the ruins of the monastery summer residence. Ludwig von Eschwege, the architect of the project, used different architectural styles- Manueline, Gothic, Renaissance, Oriental and Moorish styles. Ferdinand and the queen made changes to the project throughout the 12 years of construction. In the park around the castle, there are not only European plants and shrubs, but also exotic species.

3. Chenonceau Castle, France

In the valley of the Loire River, there is a luxurious French castle of Chenonceau. Due to the fact that the castle was mainly owned by ladies, it is popularly called the "ladies' castle". On site modern castle once there was a fortress of the de Mark family, surrounded by water channels. However, in 1512, Thomas Boye, the court quartermaster of King Francis I, bought the de Mark estate and built a castle in its place, which to this day delights numerous tourists with its unique beauty. However, Thomas Boye kept the donjon that once belonged to the de Marks. The first owner of the castle of Chenonceau was the wife of Thomas Boyer, Catherine. After her, Diane de Poitiers, the favorite of King Henry II, was in charge of the castle, but after the death of the king, his wife, Catherine de Medici, took possession of the castle. Each of the owners of the castle contributed to the creation of its current image. Currently, the owners of the castle of Chenonceau are the Meunier family. The castle has a wax museum where you can see its famous owners, as well as their distinguished guests, such as Rousseau and Voltaire.

4. Usse Castle, France

Another of the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley is Usse Castle, according to some sources, it was Charles Perrault who took the basis for creating the castle of the sleeping beauty. The castle was built at the direction of Count D'Usset in the 15th century. However, already in 1485, the owners of the castle sold it to the court king, Jacques d'Epinay. The next owner of the castle, Vauban equipped a huge park with a terrace around the palace. Also in different times the royalists owned the castle, and even Francois Rene de Chateaubriand and Voltaire. The interior of the castle reminds of the eminent owners of the castle. For example, wine is still stored in the cellars, which is made from a rare Chenin Blanc grape variety, which grows only in the town Belvedere. And in the castle stables there is a museum of furniture and horse-drawn carts that once belonged to great medieval families. Also, the interiors of the castle of Usse are decorated with gold, silk and forged elements.

5. Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Prague Castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles of Eastern Europe but also the largest in the world. The history of the castle began with a small church built here in the 9th century. A few centuries later, a palace in the Romanesque style grew around it, and already in the XIV century the palace was rebuilt for the king in gothic castle. After a rather long period of time, a terrible fire destroyed most of the fortress. Then on its territory buildings were erected in the style of the Renaissance. Currently in the territory Prague Castle there are many museums, you will need a lot of time to visit them all.

6. Levenburg Castle, Germany

The German city of Kassel is home to at least beautiful castle Levenburg (or Lvov). And although he does not have beautiful story is in great demand among tourists. The construction of the castle, begun at the end of the 18th century, ended at the turn of the century, in 1800. The castle is made in a medieval style and has a drawbridge over a moat filled with water. However, interior interiors The castle also show the traditions of the Middle Ages. Bronze statues adorn Levenburg Castle, there are weapons and armor, an altar and gambling tables. Although outwardly the castle looks like a castle of the 14th-15th centuries that survived many battles. However, this is only an appearance, and artificially created. Not far from the castle is a huge armory, which displays exhibits dating back to the 17th and 17th centuries. There is also a chapel with the grave of the creator of the Levenburg castle.

7. Glamis Castle, UK

Located in the UK, Glamis Castle is not only one of the most beautiful in Europe, but also shrouded in a veil of mystery and many mysteries. According to several legends, ghosts can be found in the premises of the castle. Externally, the castle looks majestic and calm. Glamis is surrounded by an Italian park with beautiful beech alleys. Fir and deciduous groves speak of its "royal" origin. However, according to one of the legends, the owner of the castle hid members of the Ogilvy family in one of the rooms of the castle, asking him for protection from their enemy, the Lindsay family. However, several decades later, the inhabitants of the castle began to hear knocks on the door and discovered a secret room with skeletons in it. It is said that the knocking continues to this day. According to another legend, in another secret room, Earl Strathmore and his friend always play cards as a punishment for doing it on Sunday. The ghosts of Lady Janet Douglas, who was burned for witchcraft, the spirit of an unknown Gray Lady, the ghost of a page boy also roam the castle. Despite the sinister legends, tourists like to visit Glamis Castle, because here you can see antique furniture, sculptures, works of art, and rare books.

8. Vajdahunyad Castle, Hungary

In Hungary, in Budapest, there is another exquisite and luxurious castle in Europe - Vajdahunyad. The castle was built by the famous architect Ingats Alpar in 1896-1908. Previously, on the site of the modern castle, there was a wooden "Historical Pavilion", erected in honor of the Millennium of Hungary. Since the people of Hungary really liked the pavilion, it was decided to rebuild it from stone. Thus, the Vajdahunyad castle was born, combining in its appearance mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque elements. Now the building of the castle houses the Agricultural Museum. In the park located near the palace, there is a statue of Anonymous, who created the chronicle of the early history of Hungary "Gesta Hungarorum".

9. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

Initially, Hohenwerfen Castle, located just 40 kilometers from Salzburg, was a strategically important object for the protection and defense of the city. Then, in the 11th century, only through a small pass it was possible to cross the mountains. Therefore, it was in this place, between the mountains of Hagen and Tenen, above the Salzach valley, that the prince gave the order to build a castle - a fortification. The erected fortress, which perfectly fit into the mountain landscape, was destroyed, rebuilt over the next few centuries, it was burned by the peasants during the uprisings and they restored it after they were suppressed. Today, visitors to Hohenwerfen Castle have the opportunity not only to dine in a romantic tavern and explore the collection of weapons, but also to admire the flights of falcons in the falconry center located here.

10. Peles Castle, Romania

Many tourists believe that Peles Castle is the most beautiful castle in Eastern Europe. In addition, Peles is the pride of the Romanian town of Sinai. The architecture and interiors of the castle are dominated by the German Renaissance style, although the presence of other styles can also be traced. The castle was built of wood, marble and brick and includes one hundred and sixty rooms. Several Romanian monarchs are buried in the castle, including Carol I, who died here in 1914. To date, a museum has been opened in Peles Castle, the largest and most interesting exposition of which is the Great Armory. Not far from Peles there are two more noteworthy castles - museums: Pelisor and Foisor. All these castles are owned by the Romanian royal family.

"The rarest noble estate", "Gothic castle in Vladimir region», « unique object history of Russia" - what only definitions were not given to this place by numerous authors of publications. And what is surprising - they did not exaggerate a bit.

Khrapovitsky's estate followed in the direction indicated by the Soviet authorities...

In the fate of the estate, everything is striking, from its creation to death.

Retired hussar colonel Vladimir Semenovich Khrapovitsky inherited the estate from his grandfather in 1884. It was in such a neglected and overgrown state that it led him to the idea of ​​selling timber. Hiring the best foresters, Khrapovitsky was so successful in this business that he made a good fortune and even received a medal from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Instead of a dilapidated landowner's house, Vladimir Semenovich decides to build a luxurious palace and castle ensemble. He ordered the design of the estate to the famous architect Pyotr Boytsov, who specialized in creating estates in the Neo-Gothic style.

By 1889, Boitsov erected a manor house in Muromtsevo in the spirit of medieval castles, surrounding it with a cascade of ponds and outbuildings - hunting lodges and a carriage house.

The timber merchant's income was so high that he brought his own railway line to the estate, overgrown with infrastructure, to transport the timber. Here appeared the house of the stationmaster, post office, telegraph, school, bathhouse and Khrapovitskaya station. In 1906, another wing with a massive tower was added to the manor house, which organically fit into the original Gothic design.

The project of the estate was implemented taking into account all the technical achievements of that time: the castle was equipped with water supply and sewerage, its own telegraph station, central heating was installed, all buildings and the park were illuminated with electricity, and palm and boxwood trees grew in greenhouses.

Manor buildings were located on the territory of a huge park. In the shade of firs, cypresses and pines, there were playgrounds for sports games. Curved alleys were decorated with magnificent statues, and along the paths stood fashionable garden furniture - armchairs and benches. Marble, furniture, weapons, porcelain, Khrapovitsky ordered all decor items exclusively from royal suppliers.

Not far from the house, Khrapovitsky built a manor temple, which was decorated with wall paintings by students of the Vasnetsov school.

The legend says that the idea of ​​a stylized medieval estate at Khrapovitsky arose after a trip to France, where Vladimir Semyonovich was fascinated by the beauty of ancient castles.

In response to a remark by a French official that there was nothing like it in Russia, Khrapovitsky made a bet that he would build his own castle.

A little away from the manor house, Vladimir Semyonovich erected a barnyard, which, according to legend, resembled a small copy of the Frenchman's castle, which offended Khrapovitsky's pride. When the French offender arrived in Muromtsevo, Khrapovitsky took him to the barnyard.

After listening to the admiration of the foreign guest, who took the building of the stables for a castle, the landowner laughed in response: “Thank you! But my horses live here, and my estate is a little further.

“When there was a revolution, Khrapovitsky was wounded, he crawled through an underground passage and crawled to the station, where he boarded a train and drove to France, where he died in a nursing home in poverty”

Do not be afraid of the abruptly changed style of the story. This is the phrase of the boy-guide deciphered from the recorder. There are a huge number of them, this is a kind of local business. I would even say almost a small racket. The tour will be held for "how much you give, someone gives 500, someone gives a thousand."

We bargained for 250 rubles and do not regret it at all. We have an amazing audio recording. Nine minutes and 13 seconds of selective nonsense. It is pointless to ask questions, all the information was told by "the older guys and there was some kind of book."

Well, that is, at first I was still trying to understand why there was an exit from the prayer room to the kennel. And he questioned the mahogany slats, they were plastered anyway. But after the Soviet government, which seized the estate, but forgot to take the station with the train to France before that, he stopped looking for logic in the boy's story.

But the guide showed us a bunch of things that we did not pay attention to. Fragments of surviving tiles, rollers on which a "crystal chandelier made of pure crystal" descended, and floors that give beautiful reflections on the walls "when they were poured with water."

The basement where old books were kept, a room with goldfish in the floor under ten-centimeter glass, fireplaces and the same underground passage to the church and the station along which the wounded Khrapovitsky crawled.

Not really. Trying to save the estate from looting, Khrapovitsky described all his valuables and property, handed them over to the new government and emigrated to France almost empty-handed. After that the castle was plundered.

In Soviet times, the castle housed a forest technical school and the building was in a more or less normal condition. But after he moved in 1977, it was abandoned. There was no security, come in whoever you want. A couple of fires did their job.

The alleys of the park are overgrown, most of the park of the estate was given to the private sector for development, the buildings were almost completely destroyed, only a few of them miraculously survived.

The fate of the owner of the castle is no less tragic - in 1928 V. S. Khrapovitsky died in a nursing home in French city Menton.

History has preserved the amazing correspondence of Elizaveta Ivanovna, Khrapovitsky's wife, with former peasants. There were several letters to the USSR, but they decided to answer the last one.

Letter from E.I. Khrapovitskaya

Dear peasants!
I appeal to you with a request: collect as much money as you can and send it to me. You own the land of my husband Vladimir Semyonovich Khrapovitsky, who died in poverty. I was left now alone without any means for the poorest life. I am already 68 years old, I am sick and old, I cannot work.
I am happy that now you own the land, and we did not have children: all the same, my husband's desire was to leave the land to the peasants.

I appeal to your good heart, I ask you to help me, God will not leave you. Enclosed is an envelope with my address.

May God save you all.
Elizaveta Ivanovna Khrapovitskaya.
Tell us what happened to our Muromtsevo estate. Write to me in detail about this, I am with you with all my heart.

Mrs. Khrapovitskaya to France:

Extract from the minutes of the general meeting of citizens of the village of Likino, Sudogodsky volost, Vladimir district and province, dated May 26, 1928. 120 people are present at the meeting, 27 of them are women. Listened: the received letter from France from Khrapovitskaya E.I. (former landowner) in the name of the citizens of the village of Likino for financial assistance. Decided to send the following letter.

We have received your letter. Having discussed it at a general meeting of citizens of the village of Likino, we give the following answer to “Your Honor”.

Ten and a half years have passed since we expelled you and your kind from our country. During this time, we have learned enough to manage the state and how to build our lives. Where earlier arbitrariness and oppression of the landowners and their henchmen reigned, we have the former estate of Muromtsevo (to which peasants were not allowed a mile away). An agricultural technical school has been opened there for several years, in which the children of workers and peasants study.

Yes, and you can’t list everything, for which you, Mrs. Khrapovitskaya, should help. We can't even define it, and we'll just say, "Fly away from us to... (profanity)"

Only such unscrupulous people like you are capable of shedding crocodile tears at times.
Regarding the fact that your late husband, as you write, still wanted to bequeath his lands to the peasants, we answer: “The legend is fresh, but hard to believe.”

We got these lands for ourselves even without your blessed will. Your husband is a little late to write it.

We also inform you that with your letter you have resurrected the memories of oppression and all the bullying done by you and those like you.

Do not contact us again.
On behalf of the general meeting of citizens of the village of Likina: Bystrov, Gurov, Gurov, Kalinin, Ivanova.
May 26, 1928

Photos of the Soviet era and now.

How can I get to: follow the navigator to the city of Sudogda, then follow the signs. 220 km from Moscow.

In the summer of cars do not push through. Entry is free, inside is relatively clean, there is little chance of getting into something, but it’s still better to take the shoes that you don’t mind.

It is unusual to see this in Russia. The castle needs urgent restoration.

According to legend, V. Khrapovitsky, traveling around France in the 1880s, was delighted with medieval castles. To the remark of the French that there is nothing of the kind in Russia, V. Khrapovitsky found a peculiar answer: he made a bet that he would build a castle. Inviting French friends to his estate a few years later, the owner demonstrated to the surprised guests not just a castle, but a "Gothic" palace with a park and a cascade of ponds near the main house. This is how this magnificent ensemble arose, which still strikes with its scope and amazing freedom of spatial solution. I don’t dare to call it “eclectic” (although this term is firmly rooted in relation to the buildings of this era). The sophistication and even quirkiness of the composition does not at all destroy the integrity of perception, on the contrary, it creates the impression of harmony. The brilliant stylizations of the architect P.S. Boytsov, although formally remain within the framework of eclecticism, are in many ways close to the Art Nouveau that was emerging at that time. In particular, this applies to the horse yard, or rather, the equestrian palace, standing a little further away, since in terms of scale and representativeness this building may well compete with the main manor house .. "

If you have seen other creations of Boytsov - Barvikha, Uspenskoe or Vasilievskoe, then in Murom you will recognize his hand.
The castle is by far the largest of his works.
Look at the old photographs in the photo album showing what the Khrapovitsky estate looked like before the revolution. Once in front of the main house there was an Italian garden with a complex water cascade on the terraces, regular parterres, fountains french garden. Even in the richest estates, such a water extravaganza was a rarity.
Remains of this water system can still be found today. In front of the main house there are views of the gradually collapsing retaining walls of the former ponds, in some places completely overgrown with bushes.

The castle itself was very dilapidated and abandoned. A few decades ago, the picture was different. Before the war, a machine and tractor technical school was located here, and in the 1950s a rest home settled in the building. But as a result of the fire, the roof collapsed, the floors were damaged

Gothic style- this is an artistic style that was the final stage in the development of the Middle Ages of art in the countries of Western, Central and partly Eastern Europe (between the middle of the 12th and 16th centuries). The term "Gothic" was introduced during the Renaissance as a pejorative designation for all medieval art, which was considered "barbaric". From the beginning of the 19th century, when the term Romanesque style was adopted for art, the chronological framework of Gothic was limited, it was distinguished: 1. Early Gothic, 2. Mature Gothic (high), 3. Late Gothic, 4. "Perpendicular Gothic".

Gothic developed in countries dominated by Catholic Church, and under its auspices the feudal-church foundations were preserved in the ideology and culture of the Gothic era. Gothic art remained predominantly cult in purpose and religious in theme: it was correlated with eternity, with "higher" irrational forces.

Gothic is characterized by a symbolic - allegorical type of thinking and the conventions of artistic language. From the Romanesque style, Gothic inherited the primacy of architecture in the system of arts and traditional types of cultures and buildings. A special place in Gothic art was occupied by the cathedral - the highest example of the synthesis of architecture, sculpture and painting (mainly stained glass windows). The space of the cathedral, incommensurable with man, the verticalism of its towers and vaults, the subordination of sculpture to the rhythms of the dynamism of architecture, the multi-colored radiance of stained-glass windows had a strong emotional impact on the faithful.

The development of Gothic art also reflected cardinal changes in the structure of medieval society: the beginning of the formation of centralized states, the growth and strengthening of cities, the advancement of secular forces, trade and crafts, as well as court and knightly circles. With the development of social consciousness, crafts and technology, the foundations of medieval religious and dogmatic worldviews weakened, the possibilities of cognition and aesthetic understanding of the real world expanded; new architectural types and tectonic systems took shape. Urban planning and civil architecture developed intensively.

Urban architectural ensembles included cultural and secular buildings, fortifications, bridges, wells. home Town Square often built up with houses with arcades, retail and storage facilities in the lower floors. The main streets diverged from the square, the narrow facades of two-, less often three-story houses with high gables lined up along the streets and embankments. The cities were surrounded by powerful walls with richly decorated travel towers. Castles gradually turned into complex complexes of fortresses, palaces and cultural buildings. Usually in the center of the city, dominating its buildings, there was a cathedral, which became the center of city life. In it, along with the divine service, theological disputes were arranged, mysteries were played out, and meetings of the townspeople took place. The cathedral was conceived as a kind of body of knowledge (mainly theological), a symbol of the Universe, and its artistic structure, combining solemn grandeur with passionate dynamics, an abundance of plastic motifs with a strict hierarchical system of their subordination, expressed not only the ideas of medieval social hierarchy and the power of divine forces over man , but also the growing self-consciousness of the townspeople, a frame of pillars (in mature Gothic - a bunch of columns) and lancet arches resting on them. The structure of the building consists of rectangular cells (grasses) bounded by 4 pillars and 4 arches, which, together with rib arches, form the framework of a cross vault filled with lightweight small vaults - formwork.

Plan of the cathedral in Reims (France). 1211-1311