Going on a trip to the Golden Ring of Russia and think what to see in Yaroslavl? Or maybe you have been living in this city for a long time and are looking for new routes for hiking? Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl) is one of the most famous places in the city in the past, which has a rich three-century history. Why it is worth visiting, read below.
History of the park
Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl), how to get to which will be indicated below, is one of the oldest not only in the city, but throughout Russia. But few residents of Yaroslavl know about it and are interested in its history. But some moments of the existence of the park could be an excellent plot for a feature or documentary film. But first things first.
Manufactory Project
Peter and Paul Park (the city of Yaroslavl) dates back to the 1720-1730s. It was at this time that, by decree of Tsar Peter I, the merchant Ivan Zatrapeznov, who studied in Holland ascalled the canvas business, the Yaroslavl Big Manufactory is being created. It was the largest combined factory in Russia, including three complexes: a paper one at the mouth of the Kavardakovskiy stream, a textile one at its source, where there was also a residential complex, which was a manor estate.
During the construction of the manufactory, it was decided to make a cascade of ponds along the stream for the functioning of water and windmills. There were five ponds: "dirty" - for washing and rinsing clothes, "clean", which served as a source of water, two ponds for catching fish for the master's table and the last, fifth pond, was the most picturesque, was located right next to the factory owner's mansion and was even used for bathing gentlemen - male and female fonts were made in it.
Park construction
A little later, a luxurious regular park was built. The images of the Dutch baroque gardens beloved by Peter I were taken as a basis in order to pleasantly impress the royal people. The history of Peter and Paul Park in Yaroslavl shows that this idea was a success - it was a favorite place for many high-ranking people.
The garden included two square paths that were inscribed into each other. There was a pavilion in the middle, eight paths led from it in the form of rays in different directions. At the intersection of the paths, trellises of trimmed bushes, fountains and statues acted as decorations of the park. A windmill was used to pump water into the fountains.
Interesting facts:Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl) was often compared with the Summer Garden in St. Petersburg, and the gazebo in its middle was called the "Hermitage". Catherine II herself chose it as her temporary residence and held receptions here.
Peter and Paul Church
The main element of the park was the church, built a little later. Construction was carried out from 1736 to 1742. The architecture of the temple was made in the style of Peter the Great Baroque. The image of the Peter and Paul Cathedral in the northern capital was taken as a basis, thanks to which the resemblance to St. Petersburg became even more striking.
The church in Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl) is the only architectural monument of "Peter's baroque" in this city. It is not known who came up with its project, but the temple is very beautiful: a high spire, an elongated upper part of the building, white and blue tones, rich decor … Inside there is a winter church - it is on the first floor, and a summer one - on the second.
A multi-tiered bell tower is harmoniously inscribed in the main volume of the temple, thanks to which the height of the church is seventy meters. The temple has long served as a spiritual center for people living and working in the Krasnoperekopsky district and its environs.
Peter and Paul Park in the 19th century
In the second half of the 19th century, the Yaroslavl manufactory with all its complexes was bought out by the landowners Karzinkin and Igumnov. The old buildings of the factory are disassembled into stones and bricks, which are later used to build new buildings.
SoOver time, Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl), the photo of which you see below, began to acquire mostly landscape features and lose its regular layout. A two-story almshouse building was built next to the temple, where elderly factory workers could find shelter.
Park in the 20th century - the loss of its former greatness
At the very beginning of the century, the garden was used by the family of its new owner, A. F. Gryaznov, as a dacha, and only the owners themselves or their guests could relax in it. Workers could come here only once a year - on the day when Easter was celebrated.
In 1918, the Yaroslavl Big Manufactory was nationalized. Later, in 1929, the Peter and Paul Church was also closed, and the club of pioneers was housed in its building. When the church was closed, its rector Mikhail Nevsky, a well-known priest in the city, was brutally murdered.
During Soviet times, Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl) was renamed the "Park of Culture and Leisure named after the 16th Congress" and became public. The authorities tried to return the former regular layout to the park ensemble, but their plans did not at all include restoring its original historical appearance.
From 1986 to 1991, a project for the restoration of the complex was developed, in the discussion of which well-known experts from the fields of art, landscape gardening and restoration took part. Among them was Dmitry Sergeevich Likhachev, Academician, Doctor of Philology andworld renowned art historian. The restoration project was ready and approved, but, unfortunately, due to the economic and political changes that began at that time, it never materialized in real life.
Urban legends about the temple
There are many legends known to the inhabitants of Yaroslavl, connected with the existence of a church in Peter and Paul Park. Firstly, they say that the frescoes inside the temple were preserved only due to the fact that when, after the revolution, they gave an order to cover the murals in all churches with oil paints, there were simply no such ones in this place. Therefore, they were simply covered with whitewash, which subsequently helped them to be restored with ease.
There are also sources that claim that once the frescoes clearly showed through the whitewash. It lasted no more than forty minutes, then the walls turned white again. From a scientific point of view, this phenomenon is explained by a sharp drop in temperature and humidity. But believers saw a divine sign in this event.
In addition, there is a legend that the already mentioned Ivan Zatrapeznov, the founder of the temple, died before the completion of its construction and was buried in a merchant's tomb, which was located in the winter temple. Later, a slab from his grave was lost, and there are versions that it, along with icons drowned after the revolution, is at the bottom of one of the ponds.
And one more story that many parishioners of the temple believe in. This is the legend of the "bloodstain". They say that inside the temple, between the floors, there is a red spot that could not be removed in any way - it only increased in size. There is an opinion thatit was at this place that the last rector of the church, Mikhail Nevsky, was killed. In memory of him, candles are burning all the time near the red spot.
Peter and Paul Park now
In our time, the buildings of the manufactory continue their work, now it is a factory of technical fabrics called "Red Perekop". The entire territory, where the industrial complex once was located, is in disrepair. Looking at what's left, it's hard to believe that Russia's largest manufactory for the production of cloth, paper and jacquard was once located here. The former factory building is currently under renovation.
The temple has come down to us not at all in its original form. There are no two-flight stairs from the outside leading to the balconies on the second floor, there is no cupola that crowned the eastern part of the roof. But the greatness and unshakable spirit of this building remained, the unique architecture that has no analogues in the city.
Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl) is now very desolated, but has not lost its charm. The authorities promise to soon return the ensemble, if not to its original, then at least quite decent appearance. But even now this place attracts tourists from different cities and even countries with its unique atmosphere of an ancient cultural monument.
Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl): how to get there or walk?
Few residents of Yaroslavl, and even more so tourists from other cities, know where this place is located. In fact, as they say, the amazing is near. It will not be difficult for you to get to a place likePeter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl). Its address is as follows: Krasnoperekopsky district, Zelentsovskaya street, house 25.
You can get to it by bus number 3, or on foot, through the Vspolinsky field, then cross the bridge and go through the Komsomolskaya square. Then you need to navigate along the spire of the Peter and Paul Church, which is visible from the square. It takes about ten minutes to walk from Komsomolskaya Square to the park.
Park opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Sometimes the work schedule may change.
Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl): reviews of those who have been here
As they say, there are no comrades for the taste and color. So here, there can be no unambiguous assessment. Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl) receives conflicting reviews from visitors. Someone is inspired by abandoned paths and dilapidated buildings, someone is horrified by the surrounding picture. But all the guests agree that it is definitely worth visiting this place to create your own impression. So, the pros that travelers noted:
- The energy of the three-century old park ensemble is very inspiring, walking in the park, you can completely immerse yourself in your thoughts and relax.
- Beautiful, almost untouched by man, Russian nature, beautiful at any time of the year.
- Resemblance to St. Petersburg - can be traced even now, when the restoration of the park is urgently required.
- You can walk with children - they will like to feed the ducks in the ponds.
- Church -a unique architectural monument of the eighteenth century, it will be interesting to look at it both from the inside and from the outside.
There are also negative aspects that park visitors noticed:
- It is very dirty in some places, there is rubbish scattered around that no one is going to take out.
- From the former greatness, only a miserable part remained.
- Destroyed houses are depressing and unfavorable.
Tourists who left reviews hope that Peter and Paul Park will soon be restored and will become the most favorite among residents and guests of the city for evening walks and recreation.
In closing
Peter and Paul Park is a unique place with a rich history and incredible atmosphere. It will be useful for every traveler who decides to visit Yaroslavl to see this complex and recharge his batteries, to see the church with his own eyes - the object of numerous legends and the spiritual haven of Yaroslavl Christians. Touching history is very easy - just come here for a walk.
