Rostov-on-Don is a large modern city, capable of boasting a large number of historical attractions and modern entertainment facilities. There are also unrecognized, little-known objects of cultural heritage in this metropolis. One of these attractions is the Wrangel House. An old mansion with an interesting history is in poor condition today.
History of a glorious family
Pyotr Nikolaevich Wrangel - a famous figure in the White Civil War movement. Probably, this amazing person did not plan to build a military career. Pyotr Nikolaevich joined the ranks after graduating from the Mining Institute. In 1919, Wrangel already received the rank of Commander of the Caucasian Volunteer Army. Pyotr Nikolaevich became famous as a wise military leader, thanks to his quick and prudent decisions many lives were saved. The future Commander spent his childhood and youth in Rostov-on-Don. Pyotr Nikolayevich’s father, Baron N. G. Wrangel, came from an ancient and noble Swedish family, many of whom wore the ranks of generals and field marshals. Nikolai Georgievich was a talented entrepreneur and a respected public figure. His wife, Baroness Maria Dmitrievna, was engaged in charity work, she is best known as the organizer of the first school for women in Rostov. In the Wrangel family two sons were born. The brother of Peter Nikolayevich - Nikolai Nikolaevich became famous as an art critic, organizer of museum exhibitions, an art critic.
The main city residence of Wrangel
The mansion, known today as the Wrangel house, was built in 1885. Its current address is 8. Newspaper Lane 8. The building has changed several owners, after which it was acquired by Nikolai Georgievich. A one-story mansion, made in the neoclassical style, is attached to an older two-story building. The Agency of the Russian Society of Shipping and Trade, which was headed by N.G. Wrangel. Nikolai Georgievich could get to work from his residential mansion - having passed through a courtyard or
adjacent rooms. Wrangel's house is characterized by asymmetry in the design of the facade and layout. The main entrance is decorated with Doric columns and attics. The south side of the building also looks interesting. A built-up window decorated with sculptural Hermas has survived to this day. According to historical evidence, the interior was no less luxurious and elegant. Small fragments of stucco molding in an abandoned building can be seen today.
The difficult fate of an architectural masterpiece
Wrangel's house after nationalization was used as a kindergarten. The institution of preschool education ceased to exist in the 90s of the last century. The old mansion was left unowned and abandoned. Several times the building was attacked by vandals. The window openings randomly clogged with boards, the facade with crumbling plaster, covered with not the most pleasant man-made inscriptions - this is how the residents of Rostov got used to seeing the historical building. Meanwhile, this building is not only a unique architectural monument. P.N. Wrangel is known far beyond Rostov. The restoration of the home of the famous Commander could stimulate the influx of tourists into the city.
Who is the boss at home
The government of Rostov-on-Don was worried about the fate of the Wrangel house only in 2007. According to preliminary estimates, the cost of a full restoration of the building will be at least 70 million rubles. The old mansion was transferred free of charge to the Rostov diocese. According to the initial agreement, the new owner had to carry out the whole complex of repair and restoration work at his own expense. In 2008, the Rostov diocese registered the building as a property. No funds were found for repairs, and a few years later the object was sold to Management of Mechanization LLC. Until today, no visible reconstruction work has been carried out. The Wrangel’s house still looks sad and neglected. Photos of the mansion taken this year, you can see in our article. The building has temporary windows and a roof; the house has been in this “canned” state for quite some time.
Promising tourist destination
It is unacceptable that such an outstanding person as P.N. Wrangel. The houses, apartments of many other lesser-known figures of the past are today turned into popular museums among tourists. So why not rebuild an architectural monument with an outstanding history? According to the assurances of representatives of the Rostov diocese, it was on the condition of a complete restoration and subsequent opening of the museum that the object was sold. The buyer was chosen very carefully, often he is called a “modest philanthropist”. However, the new owner of the building refuses to communicate with the press.
Will the old mansion be restored
The Wrangel House (Rostov-on-Don) is an architectural monument. Today this facility is guarded at the federal level. A separate document - a security agreement governs the rights and obligations of the new owner of the building. Demolition or reconstruction of an old mansion is prohibited. In this case, the owner is obliged to maintain the condition of the facility, regularly inspect it and carry out restoration work. It is possible that the Wrangel house will be restored very soon. Rostov dreams of finding a new museum, many city residents are in favor of restoring the building and opening a cultural center in it.