Going on a trip along the Golden Ring of Russia and think that you can see in Yaroslavl? Or maybe you have been living in this city for a long time and are looking for new hiking routes? Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl) - one of the most famous places in the past in the city, having a rich three-century history. Why visit it, read below.
Park history
The Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl), 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 this and are interested in its history. But some moments of the park’s existence could be an excellent plot for feature films or documentaries. But first things first.
Manufactory Project
Peter and Paul Park (city of Yaroslavl) has its history from the 1720-1730s. It was at this time that, by decree of Tsar Peter I, the merchant Ivan Zatrapeznov, who had learned the so-called canvas business in Holland, created the Yaroslavl Big Manufactory. It was the largest combined factory in Russia, including three complexes: paper - at the mouth of the Kavardakov stream, textile - at its source, where there was also a residential, which is 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 fishing to the gentlemen'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 bathtubs were made in it.
Park construction
A little later, a luxurious regular park was built. The basis was taken of the images of the Dutch Baroque gardens beloved by Peter I to pleasantly impress the royal people. The history of the Peter and Paul Park in Yaroslavl indicates that this idea was a success - it was a favorite place for many high-ranking people.
The garden included two squares of paths that were inscribed in each other. There was a pavilion in the middle, from it in the form of rays eight paths led in different directions. Trellis of trimmed bushes, fountains and statues acted as decorations of the park at the intersection of paths. To pump water in the fountains, a windmill was used.
Interesting facts: Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl) was often compared to the Summer Garden in St. Petersburg, and the arbor in the middle was called the Hermitage. Catherine II herself chose him as her temporary residence and arranged 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's Baroque. The basis was the image of the Peter and Paul Cathedral in the northern capital, due to which the resemblance to St. Petersburg became even more striking.
The church in the Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl) is the only architectural monument of the "Peter the Baroque" in this city. It is not known who came up with her project, but the temple is very beautiful: a tall spire, an elongated upper part of the building, blue and white tones, rich decor ... Inside there is a winter church - it is on the first floor and the summer one on the second.
The multi-tier bell tower is harmoniously inscribed in the main volume of the temple, due 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 purchased by the landowners Karzinkins and Igumnov. Old factory buildings are dismantled by stones and bricks, which are subsequently used for the construction of new buildings.
Over time, the Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl), the photo of which you see below, began to acquire for the most part landscape features and lose its regular layout. Near the temple, a two-story almshouse building was built, where elderly working factories could find shelter.
Park in the 20th century - loss of former grandeur
At the very beginning of the century, the garden was used by the family of its new owner, A.F. Gryaznov, as a summer residence, and only the owners themselves or their guests could rest in it. Workers could come here only once a year - on the day when they celebrated Easter.
In 1918, the Yaroslavl Big Manufactory underwent nationalization. Later, in 1929, the Peter and Paul Church was closed, and a pioneer club was located in its building. At the closing of the temple, his abbot Mikhail Nevsky, a well-known priest in the city, was brutally killed.
During the USSR, the Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl) was renamed the "Culture and Rest Park named after the 16th Congress" and became publicly available. The authorities tried to restore the park ensemble to its former regular layout, but they did not plan to restore 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, gardening and restoration and restoration took part. Among them was Dmitry Sergeyevich Likhachev, academician, doctor of philological sciences and world famous art critic. The restoration project was ready and approved, but, unfortunately, due to the economic and political changes that began at that time, it could not be embodied in real life.
City legends about the temple
There are many legends known to the residents of Yaroslavl related to the existence of the church in the Peter and Paul Park. Firstly, they say that the frescoes inside the church were preserved only due to the fact that when, after the revolution, they gave the decree to cover the paintings in all the churches with oil paints, they simply could not be found in this place. Therefore, they were simply covered with whitewash, which subsequently helped them easily recover.
There are also sources that claim that once frescoes clearly showed through whitewashing. 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 difference in temperature and humidity. But believers saw in this event a divine sign.
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 the merchant tomb, which was located in the winter temple. Later, a plate was lost from his grave, and there are versions that it, along with icons recessed after the revolution, is at the bottom of one of the ponds.
And another story that many parishioners of the temple believe in. This is the legend of the "blood stain." 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. It is believed that it was at this place that the last rector of the church, Mikhail Nevsky, was killed. In memory of him, a red spot keeps burning candles all the time.
Peter and Paul Park now
Nowadays, the manufactory buildings continue their work, now it is a factory of technical fabrics called "Red Perekop". The entire territory where the industrial complex used to be located is desolate. Looking at what remains, it is hard to believe that once there was the largest manufactory in Russia for the production of cloth, paper and jacquard. The former factory building is currently under reconstruction.
The temple did not reach us in its original form. There are no two-flight staircases outside leading to balconies on the second floor, there is no headquarters that crowned the eastern part of the roof. But the grandeur and unshakable spirit of this building remained, a unique architecture that has no analogues in the city.
Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl) is now in great desolation, but has not lost its charm. The authorities promise to soon return the ensemble if not pristine, then at least a pretty decent look. But 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 get there?
Few residents of Yaroslavl, and especially tourists from other cities, know where this place is. In fact, as they say, an amazing thing is nearby. It will not be difficult for you to get to such a place as the Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl). His address is as follows: Krasnoperekopsky District, Zelentsovskaya Street, 25.
You can get to it by bus at number 3, or on foot, through Vpolinskoe field, then go over the bridge and go through Komsomolskaya Square. Then you need to navigate the spire of the Peter and Paul Church, which is visible from the square. From Komsomolskaya Square to the park to walk about ten minutes.
Park opening hours: Monday to Sunday from eight in the morning until five in the evening. Sometimes the work schedule may change.
Peter and Paul Park (Yaroslavl): reviews of those who were here
As they say, there are no comrades for the taste and color. So here, there can be no unambiguous assessment. Petropavlovsk Park (Yaroslavl) reviews get mixed reviews. Someone is inspired by abandoned paths and dilapidated buildings, someone is horrified by the surrounding picture. But all the guests agree that visiting this place to create your own impression is definitely worth it. So, the advantages that travelers have noted:
- The energy of a 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.
- The similarity with 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.
- The church is a unique monument of architecture of the eighteenth century, it will be interesting to anyone to look at it both from the inside and outside.
There are also negative aspects that visitors to the park noticed:
- Partly very dirty, scattered trash that no one is going to take out.
- From the past greatness, only a miserable part remained.
- Destroyed houses are depressing and create an unfavorable impression.
The tourists who left their reviews hope that soon the Peter and Paul Park will be restored and become the most favorite among residents and visitors of the city for evening walks and relaxation.
Finally
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 their batteries, to personally see the church - the object of numerous legends and the spiritual haven of Yaroslavl Christians. It’s very easy to touch history - just come here for a walk.