Yusupov Palace in Crimea: description and history of its origin

The Yusupov family is one of the richest and most famous in the history of Russia. This family owned many architectural masterpieces. These include an old estate located on the southern coast of Crimea. Today the Yusupov Palace opens its doors to guests of the resort area. Everyone can enjoy the view of a perfect building created in the neo-Romanesque style, walk through the magnificent park, and capture graceful sculptures in photographs. Let's consider the features of the majestic palace in more detail.

The Yusupov Palace can be called mysterious. This is one of the most interesting sights of Crimea with a rich history. It is located in the village of Koreiz. Once upon a time, the estate of the famous princess Golitsyna was located here. In the 20s of the 19th century, she acquired land in the village and built several impressive buildings on it. It was a splendid estate with wine cellars and a garden, utility buildings, and the Resurrection Church. The latter had a Gothic look in the best traditions of the style. As for the dwelling house with terraces, it was created in the spirit of traditional Crimean buildings.

In the middle of the 19th century, the estate was sold out. One part went to the millionaire Morozov. Another passed from hand to hand. It was in turn owned by Goncharov (brother of Pushkin's wife), Count Sumarokov-Elston. Years later, the son of the latter (Felix Feliksovich) bought out the remaining possessions and reunited the estate. In 1882, Felix entered the Yusupov family. This happened thanks to the marriage with the prince's daughter. The man took his wife's surname for a reason. She was the last of an incredibly wealthy family.To continue the dynasty, Felix was also given the title.

The princely "Pink House" was replaced by a palace with elements of the Italian Renaissance. The new building looked like a horseshoe. The outer side was facing the sea coast. Gray marbled limestone was used in the construction. So the palace acquired a new look and began to be called Yusupov. A valuable collection of paintings for interior decoration was transported from the Arkhangelsk region. Among the canvases one could even see a couple of works by Rembrandt. The entrances were decorated with marble lions brought from Venice. These magnificent sculptures are still there today.

The Yusupovs often visited the residence, received guests there. Even members of the family of Nicholas II visited the Crimean estate. In the 1920s, the owners of the palace left the country. During the Soviet period, the former residence of the Yusupov princes was nationalized. At first it was used as a sanatorium for scientists, later the Chekists rested in it. Stalin himself did not deprive the palace of attention. He met there with Churchill and Roosevelt and other leading figures. The choice of the location for important government meetings was not accidental. The residence has always stood apart. Many local residents did not even know about its existence. This guaranteed the secrecy of the location of high-ranking officials and made it possible to create comfortable conditions for them.

The building was supplied with heating, electric lighting, hot water. Refrigerators were delivered to it, a telephone line was laid. Taking into account the possibility of emergency situations, a bunker was created by Stalin's order a hundred meters from the main building. It was intended to provide protection against possible Nazi attacks. The construction took place before the leader's arrival in Yalta for important negotiations.

For many years, the entrance to the territory of the palace was closed to outsiders. Today it has become a national treasure. The estate is carefully looked after, buildings and green spaces are maintained in a dignified form. The territory is still under protection. But at certain hours (by agreement) you can visit it to enjoy the architectural and landscape masterpieces, to touch the history of the ancient dynasty.

First, the members of the excursion group find themselves at the front door. It is located on the north side. They are greeted by sculptures depicting lions. Once upon a time, their eyes were decorated with precious stones. Today, only empty spaces can be seen in these areas. The palace ensemble includes three buildings. These are the Yusupov Palace, the Golitsyn Palace, and the Guest House. The buildings are surrounded by rare trees and bushes. Also on the territory there are neat flower beds. Something remains from the gorgeous rose garden.

The free area is decorated with several figured pools. They are at different levels. Since the palace is on a slope, elevation differences are formed. The ponds adorn both the front entrance and the exit to the coast. The most beautiful is the pool located in the east. The design of the reservoir is complemented by a bronze figure of a girl. To the west, the pools are surrounded by lush greenery. The location was thought out so that one of them reflects the building, and the other - Mount Ai-Petri. The landscape design is complemented by delightful fountains that take water from mountain streams. Artificial water structures are not only pleasing to the eye, but also give coolness on a hot day.

Once upon a time, numerous waterfalls and ponds were also complemented by mirrors that visually enlarge the space.The largest pool was inhabited by goldfish. In addition, delicate water lilies grew in the water. One of the pools was located in a separate pavilion. It was intended for bathing. The water temperature maintained at a constant level made it possible to take water procedures at any time of the year. The wings are in the south. It is from this side that they are clearly visible. It also offers stunning views of the sea and scenic surroundings.

Unfortunately, little has survived to this day. These are the famous lions, griffins and several other figures. From the sea side, on the road leading to flower gardens and artificial reservoirs, you can see two columns with busts. Menad and satyr are very mysterious. The fact is that in the features of the ancient heroes one can guess the resemblance to Felix and his wife. The sculpture of Minerva makes a strong impression. It is easy to see its resemblance to the famous American Statue of Liberty.

The interior of the palace has changed a lot during the Soviet period. However, something remains the same. The beauty of the wall decoration is striking, many decor items are interesting. Fireplaces made of marble are very exquisite. Graceful vases, antique clocks and statuettes left over from the Yusupovs' times turn the apartment into an interesting museum space. The interior combines Italian Renaissance and Modernism. Here you can see snow-white enamel shelves designed for porcelain and bronze items. Furniture ensembles include Viennese chairs, comfortable corner sofas.

The living room windows overlook the park. This is a very bright and romantic room. Once upon a time, festive dinners were held here, conversations were held over evening tea. It was also pleasant to read in the room, enjoying the quiet rustle of trees outside the window. The dining room is especially impressive for tourists. A laconic, but at the same time very beautifully decorated room disposes to a pleasant meal. The walls are decorated using a special technique. Patterned surfaces seem to be covered with expensive fabric. Drinks (coffee, tea) and light snacks are offered to modern visitors.

Today, anyone who wishes is given the opportunity to rent any apartment. This is done by filling out a form on the official website. You can also arrange by phone. Of course, the cost of such a room cannot be compared with an ordinary hotel, so not everyone can afford such an unusual vacation. Wealthy gentlemen are also offered the idea of ​​organizing events in the Yusupov or Golitsyn Palace. It can be a wedding, anniversary, presentation, prom, conference, gala or other event. Such a holiday will undoubtedly be remembered for a long time by all participants. A masquerade ball held in a luxurious and mysterious residence can be especially spectacular.

It is interesting that despite the reconstruction of the residence, the park layout of 1830 has been preserved. The famous German gardener Karl Kebach was engaged in it. In those days, he was able to ennoble many of the possessions of noble families. As for the green spaces, the director of the Imperial Botanical Gardens decorated the park with them. It was thanks to N. Gartvis that unique trees and shrubs (more than 200 varieties) appeared on the territory. Pyramidal and Arizona cypresses, roses, western thuja, ash-leaved maple, white acacia, medlar, horse chestnut, noble laurel and other cultures can be seen here today.They peacefully coexist with junipers, pistachios, pines. This creates a harmonious and natural green environment, which at the same time can be called an example of gardening art.

The park area is 16.5 hectares. Once upon a time there was also a luxurious orchard here. Pears, peaches, apple trees, apricots and other crops delighted the hosts and their guests with juicy sweet fruits. To date, only quince has survived. The centenary tree still regularly produces 100 kg of fruit. The state of the park is monitored. Shrubs and trees are trimmed in a timely manner. In terms of the level of grooming, it can be an example for many state green areas.

The famous palace is located in the Republic of Crimea, in the village of Koreiz. The exact address: Parkovy descent, house 26. You can find it on the map. It is not difficult to get to the historical site. You can get to the place by public transport. Buses in this direction regularly depart from the Yalta bus station. The landmark is the hotel "1001 nights". You can also go by private car. In this case, you should stick to the H19 route. It is located just south of the Embankment. Lenin. Having seen the sign with the inscription "Koreiz", the driver must turn left. The entire journey can take about 20-25 minutes.

As already mentioned, you cannot simply come and enter the territory of the Yusupov Palace. A special time is allocated for visits. Most tourists prefer to explore historical sites as part of excursion groups. You can find out the schedule of excursions in advance and join one of them. If you want to act on your own, you need to call one of the numbers listed on the official website of the Yusupov Palace. In this case, you will have an advantage. You will not depend on the group, you will be able to draw up a plan for inspecting the building and the surroundings yourself, linger at the object you like at any time, take a photo.

For information on when and how you can visit the Yusupov Palace, see the next video.