Lyublino Estate

Among the numerous Moscow estates, Lyublino holds a special place due to its unique architecture and rich history. The palace, built in the shape of the Order of St. Anne, is surrounded by a picturesque 91-hectare park with an artificial pond. This place is ideal for educational walks, cultural recreation, and exploring the heritage of Russian nobility from the early 19th century.

History of the Lyublino Estate: From the Godunovs to the Present Day

Pre-Petrine Era and the Origin of the Name

In pre-Petrine times, on the bank of the Churilikha River, there was a village called Godunovo, owned by the Moscow boyar Grigory Petrovich Godunov. After his death, the estate was inherited by his daughter Agrafena Grigorievna, who married Prince Vladimir Nikitich Prozorovsky. Over time, the property passed to their son, Prince Pyotr Vladimirovich Prozorovsky. The name “Lyublino” appeared at the end of the 18th century, when landowners began giving their estates romantic, pastoral names. Originally, the stress was placed on the second syllable — LyublÍno — emphasizing the special atmosphere of this place, created with love.

The Flourishing Era under Nikolai Durasov

The true heyday of the estate began in the early 19th century when it was acquired by wealthy bachelor Nikolai Alekseevich Durasov (1760–1818). This ambitious Muscovite, known for his hospitality and love of luxury, undertook a large-scale reconstruction of the estate. Under Durasov, grandiose projects were realized:

• A unique palace was built in the shape of a cross, modeled after Andrea Palladio’s Villa La Rotonda
• A vast landscape park with picturesque avenues was laid out
• Moscow’s largest greenhouse with exotic plants and fruit trees was created
• A serf theater, considered the best in the city, was organized
• A fish pond for raising sterlet was arranged in the Lyublino pond

The project was carried out by outstanding architects Ivan Egotov and Rodion Kazakov, while the interiors were decorated by the talented Italian artist Domenico Scotti. According to legend, the building’s shape as an equal-armed cross immortalizes the 2nd-class Order of St. Anne awarded to Durasov by the Russian emperor.

The Estate after Durasov

After the childless owner’s death in 1818, the estate was inherited by his sister Agrafena, who lived in Gorki near Moscow. Later, the estate belonged to her daughter Agrippina Mikhailovna and her husband, General Alexander Pisarev. Subsequently, the property was sold to the wealthy Nikolai Voeykov. In the mid-19th century, Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky spent a summer at one of the dachas in Lyublino. Here, the great writer worked on the fifth chapter of *Crime and Punishment*, outlined the novel *The Gambler*, and gathered impressions for the novella *The Eternal Husband*.

The 20th Century and the Present

After the 1917 revolution, the nationalized estate was used for various institutions:

• A school and police station
• A house of culture
• Housing during the Great Patriotic War
• The Institute of Oceanology of the USSR Academy of Sciences (from 1948)

Between 1952 and 1957, the main house was restored under the direction of architects O.M. Sotnikova and L.S. Sakharova. A large-scale restoration was completed in 2005, returning the palace to its original appearance. In 1974, the estate received protected status, and in 2011 it became a federal cultural heritage site.

The Architectural Ensemble of the Estate

Durasov Palace — the “Order House”

The main attraction of the estate is the cross-shaped palace, a free interpretation of Andrea Palladio’s famous Villa Rotonda. The building was presumably completed by 1801 and served as a model for the facade decoration of the neighboring Kuzminki estate. Architectural features of the palace:

• A central rotunda hall surrounded by four symmetrical halls
• An open double-row semicircular colonnade connecting the four wings
• Its elevated position creates an impressive panoramic effect
• Elegant proportions and classical forms reflect the aesthetics of the Palladian style

The palace interiors amaze with luxury and refinement. The walls are decorated with grisaille painting, historical interiors with authentic furniture, curtains, and decor have been recreated. The second floor is dedicated to the serf theater — theatrical costumes and a unique wooden thunder machine are on display.

Other Buildings of the Estate Complex

In addition to the main house, the ensemble included:

• A theater building and actors’ house
• A theater school with wings
• A horse yard
• A large greenhouse (rebuilt into housing in the second half of the 19th century)
• The steward’s house

After the 1872 Polytechnic Exhibition, an exhibition wooden church was moved to the estate and became part of the architectural ensemble.

Lyublino Park: An Oasis of Nature in the Metropolis

The 91-hectare landscape park is an outstanding example of early 19th-century landscape art. The area is framed by ancient linden and larch trees, creating a special atmosphere of tranquility.

Park Infrastructure

The modern park offers visitors a variety of leisure opportunities:

• Bicycle paths and jogging routes
• An open-air green theater for cultural events
• Wooden pavilions and a dance floor
• Quiet secluded corners for contemplative rest
• A recreation area with an urban beach on the northern shore of the pond

Lyublino Pond

The artificial reservoir is the lowest in the cascade of ponds on the Churilikha River. It is one of Moscow’s largest ponds, attracting nature lovers year-round. Activities at the pond:

• Feeding mallard ducks and watching seagulls
• Fishing — the pond is home to crucian carp, so anglers are always present
• Boat rentals (a boat station operates in summer)
• Walks along the picturesque shores

Note that swimming in the pond is prohibited due to insufficient water purity.

The Lyublino Estate Museum: Exhibitions and Events

Permanent Exhibition

The museum, part of the Moscow State Integrated Museum-Reserve, presents a rich collection of 19th-century household items and art:

• Antique furniture and interior objects
• Portraits of the estate owners and their contemporaries
• Tableware, clothing, and accessories of the era
• Serf theater costumes and props
• Personal belongings and documents

The exhibition introduces visitors to the lifestyle of Russian nobility, historical events of the first half of the 19th century, and the cultural characteristics of the period.

“History of Moscow Chocolate” Exhibition

In the right wing of the Theater School, there is a fascinating exhibition dedicated to Russian chocolate making. Open daily except Monday, 11:00–19:00. Valuable exhibits:

• Early 20th-century candy boxes
• Pre-revolutionary chocolate eggs
• Documents and photographs of confectionery factories
• Advertising materials from old chocolate factories

Cultural Events

The estate museum is a vibrant cultural center offering diverse programs: For adults:

• Classical music concerts in historical interiors
• Vocal performances and piano evenings
• Immersive theater productions
• Educational lectures on history and culture
• Tablet-based quest games
• General and themed guided tours

For children:

• Educational adventure games around the estate
• Workshops on making traditional dolls
• Ceramic painting
• Creating vintage postcards
• Working with Bogorodsk toys

Special services:

• Official wedding registration in the palace halls
• Organization of outdoor wedding celebrations
• Photo sessions in historical costumes

Practical Information for Visitors

Opening Hours and Admission Prices

Park grounds: daily 6:00–22:00 (free) Museum: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00 (Monday closed) Prices for 2025:

• Palace entrance ticket — 200–300 RUB (adults)
• Concession ticket — 150 RUB (schoolchildren, students, pensioners)
• Guided tour — 400 RUB
• “History of Moscow Chocolate” exhibition — 500 RUB
• Audio guide — 150 RUB
• Photo session in historical costumes — 200 RUB
• Concert at the museum — 350 RUB

It is recommended to check current prices on the official website before visiting.

How to Get to Lyublino Estate

By metro:

1. To “Volzhskaya” station (Lyublinsko-Dmitrovskaya line) — exit to the eastern edge of the park
2. To “Tekstilshchiki” station, then buses №54, 350, 623, 650 to “Ulitsa Shkuleva” or “Dostoevsky School” stops

On foot from “Volzhskaya” station: exit onto Krasnodonskaya Street, turn right, walk to the bridge over the pond, then follow the diagonal asphalt path to Letnyaya Street, which leads to the main entrance. By car: approach via Eyskaya Street to the barrier, where free parking is available. By taxi: use popular services (Yandex.Taxi, Uber, Gett, etc.).

Address and Contacts

Address: Moscow, Letnyaya Street, 1, bldg. 6 (or house 2) Coordinates: 55.688029, 37.742552 Phone: +7 (495) 350-15-53 Official website: mgomz.ru/lublino

Best Time to Visit the Estate

Lyublino Estate is beautiful in any season; each reveals it in a new light. Spring: nature awakens, plants bloom in the park, fresh air after winter. Summer: boat station operates on the pond, perfect for picnics and enjoying greenery. Autumn: golden foliage creates fantastic landscapes for photography, especially beautiful in September–October. Winter: the snow-covered palace looks particularly fairytale-like, fewer visitors allow peaceful exploration of the exhibitions. Note that paths near the pond can be slippery in icy conditions.

Tips for Photographers

Lyublino Estate is a true paradise for photography enthusiasts:

• The palace looks spectacular from any angle thanks to its symmetrical architecture
• The open colonnade creates a magnificent play of light and shadow
• State rooms with grisaille painting are an ideal backdrop for portraits
• Views of the pond from the elevation near the palace offer panoramic perspectives
• Ancient linden avenues are especially photogenic at sunset

Nearby Attractions

After visiting Lyublino, you can continue exploring Moscow estates: Vorontsovo Estate — Vorontsovsky Park, 3 (open 8:00–23:00) L.N. Tolstoy Estate — Lev Tolstoy St., 21 (open 10:00–18:00) Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo Estate — Volokolamskoye Shosse, 52с1 (open 24/7) Izmailovo and Kolomenskoye Estates — part of the same Moscow State Integrated Museum-Reserve.

Why You Should Visit Lyublino Estate

Lyublino Estate is a unique place where history comes alive in every corner:

• A rare example of Palladian architecture in Russia
• Beautifully preserved 19th-century interiors
• A picturesque park for family recreation
• A rich cultural program year-round
• Convenient transport accessibility
• Connection with the name of F.M. Dostoevsky
• The atmosphere of aristocratic Moscow of the century before last

Visiting Lyublino Estate is an immersion into the era of the flourishing of Russian noble culture, an opportunity to touch history and enjoy the beauty of classical architecture. This place was truly created with love and continues to bring joy to everyone who comes here today.