Penza. Sights, photos with names and descriptions. Where to go in the city, what to see in one day for a tourist, with children, in the evening, where to relax

July 24, 2018
Types of recreation
Tatyana Merzlikina

The question of where to go with a child in Penza worries many families with children. In fact, there are quite a lot of places for spending leisure time with a child, since in large cities, as a rule, the infrastructure is developed, especially in the field of leisure. Below are some places you can go with your kids and have a great time.

The main assets of the Penza region

Penza was founded in 1663 to protect the borders of the Russian state. At that time, none of the settlers imagined what these lands concealed.

One of the main riches of the Penza region is chernozem, which occupies about 50% of its area. The soils of Penza are listed in the Red Book of Soils of Russia and are recognized as a standard. This achievement is confirmed every year by the resulting crops that would not be grown here.
Pure springs created glory for the Penza region of the land of springs. There are up to 2,000 springs and 3,000 rivers and streams scattered throughout the territory, with a total length of 15,458 km. 7 of the most famous springs, the water from which was delivered to the royal table and the best restaurants in Paris, are located in the village of Kuvaka, 86 km from Penza.

More than 100 years ago, by order of the last commandant of the Winter Palace, Count Voeikov, German and Swedish craftsmen laid out a tunnel (kaptazh) in the thickness of the mountain, from where natural mineral water flowed by gravity to the plant then and today.

There are about 150 holy springs in the region. Semiklyuchye in the Shemysheysky district, 56 km from Penza, is known to pilgrims throughout Russia and beyond. According to legend, the icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God appeared here 200 years ago. These places are a State Natural Monument and cover an area of 117 hectares.
In the village of Sololeiko, Nizhnelomovsky district (155 km from Penza), there is a water natural monument. According to legend, in these parts the Pugachevites killed 40 elders, whom the earth itself mourned, and 40 healing springs gushed from it. At different times there were 2 monasteries here: a monastery for women and a monastery for men.
The water from the sources of the Khopra in the Kolyshleysky district (59 km from Penza) is the cleanest according to UNESCO. In this place, the sculpture of grandfather Khoper symbolically grinds grain in a mill, the wheel of which is turned by the Khoper River.
Read also: Territory and geographical location of the Saratov region
The Volga forest-steppe state nature reserve is located on an area of 8425.7 hectares. It is here that untouched thick layers of chernozem soils lie, which have not been preserved anywhere else in Europe. The reserves extend in six districts of Penza: Kuncherovskaya forest-steppe, Ostrovtsovskaya forest-steppe, Wild Garden.
The Penza “Hanging Gardens of Babylon” are located in Belokamenka, Kolyshleysky district, where the landowner Saburov founded on an area of 42 square meters. km of a magnificent park with a cascade of ponds. Seedlings were brought from all over Russia.
The botanical garden in the center of Penza was founded a hundred years ago in 1917 and has an area of more than 4 hectares. More than 2,200 plants from all over the globe are collected here. One of the oldest is a collection of medicinal plants founded by the first director of the garden, Professor I. I. Sprygin. Here you can relax near artificial ponds or in mini-gardens: Japanese, fragrant, secret.

Monuments and obelisks

Penza is generous with attractions such as monuments. Photos with a description of each will always help tourists have a specific idea about each of them. Many outstanding personalities are depicted in stone and bronze: M. Yu. Lermontov, V. G. Belinsky, K. A. Savitsky, D. V. Davydov and others.

The memorial complexes and some unusual sculptures are impressive:

The monument to the first settler, which is called “Pioneer”, (09/08/1980). It, together with the wooden belfry located opposite it, forms a single complex. This is an excellent observation deck on the Sura River. The most recognizable symbol of the city, it is depicted on all souvenirs. This is a collective image of a resident of Penza - a defender and tiller.
The “Monument of Military and Labor Glory”, glorifying the exploits of Penzyak people in the Second World War, was opened in 1975. From the monument, flights of granite stairs descend, leading to 5 streets. On the pedestal there is a sculpture of the Motherland with a baby and a warrior. The Eternal Flame burns in the bowl-star; in one of the niches there is a book with the names of 100,185 dead Penzyaks.
“Dove of Peace” is a monument symbolizing peace and friendship of peoples. They erected it on the street. Mira in 1965. An olive branch is clutched in the dove's beak. The author of the monument is the artist Pablo Picasso.
A bronze monument to the jeweler was erected in honor of his grandfather by Maxim Lomonosov at his own expense on Moskovskaya Street. According to a new city tradition, if you put a ring on your finger, you will soon meet your other half, and if you look into the eye of a jeweler through his ring and rub your shoe, your wish will come true.
The “Family” monument stands on Volodarsky Street. This composition was built in the 50s of the 20th century.
On Fontannaya Square there is an amazing art object - famous painting by Monet, made from 55 thousand metal bottle caps.

This Penza landmark is made of beer caps
The cuckoo clock is also located on Fontannaya Square. They are functional and every hour the door opens and a cuckoo flies out, counting down the time. The cuckoo clock is one of the main souvenirs of Penza. They have been produced here since 1955.
Monument to director V.E. Meyerhold (1999) is made in a unique way: the figure of the director rises up the steps of the Theater Arts Center in the courtyard.
In the park on M. Gorky Street, they were erected by sculptor A.I. Bem 2 memorials dedicated to Penza residents who died in the line of duty in Afghanistan (1979-1989) and the North Caucasus (1990-2010).
The Globe Monument , a symbol of friendship, is a massive structure. It slowly rotates around its axis, making one revolution per day. Every hour a song by Mark Bernes about friendship is heard, but at 7 o'clock in the morning a rooster crows.

Museums and galleries

Penza - attractions (photos with descriptions give a complete picture of the most interesting places) in the form of museums and galleries are more often found in the historical center of the city.

The most original museum is the building of the art gallery named after. To Savitsky , built in 1912 for a land bank in the Art Nouveau style. The main decoration of the facade is the decor of majolica tiles. This is the best provincial art museum, because it contains paintings by Russian and foreign authors of the 17th-21st centuries.

In total there are more than 14,000 exhibits, including world masterpieces of painting: original paintings by Shishkin, Vasnetsov, Polenov, Aivazovsky, Serov, Falk.

The art gallery is named after the famous artist Konstantin Savitsky, who since 1898 was the first director of the art school. It was opened according to the will of the Governor of Penza N. Seliverstov. The building itself is a historical monument of the 19th century.

A local history museum, where they will tell you that the ancient glacier stopped in Penza, and it was here that the Mordovian tribes settled in the Iron Age, who found these places the best. According to one version, Penza is translated from the Ivzyan language as border (end of the road). The building was built of red brick in 1900.
Museum of Folk Art , where you can learn about traditional Penza crafts, and where the Abashevo toy is kept. It is believed that it relieves stress and protects the house from evil spirits. It has been made on Penza land since the 19th century. Whistles in the shape of fantastic animals are made from medicinal clay.
Museum of one painting (named after G. V. Myasnikov) opened in 1983, located on the street. Kirov. This is the only museum of its kind in the world. Every day, only one painting is exhibited here, one of the recognized masterpieces. Each session begins with watching a film about the author, the era in which he lived and the history of the creation of the picture. According to Forbes magazine, the museum of one painting is one of the 6 most unusual museums. It has no analogues in the world.
Nikolsky Crystal Museum , created by A.I. Bakhmetyev in 1789, is located 100 km from Penza. The museum's collections contain about 14,000 exhibits of crystal and glass from the best craftsmen and artists of the 18th-20th centuries.

Architectural landmarks

Penza - attractions (photos with descriptions provide detailed information about the objects) of not only ancient, but also modern architecture, adorn the city in many places:

The bishop's house was built in the style of Russian classicism, located on the square. Soviet 1. The building was built for the Penza governor at the end of the 18th century. However, it did not serve in this capacity for long and was transferred to the Penza diocese, and the bishop took it over.
The governor's house was built in 1790 and was the residence of Penza in 1801-1917. Currently, it houses an art gallery named after. K. A. Savitsky and it is open to tourists. Here you can learn about Penza and its governors, see their portraits, look at paintings by local masters and feel the atmosphere in which the Penza nobles lived.
Tyurin's estate is an amazing 19th century wooden structure with extraordinary carvings. The entire façade is decorated with carved figures. Timber merchant Tyurin lived in the building, and currently houses a museum of folk art.
Penza Drama Theater named after. A.V. Lunacharsky opened in the 18th century; it is one of the oldest theaters in Russia and the most modern, designed in the neoclassical style with the latest technology. It is located in the city center on 17 thousand square meters. M and has two halls: large and small. The new building was built in 2010. The possibilities of the theater stage were highly appreciated by recognized masters of theatrical art.
Druzhba suspension bridge, 300 m long, across the river. Kuru was built in 1973. According to urban legend, people who had quarreled the day before always make peace on this bridge.

Toy railway

In August 1985, on the occasion of Railwayman's Day, an exciting attraction for young travelers was opened near the Sosnovka microdistrict. Children had an excellent opportunity to ride on a steam locomotive, examine it, learn about the rules of behavior in the carriage and the possible dangers that they might encounter on the way.

During the trip, the guys feel like real passengers. There are two stops along the way: at Pionerskaya station and in Sosnovka. The total length of the route is 2.5 kilometers. This is an excursion route; along the way you can admire the forest landscapes. This railway is not considered a means of transport.

Address: Oktyabrskaya street, 6.

Churches, cathedrals and monasteries

It’s not for nothing that Penza is called God-protected. One of the urban legends tells that when in 1717 the Penza fortress was ready to surrender to the invasion of numerous nomads, its inhabitants prayed in front of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God. The icon was black. Then the worshipers brought her into the light, turned her face to the east, and she shone so brightly that the foreigners were afraid and retreated from the city.

Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Baroque monument that has survived to this day since 1765. The Baroque bell tower is connected to the refectory of the church. The internal vaults of the temple are made like marble, the facades are decorated with eclecticism. The northern and southern facades, made in the style of ancient Russian architecture, have chapels of the Presentation of the Lord and the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God.
The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord is considered the most ancient building, built in 1735-1750. It is part of the complex of the Transfiguration Monastery. The church is picturesquely decorated with keel-shaped window frames, figured bricks, and half-columns. The church is crowned with five onion-shaped domes.
Trinity Convent was built on the outskirts of the city in 1692. Its large territory with many stone and wooden buildings was once home to an orphanage and sewing workshops. In 1918 it was liquidated and only in 1992 it became operational again in a small area.
The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1765) is a brick church built in the shape of an octagon with semicircular pediments. The refectory and bell tower next to it were erected in 1857. From 1931 to 1989. It was used for warehouses. In 1998, it was restored, re-consecrated and returned to believers. Since 2001, it has housed the cathedral of the Penza diocese.
Cave monastery near Mount Plodskaya, not far from the Trinity-Skanova monastery was founded by Arseny II in 1826.

The complex is located on three levels and has a healing spring of the Kiev-Pechersk miracle workers (Feodosia and Anthony). The underground labyrinths leading to the caves and cells of the monks are up to 2 m high. This amazing historical object surpasses the caves of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra in length and its research is still underway. From the top of the mountain there is a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area. Visiting the cave monastery is allowed both in groups and independently.
The Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in the village of Ershovo was built in 1811 in the Russian Empire style by Count A.K. Razumovsky. In the temple there is a shrine - the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat”, which came to it 250 years ago from Jerusalem as a gift from pilgrims.

Natural attractions

Penza - attractions (photos describing beautiful places inspire tourists to visit them) of nature appeared, to the surprise of tourists, in different ways.

Some were created over centuries, while others arose quickly as a result of inexplicable cataclysms:

The Ardym Shikhan (hillock) with an area of 2.3 hectares, located east of the village of Lenino, amazes with its grandeur.
floating island on Lake Bobrovsky, Kuznetsk region, is unique in nature. Its dimensions are 167x488 m. It was formed as a result of a strong hurricane, which separated this area from the main island that existed here for decades. It was turned 180°C and now it floats freely throughout the lake.
Dead Lake (Mokhovoye) on the mountain near the village of Leonidovo is shrouded in secrets and legends, because a neon glow emanates from it and it has a strictly round shape. It is surrounded by impassable jungle of half-dried trees and bushes. At the exits from the Penza-Zolotarevka highway, the road to it is blocked by barriers. The lake was formed as a result of peat extraction in the 20th century.

Rope park "Mowgli"

“Mowgli” differs from other rope parks in that it operates all year round, because it is indoor. The park uses a modern insurance system, which ensures absolute safety for guests, and children from four years old can visit this place.

The entertainment center has a two-level system of rope obstacles, on which there are several tracks at different heights. It will be interesting for both adults and children. Before setting off on an adventure, each guest is given special equipment and given detailed instructions. Experienced mentors will help you at any time if difficulties arise.

“Mowgli” is a place where you can go with your child and enjoy an active holiday.

Address: Nasosnaya street, 3.

Interesting squares and streets

Penza - attractions (photos with descriptions of parks and streets invite you to walk along them), the cities are mostly located in its historical center. Tourists are interested in visiting many of its streets and getting to know the culture and people of Penza better.

Moscow - the most popular street in Penza, along which you can take walks. There are many historical cultural buildings located on it. The Spassky Cathedral is its main decoration. It crowns the famous Cathedral Square, which was renamed Sovetskaya. In 1934, the temple was blown up, but in 2011 its restoration began (including donations from townspeople).
Kirova Street runs parallel to Moskovskaya at a distance of a block from it towards the Kura River. On the street is the Trinity Convent with a Sunday school, the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit and the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity. At Kirov 11 there is a famous museum of one painting; closer to Lermontov Street there is the Defensive Wall Monument.
Fountain Square is a very interesting place, where, in addition to the fountain itself, there are unusual art objects: a cuckoo clock, a painting by Monet.
The embankment in the suburbs of Penza is a modern boulevard for walking and active recreation. Its main decoration is the fountain square with an amphitheater, which is the largest in Europe in terms of the number of seats.
the Jubilee Square of Penza near New Caucasus Street hosts the Jazz May open-air jazz music festival on its territory. World jazz stars also perform in the Penza cinema and concert hall and in the new Philharmonic, where an organ was installed in 2013 by German specialists.

Oceanarium

An excellent place for those who are puzzled by the question of where to go with a child in Penza. On the ground floor of the Retail shopping center there is a huge aquarium of three thousand square meters. Here, in aquariums of various sizes, the inhabitants of the most famous rivers and lakes on the planet, such as the Amazon, Nile, Tanganyika and others, live and breed.

The aquarium is home to a huge number of exotic animals. By visiting this place with a child, you can see with your own eyes how diverse and beautiful the underwater world is. The aquarium has guides who will tell you in detail and interestingly about each resident of the aquariums.

Address: Central street, 1.

Parks and gardens

Penza surprises not only with its picturesque natural parks and gardens, but also with one fantastic artificial park, which can be called man-made.

Open-air sculpture park Legend, which is located 15 km from Penza on the shore of a picturesque lake. Every year artists and sculptors from all over the world gather here. Over the course of a month, they create their creations in the presence of spectators. Currently, the park houses about 300 works of marble, granite, metal and bronze made by 178 craftsmen from 59 countries.
Park of Culture and Leisure named after. V.G. Belinsky was located in the center of Penza, where an oak forest called “Shipin-bor” grew. This public city park dates back to 1821, and a cinema was built here in 1924. Then, in 1928, the observatory named after. I. N. Ulyanova. Over time, the area of the park increased due to the suburban forest and amounted to 370 hectares. Currently, you can visit the aquarium, the “Fantasy of Nature” museum, ride on numerous attractions and ride the cable car.
The botanical garden in Penza is considered one of the oldest in Russia, formed by natural history lovers and volunteers under the leadership of Professor I. I. Sprygin. The garden contains a huge collection of plants from all over the world (about 1,500 species). In the garden you can learn a lot of interesting things about trees, shrubs, herbaceous, flower and ornamental plants. The Penza Botanical Garden is part of the Council of Gardens of Russia and Belarus.
The Olympic Park of Culture and Recreation (PKiO) has been delighting its guests since 1958. This park is multidisciplinary because it has areas for dancing, sports, recreation, various sections and clubs. There is the only roller skating rink in the Volga region. In the park, young children can find something to do on the Caravelle playground, as well as young people on the football and volleyball courts. It often organizes festive and thematic performances. Here, if desired, you can hold any celebration (anniversary, wedding).
Square named after M. Yu. Lermontova arose in 1839 by order of Emperor Alexander II. Since May 17, 1892, when a bust of the poet was unveiled in the center of the square, it began to be called after him.

Every year, the park hosts holidays called “Penza Spas,” dedicated to M. Yu. Lermontov.

Karting at the Shikana shopping center

This karting track is unique in that it is indoor, and you can go karting here at any time of the year. The total area of the premises is 3000 square meters. Experienced Chicane instructors will select a suitable kart for children and their parents, help them understand the rules and supervise the entire process. All necessary equipment is provided free of charge upon payment of the fare.

In addition to karting, the entertainment center offers bowling, a rope park, an X-box gaming area and a family cafe.

Address: Nasosnaya street, 3.

Where to go in the evening

In the evening it is good to take a walk along the street. Moskovskaya or walk along the suspension bridge across the river. Sura and admire the city at night.

If you want to have fun and eat, then in the center there are enough cafes and restaurants open around the clock, where you can do this with pleasure:

Show bar Charlie-Gold begins to receive guests from 18.00. Here, visitors of mature age can not only eat delicious food and dance, but also sing karaoke. This establishment is interesting because there is not a single identical chair in it.
Club Dobro on the square. Privokzalnaya Penza 1 was performed for a youth party.
Restaurant Paradise in Lermontov Square on the street. Belinskogo 7 offers visitors European cuisine and beer. Guests are welcome here until midnight.
Grill House restaurant on the street. Belinskogo 6a is open until 23.00 and offers guests dishes of European, Italian and American cuisine.

Where to take children in the village or in the suburbs of Penza?

Sometimes parents vacation with their children not in the city, but in the suburbs to enjoy nature and breathe fresh air.

Outdoor BBQ

Most often, people who travel to the countryside go with the whole family for a barbecue. This will allow you not only to enjoy delicious meat, but also to take your mind off the bustle of the city. For barbecues, choose places without tall, dry grass. This will protect against accidental fire that may occur when cooking meat.

Baking potatoes in a fire

Some people prefer a simpler holiday and go out into nature to bake potatoes over a fire. When cooking potatoes in this way, you need to take care of safety. The place where the fire will be lit is surrounded with stones and cleared of dry grass.

Building your own hut

In spring or summer, you can go with your child to the forest to build your own hut. To create such a structure, dry branches of trees or shrubs are used. Children who rarely go out into the country will definitely remember such a weekend.

Mini hike with a tent in the forest

Another way to have a great time in nature is to organize a camping trip. To organize such an outdoor recreation, you need to pay attention to the weather. It is better to go hiking on sunny days, so that there are no showers or strong winds. They also take with them essential things that will make their stay in nature more comfortable.

Cycling

Bicycle rides will appeal to kids who don’t like to sit in one place. When going on a bike ride, take repair tools with you. They can come in handy if one of the cycling participants accidentally punctures a tire.

What sights to see in 1 day

In order for a tourist to visit more memorable places in Penza in one day and have a more complete understanding of it, it is worth starting the excursion from the historical center of the city.

Most of the attractions are located on Moskovskaya Street, so the best place to start your trip is the Railway Museum (the intersection of Moskovskaya and Dolgova streets). Here you can also visit the Cathedral of the Epiphany and the monument to F. E. Dzerzhinsky located behind it in the park.

Moving along Moskovskaya Street after crossing the street. Suvorov and Bakunin, the tourist finds himself in a beautiful park named after. Belinsky. Not far from the square there is a modern building of the Drama Theater named after. Lunacharsky and the Postal Museum.

Further, in the area of the building at st. Moskovskaya 82, tourists can carefully examine the famous monument to the jeweler. At the intersection with the street. Pushkin square is located Piggy Bank of Proverbs and then the square named after. D. Davydov with his monument.

After crossing the street. M. Gorky, the tourist finds himself in the most interesting place - Fountain Square, where you can see monuments (art objects) A mug of beer, a Cuckoo clock, a Thermometer.

Moving towards Cathedral Square, on Karl Marx Street you can find the Memorial Stone of Emelyan Pugachev, a monument to Glory to the Heroes. Finish the walk along the street. Moscow tourists can visit the Spassky Cathedral and the Church of the Resurrection of Christ.

Behind the Spassky Cathedral, tourists can relax in the park named after. M. Yu. Lermontov, and then continue your journey along the street. Kirov, which is located next to it. On this street, a stone's throw away, there is the Defensive Wall monument and then the Museum of One Painting. If there is time left, a visit to this museum will be a good reward for a tourist.

Developmental classes “Mom and Baby”

Another place to go with your child in Penza is the comprehensive developmental classes “Mom and Baby” at the training center on Kalinina Street, 33a. The events are designed for children from 1.5 to 2.5 years old with their parents. The duration of one lesson is one hour. It includes:

musical and educational games;
modeling from dough, wax, plasticine;
drawing;
physical activity: walking along massage bumps, paths and bridges, crawling through a tunnel, swimming in a “dry pool” and jumping over obstacles;
mini puppet show.

Where to relax with children

Children will certainly enjoy visiting the Penza Zoo with their parents and taking a ride on the children's railway. Those who like to go on rides and enjoy nature should spend time in the recreation park named after V. G. Belinsky.

In the village of Staroye Slavkino, Maloserdobinsky district (89 km from Penza), there is an agricultural estate to which weekend tours are organized. While visiting “grandmother”, tourists with children can experience all the moments of rural life. A cozy house with a real Russian stove will serve as an excellent place to relax.

Those interested will be offered to work in a local field or garden, harvest crops or weed grass, feed animals on a farm, or simply chat with them. The site has its own plant nursery, where about 20 thousand grow on an area of 5 hectares (up to 40 varieties of one juniper).

The poultry yard collection contains Chinese and Japanese emperor chickens and ducks. You are allowed to interact with all animals living on the estate: goats, horses, mini-ponies.

At the end of the adventure, the owners of your grandmother’s estate will offer you a Russian bath and treat you to delicious food: rich borscht with sour cream, goat cheese, pancakes, and cottage cheese. After this, tourists will probably want to stay in the village for another week.

Roller rink

This is a great place for all outdoor enthusiasts. You can come here with the whole family and roller skate in both winter and summer. The roller rink is a two-level room with a total area of 1600 square meters.

Concerts and light and sound shows are often held here, so at the Olimpiysky (where the roller skating rink is located) you can not only ride, but also attend a cultural event.

If your child has never been on roller skates, it doesn’t matter, because experienced instructors work in the park who will teach you all the necessary skills.

Address: Gagarina street, 6.

Neighborhood of Penza and its attractions

In the 18th century, the Penza region was called a noble province. Many famous personalities had their “family nests” here. Poets, writers, and government officials found inspiration here or built beautiful palaces in different styles.

State Museum Reserve Tarkhany Belinsky district of the village of Lermontovo, in which the poet M.Yu. spent half of his short life. Lermontov found peace here too. All objects of his life and way of life of that time were recreated in detail on the estate. Here you can take part in balls and folk festivities at Christmas, Maslenitsa, Easter and Trinity. On the first weekend of July, Lermontov's open-air poetry festival is annually held here, where recognized poets, musicians and artists of Russia read his poems.
Not far from Tarkhan (20 km) there is the famous and only museum-estate in the world of the Russian critic V. Belinsky . The museum includes the building of the Chembar School, created by order of Emperor Nicholas I, who was forced to stay in this place 180 years ago. In the 21st century, a memorial sign was erected near the road to Belinsky.
In the Kuznetsk district of the village of Radishchevo there is a museum-estate of A.N. Radishcheva . His famous book “Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow”, which was banned for 115 years, is kept here. Moreover, an inattentive censor allowed it to be published, considering it just a guidebook. The Radishchev family church is of particular historical value. The Transfiguration Church was built by Radishchev's great-grandfather. The vaults of the church are decorated with frescoes from the Old and New Testaments, images of ancient and Russian saints. The famous icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God, which the Radishchev family considered the Patroness of their family, is kept here. In her honor, the writer’s sister-in-law Varvara Mikhailovna established a fair in the 17th century, which is still held today. On the Alley of Masters on this holiday you can purchase any of the numerous souvenirs as a keepsake of the estate.
The estate of State Councilor Prince Ustinov in the Bessonovsky district of the village of Grabovo was built in the style of classicism and is a copy of one of the fragments of the Winter Palace. His relative Mikhail Ustinov built another estate in the style of a Gothic castle not far away on the banks of the Khoper. Near the estate, he opened a koumiss medical institution for those suffering from tuberculosis.
The estate of A. B. Kurakin “Nadezhda” in the village of Kurakino, Serdobsky district, is still awaiting its turn for restoration. Prince Kurakin was exiled here by Catherine II to settle. In the ninth year of exile, without waiting for the empress to change her anger to mercy, the prince, who loved luxury, decided to build his own unique palace. His model was the French style of architecture that was fashionable at that time. It turned out to be almost a royal palace.
Next to the village of Kurakin is the palace of the nobleman Golitsin in the village of Zubovo, Tamalinsky district. In the Zubrilovka estate, the owner favored people of art and the famous fabulist I. Krylov served as his secretary. It is believed that it was in this beautiful estate that Ivan Krylov wrote his fable “The Pig under the Oak.” Derzhavin and Polonsky, the artist Borisov-Musatov, who painted his famous paintings here, loved to visit the estate.

The sights of Penza (photos and descriptions of which we tried to include in our article) provide an opportunity to learn a lot about the history of the Russian state. It is not for nothing that they say that this city and its surroundings have inspired many poets and writers to create.

Author: Bulich Valentina Ivanovna (vbulich)

Article design: Vladimir the Great