Perhaps the greatest stories are not always about triumph. This is the story of Demidovsky Park. It whispers tales of resilience and transformation. Demidovsky Park stands as a testament to St. Petersburg’s rich history.
Originally, these lands belonged to Abram Petrovich Gannibal. In the 1770s, the land was acquired by Alexander Demidov. This industrialist built his estate here. A talented architect Ivan Egorovich Serov designed the estate. He was married to Demidov’s sister. The estate was intended for family. Demidov’s daughter Sofia was often ill. The unique microclimate in Taytsy was believed to have healing properties. This attracted the wealthy Alexander Demidov.
Sofia rarely left the house. Architect Ivan Starov added semi-circular terraces to the main house. A corridor encircled the rooms. Broad glazed terraces were constructed along the building’s sides. These additions created a distinctive look. It gave the impression of a circular belvedere. From there, one could see the Finnish Gulf. Sofia could stroll in the park without leaving the estate.
The Taytsy estate became one of the most beautiful in the surroundings of the Northern capital. The estate included not only the palace but also a park. Silvestr Shchedrin’s painting “View in the Surroundings of St. Petersburg” depicts its beauty.
After Alexander Demidov’s death, the estate passed to his son Grigory Alexandrovich. During his ownership, the park expanded further. The forest was divided into two sections: “Ekaterinvald” and “Zverinets”. Paths were laid through the forest. They divided the area into rectangular and triangular sectors.
In 1827, the estate was inherited by Grigory Alexandrovich Demidov’s children: Alexander, Peter, and Pavel. By 1830, the estate included various factories and workshops. There were also three stone orangeries. Peter Grigoryevich Demidov became the sole owner.
In 1862, the estate was transferred to the Imperial Treasury. A sanatorium for tuberculosis patients was established. The “Society of Russian Doctors in St. Petersburg” helped establish the sanatorium. Emperor Alexander II donated 476,255 rubles and 98 kopecks.
From 1871 to 1881, the main house was renovated. Some estate buildings were dismantled. The park underwent landscaping. By the early 20th century, the sanatorium had central heating and ventilation. It also featured disinfection chambers. The Taytsy Sanatorium accepted patients from all social classes. Poor patients received clothing and shoes, which remained with them after discharge.
In 1897, Nicholas II transferred the estate to the “Society of Russian Doctors in St. Petersburg”. The estate was renovated into a medical facility. A separate two-story complex was built for men. In the park, facilities for milk production and other structures were added. Water was drawn from the lake.
By the start of the 20th century, the sanatorium was equipped with central heating and ventilation. The Taytsy sanatorium admitted patients of all classes. The poor received clothes.
The estate was nationalized in 1919. During the Civil War, the property was looted. In the years 1920-27, the building was renovated for central heating. A portion of the estate was repurposed as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients.
During World War II, a German hospital occupied the house. Many trees were cut down. Some estate buildings were destroyed. After the war, medical facilities returned. Later, it became a rehabilitation center. The sanatorium closed in 1989.
The estate met the 21st century in disrepair. Various organizations leased the building. Since 2011, the estate has been without a user. In 2015, the ensemble was transferred to the Museum Agency. In October 2023, restoration of the Demidov estate in Taytsy was announced. The project received a positive conclusion from Glavgosexpertiza. The restoration cost is estimated at less than 190 million rubles.
Today, the area is divided. An active recreation zone is planned for the forest. The area near the main house will restore the estate park. Historical structures will be preserved. This includes the Temple of the Sun and wine cellars.
Demidovsky Park is more than just a green space. It is a living story. It tells of wealth, illness, war, and eventual rebirth. It’s a reminder that even from ruins, beauty can emerge.