“Bird cherry trees” evokes a sweet image. Did you know that this is what “Cherёmushki” means? We are standing in front of what remains of the former Cherёmushki-Znamenskoye estate. This estate once stood proudly. It is now located in the Kotlovka district in southwestern Moscow. The name “Cherёmushki” actually gave its name to the surrounding district.
Cherёmushki-Znamenskoye is an area steeped in history. This estate’s story began long ago. It has witnessed many changes in Moscow. Once a suburban manor it is now an object of cultural heritage. The Russian Federation recognizes its federal significance.
In 1678 Prince P. I. Prozorovsky owned Cherёmushki. It included a village and a manor house. There were two courtyards. One courtyard was for people. The other was for livestock. Later Anastasia a daughter married Prince Golitsyn. In 1729 the estate was divided. Prince Fyodor Ivanovich Golitsyn received the village. He then built the Znamenskaya church. Empress Elizabeth visited the village in 1749.
After the General Mayor died in 1759 the village went to his son Ivan. He wanted to build a cloth factory. In 1779 he sold it to Vasily Vyrodov. Later in 1783 General Mayor Sergey Menshikov bought Cherёmushki. He hired academician F. H. Wilster to build a двор with columns. It had a portico and a domed hall. There were also many service buildings. This estate was sometimes called “Economy”.
In 1863 Prince Nikolai Menshikov died. He bequeathed his estate to his elder brother. V. A. Menshikov then leased the land. In 1880 he sold the estate to V. I. Yakunchikov for 60000 rubles.
Descriptions of Cherёmushki from the 18th and 19th centuries are scarce. Prince Menshikov did not live here often. The estate was not as grand as others. Yuri Shamurin noted its owners did not differ much from others in Moscow.
After the October Revolution all valuables were removed. The Yakunchikov Soviet farm was established. Later in 1945, Laboratory Number 3 moved here. This lab became part of the Theoretical and Experimental Physics Institute.
Today some buildings remain. The “Chinese house” and the Milovida pavilion are still here. These buildings are listed in the Red Book of Arkhnadzor. They are in disrepair.
Despite the changes Cheryomushki still holds beauty. The layout of the estate shows a blend of styles. These styles span from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The harmony remains even with modern buildings nearby.
This unique complex shows much about Moscow’s history. Cheryomushki and its architecture inspire reflection. It is important to remember its past. This helps us understand Moscow’s evolution. Cheryomushki-Znamenskoye stands as a testament to time.