Marfino Estate is located 50 km northeast of Moscow. It is one of the most picturesque noble estates in the Moscow region. Currently, the territory of the estate houses a sanatorium of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, but visitors can enter the estate for tours to stroll through the beautiful park and admire the 19th-century Gothic palace. A passport is required for entry.
The history of Marfino Estate spans several centuries. The first mentions of it date back to the 16th century when these lands belonged to the boyar Vasily Golovin. However, the estate`s heyday began in the 18th century when it came into the possession of the Saltykov family. It was under their ownership that Marfino acquired its beautiful appearance.
In 1729, the estate was inherited by Field Marshal Peter Saltykov, who decided to transform it into a luxurious country residence. By his order the main manor house in the Baroque style was built, a regular park with ponds was laid out, and an architectural ensemble was created, which has survived to this day.
In the 19th century, the estate passed to the Panin family. Count Viktor Panin, a prominent statesman, decided to rebuild the estate in the neo-Gothic style. For this purpose, he invited the famous architect Mikhail Bykovsky, who created a design inspired by European Gothic. Thanks to him, the estate acquired its current appearance: pointed windows, towers, arches, and other elements characteristic of the Gothic style.
The main attraction of Marfino Estate is the palace, built in the neo-Gothic style. Its facade is adorned with decorative elements: turrets, crenellated parapets, and pointed windows. Inside the palace, elements of 19th-century interiors have been preserved, including stucco, paintings, and antique fireplaces.
Next to the palace is the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, built in 1707. This is one of the few surviving examples of Peter the Great architecture. The church is designed in the Baroque style and decorated with elegant decorative elements. Nearby is the Church of Peter and Paul, built in 1777.
Another important part of the estate complex is the two-tier rotunda pavilion located on the shore of the pond. It was built in the 18th century and served as a place for relaxation and strolls. The rotunda is designed in the classical style and harmoniously blends into the surrounding landscape.
The Park of Marfino Estate is a beautiful example of landscape art. It consists of two parts: a regular park created in the 18th century and a landscape park laid out in the 19th century. The regular park is characterized by strict geometry of alleys, symmetrical flowerbeds, and neatly trimmed trees. The landscape park, on the other hand, creates the impression of natural scenery, with winding paths, picturesque ponds, and dense groves.
The central element of the park is the Large Lower Marfino Pond. It was created by the dam on the Ucha River. The palace is located on the shore of this pond. In the center of the pond, there is an artificial island, accessible via a bridge. The dam on the western shore of the pond is designed as a beautiful Gothic bridge and gallery. This bridge has become one of the symbols of the estate and is often depicted in photographs and postcards.
Today, Marfino Estate is a federal cultural heritage site. The territory of the estate houses a sanatorium of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, so access to the estate is limited. However, tourists can visit the park and view the gothic architecture. A passport is mandatory for entry; without it, visitors will not be allowed to enter. The sanatorium`s website may provide information about visiting opportunities and tours. However, it is important to note that the sanatorium primarily caters to its guests, so access for tourists may be restricted.
