Ferzikovsky District: Historic Estates and Parks

Historic estates in Ferzikovsky District tell stories of different people and eras: Bogimovo is associated with the Pronchishchev family and A. P. Chekhov, while the grounds at Gorodnya, Avchurino, and Grabtsevo each have their own histories of parks and architecture. Architecture, landscape, and activities offer different points of focus for planning your trip.

Estates with a History

Bogimovo was the ancestral estate of the Pronchishchev family. Vasily Vasilyevich Pronchishchev, the later navigator and Arctic explorer, was born there in 1702 and spent his childhood on the estate. A. P. Chekhov stayed in Bogimovo in the summer of 1891. The two biographical connections are far apart in time: Pronchishchev’s birth and childhood belong to the early 18th century, while Chekhov’s stay dates to the late 19th century.

The estate includes a formal park dating from the 1830s, with lime and pine avenues. The Church of the Dormition, built in 1830, is also part of the grounds. It was built in the Empire style; its bell tower has been lost. In Bogimovo, you can explore the park design, church architecture, and family history together.

Grabtsevo is home to the 18th-century estate of the Yeropkin noble family. Its church complex is recognized as a cultural heritage site of federal significance. The formal park is well preserved, and the avenue leading down to the Gorodenka is particularly wide.

Parks, Ponds, and Distinctive Buildings

Gorodnya brings together two different types of park: a formal lime park and an overgrown landscape park with two ponds dating from the late 18th century. The grounds lie on terraces on a slope descending towards the Gorodenka. One pond is right beside the house, and the other is by the river. Visitors can walk around the estate grounds; access to the preserved house is restricted because a school is housed there. Since access arrangements may change, check before your visit whether the house is open to visitors.

Avchurino also offers several historical perspectives. In the early 18th century, a two-kilometre-long oak avenue was laid out there under Yaguzhinsky; it has been relatively well preserved. At the time, the avenue was associated with the expectation that Emperor Peter I would arrive. The estate also includes an overgrown landscape park with predominantly lime trees and a pond. The surviving buildings and park are listed as cultural heritage sites of federal significance; the park is additionally listed as a natural monument of regional significance.

Another building in Avchurino is the “Gothic” house with a tower. It was built in the 1840s and formerly served as a library. Together with the older oak avenue and the landscape park, it shows how different architectural and garden features on the same estate reflect different eras.

Gorodnya is listed as a stop on the “Historic Noble Estates” tourist route, along with Grabtsevo and Avchurino. Check before making plans whether the route is currently operating.

Horse-Riding Experiences and Agriculture

At the Volnoye Equestrian and Tourism Club in Bebelevo, visitors can learn to ride and go on horseback rides through the fields. Photoshoots can also be arranged, and visitors can spend time with horses and other ranch animals. Check the current arrangements directly with the club before travelling.

At the Istoriya v Bogimovo organic dairy farm, insights into dairy farming are combined with stories about polar explorers and Chekhov’s work. The project aims to promote ecological farming and develop agritourism in the areas of gastronomy, education, and cultural history. Ask in advance about tour availability.

Choosing the Right Focus for Your Trip

If you are especially interested in estate history and parklands, the different ensembles at Bogimovo, Gorodnya, Avchurino, and Grabtsevo each offer a distinct experience. Riding lessons and horseback rides provide a more active focus, while the farm combines agriculture with stories from culture and history.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Borovskiy rayon, Medynskiy rayon, Mosalskiy rayon, Kaluga, Tarusskiy rayon, Maloyaroslavetskiy Rayon, Kozelskiy rayon, Zhizdrinskiy rayon.

For the main travel overview: Kaluga Oblast.