(Source: http://ria.ru/radio)

The presence of ancient architecture in the ancient principality is almost mandatory and expected phenomenon. Therefore, the main surprise is not the temples and towers, but the Ryazan manors of the late 19th century, built by Fyodor Schechtel.

The great architect began his career right here in Ryazan. The name of Fyodor Shekhtel is special for Moscow citizens and all fans of "modern" style, and it is even more surprising to learn that before the construction of the famous Ryabushinskiy mansion on Spiridonovka, listed in all the world catalogs of Art Nouveau architecture, the young master Shekhtel seriously experimented with styles.

A huge manor in Kiritsy, the former possession of barons von Derwiz, is infinitely far from our conceptions of the cute Russian manor: a romantic castle with turrets, spires and weathervanes on the top of a hill with descending cascades of magnificent stairs. A stud farm at Ctarozhilovo, another von Dervz's possession also reminds a fortified Gothic castle, but actually it is a pure and simple eclecticism: Shekhtel mixed up the elements of Gothic, Baroque and ancient Russian architecture.

Gorgeous stud farm, where in the time of Derviz were bred pure Arabian and Orlovo-Rostopchinsky horses, was nationalized after the revolution. There were organized cavalry courses, and one of the Starozhilovo cadets was Georgy Zhukov, the future Marshal of the Victory.

Today the stud farms buildings are in decrepit state, but still make a strong impression. Besides, all the horses in the paddocks are as beautiful as before and the people, who care for them are infinitely dedicated to their job. Stud farm museum deserves mandatory attendance.

To see two major creations by Fyodor Shechtel in the Ryazan is possible in two days in a trip around Ryazan estates. Accommodation, breakfast, transfer and guide services will cost on average from 5500 rubles and higher.