Akademicheskiy Ave, 18, Saint Petersburg, Leningradskaya, Russia, 196607
Fedorovsky Gorodok (also called Feodorovsky) is an architectural ensemble in the Neo-Russian style, located in Pushkin within the territory of Alexander Park and near the borders of Fermsky Park. The terem houses, towers, and walls made of light stone, adorned with magnificent carvings, evoke the cultural traditions of Orthodoxy and symbolize the unity of the Russian state. The original name was "Houses for the clergy and servants of the Feodorovsky Imperial Cathedral." Currently, it serves as the Patriarchal Metochion. It is managed by the dean of the Tsarskoye Selo deanery district.
The sketches by Stepan Samoilovich Krichinsky served as the basis; the project was supervised by clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as renowned artists and architects: Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov and Vladimir Vasilievich Suslov. At the suggestion of Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich, 100 cedars were planted in the town, brought from Verkhoturye, the center of Russian Orthodoxy in the Urals. About ten of these living emeralds have survived to the present day.
During the construction of the Feodorovsky Cathedral, besides the church itself, it was decided to build an architectural complex in the national style. The initiator and active participant in the construction was Loman. First and foremost, it was necessary to erect residential premises for the cathedral clergy. It was decided to build the buildings on the opposite bank of the pond from the cathedral. The site was designated on June 11 (24), 1913. The sketches made by architect Krichinsky were approved by Nicholas II in the summer of 1913 (probably on July 21 (August 3), 1913). The emperor set two conditions: the houses should be built in the style of the Rostov Kremlin; the complex should not sharply clash with the Alexander Palace.
From 1913 to 1917, in the northern part of Alexander Park, Fedorovsky Gorodok was built — a complex of buildings in the Neo-Russian style. During the construction of the Feodorovsky Cathedral, the church elder of the temple, Dmitry Nikolaevich Loman, proposed building an architectural complex in the national style. The "Society for the Revival of Artistic Russia" also played an important role in creating the architectural appearance of the Gorodok in the style of ancient Russian architecture.
The authors of the idea wanted to create in the new era of the early 20th century a "living" museum of antiquity in Tsarskoye Selo. Fedorovsky Gorodok was meant to become the place of activity for the Society and the center of spiritual and moral revival of historical Russian national traditions. The preliminary project of the complex was developed by architect Stepan Krichinsky. By order of Nicholas II, the buildings of Fedorovsky Gorodok were to correspond to the style of Yaroslavl architecture, but at the same time, they should not disrupt the view of the Alexander Palace, built in the Empire style. Construction began in September 1913, and by the summer of 1914, all houses were erected. In the following years, up to the revolution, finishing works were carried out. The construction of the houses was funded by private donations; a contribution was made by State Councilor A. N. Zausaylov, and merchants Eliseev and Voronin also donated money. At the same time, the imperial railway branch could be used for delivering materials.
The complex of buildings was named "The Town at the Feodorovsky Imperial Cathedral" and was intended for the cathedral's servants. It was surrounded by a brick Kremlin-style wall with watchtowers, loopholes, and stone gates richly carved. Officially, the town had five main buildings, which were conventionally named — House for Priests (White Stone Chamber), House for Clergy (Yellow Chamber), Refectory, House of Deacons, and Office Building.
On February 12 (25), 1917, Emperor Nicholas II visited Fedorovsky Gorodok and left a note in the guestbook: "On February 12, 1917, I gladly inspected the buildings at the Feodorovsky Imperial Cathedral. I greet the good initiative in the matter of reviving the artistic beauty of Russian everyday life. Thanks to all who worked. God help you and all workers in the Russian cause. Nicholas."
Source:
