Being in the small town of Ivanovo, I came across an interesting Landscape and Cultural Park of models of lost objects of historical and cultural heritage. This place is called "Labyrinth of Time". This park is considered to be the hallmark of Ivanovo, which attracts the attention of not only local residents, but also guests of the city. In the center are six miniature sights made with scrupulous precision to architectural details. Local historian-architect Igor Lapekha and a number of layout designers had a hand in their creation. Copies of historical buildings were created on the basis of archival documents and drawings by Napoleon Orda. By the way, he is the most famous Belarusian landscape painter in world culture.
The miniature scale is 1:10. The miniature attractions are made from water-resistant polymer materials, which allows them to be durable. I also liked the fact that the Labyrinth of Time is located in the city center. From here I will start I will give you a virtual tour. I decided to split this post into two parts so that I can go into more detail about each of these lost buildings and not overwhelm you with information. Hope this is the right decision.
The residence of the Skirmunts
The first model I want to talk about is the Skirmunt family residence built in 1798 in the agricultural town of Molotovo. The snow-white building, built of brick, was an excellent example of the avant-garde architecture of that time. The hipped roof was originally tiled but later changed to zinc leaf. The rooms and halls of the palace were decorated with paintings by European masters, antique furniture, tapestries and portraits of the Skirmunts' ancestors. Around was a wonderful park in the English style.
During the First World War, the manor was plundered. However, Heinrich Skirmunt managed to restore the damage. Before the outbreak of World War II, the village of Molodovo was part of Poland. The estate peacefully existed until 1939.
And this is how the palace looked in one of the old paintings. Photo source
In 1939, the village of Molodovo fell into the USSR, and its owners died at the hands of local activists. The history of the residence of Skirmuntov ended during the German occupation of Belarus. In 1943, the manor buildings burned to the ground, and after the war they were finally dismantled. A sad story of amazing architecture.
Summer residence of Count Wojciech Puslovsky
The former residence of one of the representatives of the wealthy Puslovsky family - Wojciech. He lived here mainly in the summer, although he came hunting with many guests in the winter. Located among forests, swamps and lakes, the palace looked extraordinary. Built of brick on a high foundation, the Rectangular Building had 2 floors. The side facade had a terrace on the 1st floor, and a balcony surrounded by a balustrade on the 2nd floor. Before the First World War, the palace had a lot of art objects and antique furniture. However, all this was looted in 1914.
During the Second World War, the palace was destroyed, and the Puslovskys soon emigrated from the country. It is a pity that this beautiful building did not survive to this day. I would be glad to see it with my own eyes.
House of Chaim Weizmann, the first President of Israel
Imagine that in such a modest dwelling, in the agricultural town of Motol', in the Weizmann family, whose third child became known to the whole world. It is amazing to realize, but part of the formation of the first president of Israel, Chaim Weizmann, took place within the walls of this house. Today, streets in many cities of Israel are named after him, his image was placed on money and stamps. Chaim Weizmann is not just a politician and the pride of the Motol' village, but also a chemist who owns more than 100 patents.
This House exists to this day, but it does not have the status of a museum and is owned and privately owned by another person. Initially, the house was located in the center of Motol, but was later moved to another location. Currently, the building has changed its architectural appearance.
Modern view of the house. Photo source
There is no exact information about whether the Weizmann family returned to their home after the war. Probably not. Despite the lack of museum status, exhibits are brought to the house during significant events. Among them are photographs of the Weizmann family, Jewish furniture and small items. However, authentic doors, windows and a large castle have been preserved in the house. In the future, it is planned to officially turn the house into a museum.
I am glad that such initiatives are being created, thanks to which we can see the amazing architecture of past eras. Belarus has lost a large number of unique buildings in the last century. But the Labyrinth of Time is an excellent opportunity to plunge into history. I hope you enjoyed the first part of the virtual tour.
Photo information:
Author: @danny.green
Camera: Nikon D5200
Location: Ivanovo, Belarus
Thanks to everyone who reads and supports. Best regards from @danny.green.