The Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky Palace stands in the village of Vyshhenky on the bank of the Desna, about 10 km from Korop. This is one of the most amazing estates of the Left Bank: a building resembling a medieval castle that combines gothic, classicism and oriental motifs. Today, only half of the palace has survived, and it needs rescue.
Field Marshal-Architect
Vyshhenky and neighbouring Chereshenky belonged to Field Marshal Petro Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky, hero of the battles of Cahul and Larga, president of the Little Russian Collegium. He was fond of architecture and liked to give his estates a whimsical, unusual appearance. In 1782–1787, on the bank of the Desna, he built an entire complex here in the then-fashionable style of neoclassical romanticism. The palace was built specifically for the arrival of Empress Catherine II during her journey to Crimea.
Construction was managed by the architect D. Kotlyarevsky, a student of Maksym Mostsypanov. The author of the project is not known for certain: it is assumed that it could have been Mostsypanov himself, and Vasyl Bazhenov and Giacomo Quarenghi are also named. Before the empress's arrival in 1787, the work was completed and the new Assumption Church was consecrated. In 1796, the commander Oleksandr Suvorov stayed at the palace.
What the Palace Was Like
The building stands on a hill above a pond and is very successfully integrated into the landscape. The majestic facade with decorative towers, the contrast of cubic volumes, round towers and niches, windows of various shapes — all this makes a strong impression. Transition wings diverge in arcs from the centre to the side outbuildings. Inside, stucco moulding in the spirit of arabesques has been preserved in places, and Turkish motifs were meant to remind of the owner's victories over Turkey.
Half of the Palace
In 1809, Rumyantsev's son sold the palace to the landowner Sudiyenko, but later changed his mind and, to break the deal, demolished half of the building. What remained was repaired in 1840 by the new owner, Prince Dolgorukov. Nothing of the estate has survived in Chereshenky, although once there stood a chancery, a kitchen, a poultry house, a barracks and a Chinese gazebo. In Soviet times, the palace housed a pioneer camp, and later the "Suzirya" children's camp. Today, the landmark is crumbling, and local communities are talking about its rescue.
How to Get There
Vyshhenky lie on the bank of the Desna 10 km from Korop. It is most convenient to travel by car from Korop. Nearby, a church consecrated before the arrival of Catherine II has been preserved. The trip can be combined with the Mezyn Park and Novhorod-Siverskyi.
