Efremov Atamans Palace, 18th century palace in Starocherkasskaya, Russia
The Efremov Atamans Palace is a classical building with a horizontal facade topped by a triangular pediment, supported by four single columns and two pairs of double half-columns. The second floor opens to visitors and has displayed exhibitions about family history and life at this location since 2014.
The palace was built in 1761 by a wealthy merchant family and has shaped the site since then. It underwent major rebuilding after a fire in 1848, which altered its original appearance.
The palace displays exhibitions about Don Cossack life and traditions, including marble sundials from Constantinople and military objects from centuries past. These collections reflect how the family maintained ties to distant lands and honored their warrior heritage.
Access is mainly limited to the second floor where you can view the current exhibitions. It is advisable to check ahead whether the building is open, since it is a protected site with limited visiting hours.
The grounds include a house church built between 1756 and 1761, designed after a church in the caves of Kiev Pechersk Lavra. This private chapel shows how religious devotion was expressed through the family's architectural choices.
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