Description of the attraction
The chambers of the wealthy Pskov merchants Menshikovs on Romanova Gorka (Romanikha) were located on Velikaya Street, the oldest street in the city, then it was renamed Velikolutskaya, and now it is called Sovetskaya.
The name Romanov Gorka comes from the name of the mayor Sidorovich Roman. He is mentioned more than once in the Pskov chronicles, from the end of the XIV century until his death in 1419. Sidorovich did a lot to strengthen the city, built and fought. His estate was located on a mountain on Polonische, later the mountain was named after the mayor - Romanov. At the beginning of the 17th century, the construction of stone civil buildings began on Romanov Gorka. An ensemble of stone chambers of the Menshikov merchants is born in the very center of Romanikha. Many outbuildings surrounded 4 large buildings. According to the results of studying the customs books of 1670-1671, it was revealed that the head of the merchant family was Menshikov Semyon. He and his son Thomas were among the richest merchants in Pskov.
Probably, the first chambers were erected by Semyon Menshikov. The studies of the Pskov scientist Spegalsky show that they were a 3-storey building made of stone, and, most likely, there were 2 more chopped wooden floors. The first two floors were converted into storage rooms. The chambers of the second and third floors were heated by stoves from the vestibule. The building had two porches: the main one, facing the western side of the chambers, and the other - to the eastern, into the courtyard. Both porches led to the second floor into a common hallway. Two internal staircases from the vestibule of the second floor led to the vestibule of the third floor, which is the reception area. On both sides of the vestibule there was a spacious dining room and a "merry chamber". In two chopped floors - the fourth and fifth - there were bedrooms, chambers and rooms.
The second chambers, built in the early 1670s, probably by Thomas, the eldest son of Semyon Menshikov, adjoin the western facade of the first chambers. Thomas, who had successfully organized trade with his father, became rich, married and, having separated from his father's family, began to conduct his own trading business. It was then that the second chambers of the Menshikovs were built. Their northern façade, which overlooked the front yard, was adjoined by a high pillared porch, leading from both sides to the entrance of the second floor. On the ground floor, there were crates in which goods were stored. Spacious warm hallways occupied the middle of the house on the second floor. The dining room was located on the right side of the entrance hall. Oak benches were located here, and a huge table occupied the entire middle of the room. From the dining room one could go to the cellar, in which the wines were kept, and to the courtyard, where the cook was located. On the left side of the vestibule there was an uninhabited chamber connected by a passage with the first chambers. It was connected by an internal staircase with a basement, from which an underground passage was formed, connecting all the Menshikov chambers. Perhaps the household here was going to pray in front of the icon case. The third floor was occupied by "cheerful chambers", consisting of two rooms, distinguished by rich decoration. The facades of the second chambers were distinguished by their originality. The windows of the second and third floors are decorated with carved stone frames, in addition, the windows of the "cheerful chambers" and the dining room were additionally decorated with hanging arches.
The third chambers of the Menshikovs stand separately, closer to Nekrasov Street. They were probably built by one of the younger Menshikovs, who, according to documents from the 1670s, are known as independent merchants (Larion, Kuzma and Gavrila Menshikov). The layout of the third chambers repeats the layout of the second, but differs in smaller dimensions. There are also underground passages connecting all the Menshikov chambers. The fourth chambers were built at the end of the 17th century. They are located in the courtyard opposite the first chambers.
The fate of the Menshikov Chambers is very tragic. At the beginning of the 18th century, the Menshikovs became poorer. In 1710, a terrible epidemic broke out in the city, and soon there was a terrible fire that destroyed the whole of Pskov. The Menshikovs' chambers also suffered: the wooden floors and superstructures burned down, the masonry of the third floor was damaged. After these events, the Menshikovs no longer lived in their wards. They have been sold. Despite significant losses and subsequent alterations of the original appearance, the Menshikovs' chambers were of interest to connoisseurs of ancient architecture, many art critics, historians and artists admired them.
Now the chambers have been restored, there are souvenir and flower shops where you can buy ceramic souvenirs, books, booklets, flower arrangements.
