Major renovation work has begun on the Ataman Palace in Novocherkassk, the capital of the Don Cossacks. The building was built in 1863 and has been visited by Russian tsars, war heroes and leaders of the White Movement. It is planned that in a year this cultural heritage site of Russia will again open its doors to visitors. This was reported by the Main State Expertise of Russia on its website.
"The work will include the restoration of the facades, roof and premises of the object, its adaptation for modern use, and the improvement of the territory. The updated palace should meet visitors in the spring of 2025," the message says.
The palace has a rich history. When in 1827 the heir to the throne and Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich (the future Emperor Alexander II) was appointed the Most August Ataman of all Cossack troops, he was to visit Novocherkassk, where he was solemnly handed over the symbol of ataman power. A residence was also needed, and it was decided to build it. The project was developed by the academician of painting Ivan Osipovich Valpred.
As noted in the message, the appearance of the palace is typical of mansions of the second half of the 19th century. The facade of the residence is in the classical style. Inside the palace there are 10 rooms, high vaulted ceremonial halls, a cast-iron ceremonial staircase of thin figured casting. The interiors are decorated with stucco, tiled stoves, fireplaces finished with marble, carved furniture and inlays.
"The palace halls saw brilliant officers and generals - heroes of the Patriotic, Crimean, Russo-Turkish, Russo-Japanese wars, as well as grand dukes, the last three monarchs of Russia and leaders of the White Movement. The palace served as the residence of the tsar and heirs to the throne (the most august atamans) during their visits to Novocherkassk. All the highest persons stopped here during their visits to the Don. The State Flag was raised on the flagpole, and in this Novocherkassk was equal to St. Petersburg, Moscow, Warsaw and Tiflis," - told in the Main State Expertise.
During the Civil War, the Ataman Palace became the headquarters of the White Movement, and after the establishment of Soviet power, it was the seat of the city authorities.
In March 2001, the historical building was transferred to the Museum of the History of the Don Cossacks, which annually receives more than 150 thousand visitors.