Once a proud symbol of Russian aristocracy, the Muromtzevo Castle now stands as a reminder of a whimsical bet between noblemen. The tale of this unusual castle traces back to the 19th century. During a trip to France, a Russian nobleman encountered a French lord, and their casual conversation soon turned into a heated debate about the superiority of their respective nations. Annoyed by the French lord’s admiration for France’s elaborate architecture, the Russian nobleman bragged that he could construct an equally magnificent castle in Russia. The Frenchman, skeptical, vowed to visit Russia himself if such a grand castle ever came to be.
Spurred by the challenge, Vladimir Khrapovitsky went back home, bought land near Vladimir, and enlisted P. S. Boitzov, one of Russia’s best architects. The resulting castle, with a design echoing a medieval German fortress and elements of a French chateau, became an architectural curiosity in the Russian landscape. Over time, the property expanded to include stables, a pavilion, a pond, and various other features. True to his word, the Frenchman eventually came to see the impressive creation for himself.
When the Russian Revolution hit, Khrapovitsky had to leave his grand creation behind and is said to have died in poverty. the Muromtzevo Castle was used as a college for a time and later as a hospital during World War II. Eventually, it fell into disrepair, and there are no plans to restore it.
The castle still stands, ready to be explored. However, nature has reclaimed much of the grounds, and the floors are unstable, so caution is advised.
