-
Destination102 Sovetskaya Street, Yoshkar-Ola, Republic of Mari El
On Sovetskaya Street, in the heart of the old town, stands a strict stone mansion of the 19th century – the House of the merchant Bulygin. It is one of the few pre-revolutionary buildings preserved in Yoshkar-Ola. The house remembers the times of Tsarevokokshaysk's merchant heyday, revolutionary events and the difficult Soviet era. If you are looking for something to see in Mari El, start with this address.
The history of the merchant Bulygin's House begins in 1835-1836. The building was erected opposite the Market Square according to an exemplary design for the merchant Mikhail Mikhailovich Talantsev. The Talantsev family lived here for more than half a century.
In 1888, the mansion was acquired by Vasily Fedorovich Bulygin, a representative of a well–known merchant dynasty. The Bulygins played a significant role in the economy of Tsarevokokshaysk. Back in 1885, Fyodor Anisimovich Bulygin bought the distillery of merchants Tikhonov at auction for 12 thousand rubles. By the end of the 1880s, the distillery production of the county was concentrated in the hands of the trading house Bulygin and Son.
After the purchase of the house, the first floor was adapted for a drinking establishment, where highly refined wines from the Nikolaev Distillery No. 13 were sold. The second floor was preserved as a residential one – for rented apartments. To prevent residents from crossing paths with visitors, they made a separate entrance to the second floor from the northeast side.
After 1917, the fate of the building changed. The property was nationalized. Over the years, the military accounting department, the county military enlistment office, and the executive committee of the county council were located here. Since 1923, the OGPU department was located in the house, and later the NKVD structures. These walls have witnessed dramatic pages in the history of the region.
In 2011, the Gulag History Museum opened in the building. Today, the House of merchant Bulygin in Yoshkar-Ola is under reconstruction, but remains a significant monument of architecture and history of the city.
Architecture and building features
The house of merchant Bulygin is a two–story brick building with a mezzanine, made in the classical style. The facade is strict and symmetrical. It is decorated with decorative elements and columns typical of 19th-century urban manors.
The mansion occupies an advantageous position on the historic Sovetskaya Street. Over time, extensions were added to the main volume, reflecting the stages of the building's expansion. Despite the changes, the overall architectural appearance has been preserved.
Even an external inspection allows you to imagine what the merchant life of Tsarevokokshaysk was like. The house fits seamlessly into the historical buildings of the center and forms the atmosphere of the old town.
Interesting facts about the House of merchant Bulygin
-
The
- house was built according to a standard design, which was a common practice among merchants of the 19th century.
- Bulygin was actively involved in charity work: he donated funds to schools, vocational education and the construction of a prison church in the name of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara. The
- merchant was awarded the Orders of St. Stanislav, St. Vladimir and St. Anna, as well as medals dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov and the centenary of the Patriotic War of 1812.
- At the beginning of the 21st century, the building became a site for the GULAG History Museum, which gave it an additional historical context.
Practical information for tourists
Address:102 Sovetskaya St., Yoshkar-Ola, Republic of Mari El
The operating mode of the Merchant Bulygin House: theobject is available for external inspection daily, year-round, during daylight hours. The entrance is temporarily closed (the building is under renovation).
Cost of visit: free of charge (outside inspection).
How toget
- By car: drive along Leninsky Prospekt, then turn onto Sovetskaya Street and follow it to house No. 102.
- Public transport to the stops "Tsarevokokshaysky Kremlin" and "Pharmacy No. 1". On
- foot: it is convenient to walk from the embankment and the historical center.
Nearby there are other interesting objects: the Tsarevokokshay Kremlinand the House of merchant Naumov. The walk can be complemented by a visit to the open-air museum and a walk through the historical part of the city.
Where to stay and eat
Onar Hotel is located within walking distance– a convenient option for accommodation in the center.
You can have lunch in city cafes and gastro bars on Sovetskaya Street and near the embankment: Akpars, Onar Grill Bar, Izakaya, FrendY.
The house of merchant Bulygin is an important witness to the pre-revolutionary history of Yoshkar-Ola. He talks about merchant entrepreneurship, charity and the difficult pages of the 20th century. Add this address to your route through the city center and feel how the past continues to live in stone walls.
