Sharovskiy Castle: description, history. Sights of Kharkiv region

Offering tours around the Kharkov region, Ukrainian travel agencies often mention a castle in the village of Sharovka, which is located on the territory of Bogodukhov district. Its construction is inextricably linked with the history of the formation of the city in general. Sharovskiy castle was founded in the beginning of the XIX century and was named in honor of Matvey Sharia - the captain of the Akhtyrsky regiment.

History of the foundation of the village

PGT is located on the bank of the river Merchik. Sharovka (Kharkiv region, Ukraine) is surrounded by forests. In 1670 Matvei Iosifovich Shariy for four rubles acquired a plowland and a meadow located on one side of the river. In 1700, in Merchik, he founded a farm, on the territory of which at that time there were 112 churchyards and a brick workshop. In the 30s of the last century Sharovka's status was changed to a "town-type settlement".

History of the estate

The construction of the palace was started by the Olkhovsky family, who had big plans for the palace and the adjoining territories. The gambling of one of the members of the family played a cruel joke on them. Eventually the estate passed into the hands of the Gebenshtrein family. This time the castle was lucky with the owner. Christian Gebenshtrein was an unprofessional botanist who was engaged in the acclimatization of plants uncharacteristic of the temperate climate of the country. Thus, the parks adjacent to the building were enriched with exotic plants. Throughout its history, the White Castle has been rebuilt three times in various architectural directions. The palace acquired its final appearance by the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1917, the manor was nationalized. The power of the USSR organized a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients on the territory of the complex. Unfortunately, in the last century no one cared about the appearance of the architectural heritage, because of which by the end of the 20th century the state of the castle was described as deplorable. Currently, the estate is still under restoration. In order to begin the restoration work, in 2008 the tuberculosis sanatorium was transferred to Zanki village of Zmievsky district.

The most influential owner of the estate

German Baron Leopold Koenig found the love of his life in a Ukrainian girl whose name has not survived until our times. Legend has it that her name was Mistress. Leopold was a very rich man: he owned a horse, brick and sugar factory, but it did not bring full human happiness. He took care of the young lady for a long time, she married him, but not at the call of the heart, but at the request of her parents.

Guests of the wedding celebration called the Sharovsky Castle "White Swan", as it rises above the lake and as if drawing white wings to the water. After some time, the young wife got used to her husband and began to help him in all his affairs. Thanks to the young lady, 90 students from the Sharov school each morning enjoyed a hot breakfast. Koenig worked no less, trying to bring the work of his plants to the European level. But the most important occupation for Leopold was to indulge the whims of his beloved wife, especially since she was mortally sick. Knowing that the Lady loves flowers, he built greenhouses, so that the servants could arrange bouquets throughout the palace every morning.

One of the most charming ideas of a lover Baron was a sugar slide. One hot summer, the girl wanted to ride a sled. Workers from the König plant over the next night filled a small hill with several tons of sugar. In the morning the young lady and the local kids rolled off this hill, as if in the courtyard there was a deep winter.

In 1903, at the age of 82 years, Koenig died, the owner of the estate was first his eldest son, and after him - the youngest. A little later, the Soviet government nationalized the castle and the surrounding land.

Palace legends of the times of Leopold Koenig

Shortly after the wedding, the countess fell ill with tuberculosis (tuberculosis of the lungs). In order to alleviate the sufferings of the Lady, König smashed the territory of the manor into parks. There was planted a large number of coniferous trees and lindens, which the girl was very fond of.

Once the count sent his beloved to the sea to rest and to correct the health undermined by tuberculosis. There the young lady met an officer who could not pass by her unearthly beauty, and began an affair with him. The girl changed her loving husband not far from the big stone, which weighed six tons! Observers König immediately reported to him the sad news. Jealousy and betrayal of his wife did not give comfort to the insulted Koenig, because he did not deserve such an attitude to himself.

After some time the Mistress stumbled upon a stone known to her, walking along the Sharovsky Park. It turned out that König ordered to bring it and set it on the alley, where the spouse most liked to spend leisure time. Leopold wanted that beloved not forget about his low act in relation to him. An unfortunate block was called the "Stone of Love". Local residents believe that if they make a wish and immediately touch the stone, it will certainly come true.

Sharovskiy Castle today

The palace was built in the Neo-Gothic style. Two towers in front give the building greatness and remind of its luxurious past. From the central entrance to the garden, where the fountain and the pool are located, leads a wide staircase. In the central part there is a large hall, in which various celebrations and receptions were held. In total, the white stone manor house has three rooms and 26 rooms.

The staff of the estate was occupied by specialists from Germany - engineer Stolz and architect Jacobi. They developed a veranda that was made of glass and placed on the east side. Upon completion of the construction, Koenig ordered the erection of a building with a gabled roof in which the security was located. And also on the territory of the estate there is a gardener's house, a greenhouse and a forester's hut.

If you decided to visit the tour of the Kharkov region, be sure to visit this mysterious monument of architecture and adjacent park ensembles.

Sharovskiy palace and park complex

The idea of the composition of the estate as a whole belongs to the landscape architect Georg Kufaldt. Under his sensitive guidance, 150 species of exotic plants were planted. Fountains, alleys and stairs serve as parks. The area of the estate is not less than 39.3 hectares. The most part is occupied by a forest (15 hectares). For landscape groups 3 ha are allocated, lawns and lawns - 3 ha, ponds - 1.65 ha, constructions - 7 ha.

The highlight of the palace complex can be called the lime avenue. The branches of all the trees grow up vertically. Not far from the alley is the famous "Stone of Love". 150 species of plants from two hundred are rare for the climate of Ukraine.

Independent travel

The majestic White Castle is located sixty kilometers from the first Ukrainian capital, so it's more convenient to start a trip from Kharkov. If you plan to travel by car, then you need to go along the highway Kharkiv-Kiev and turn to the Old Merchik. Thus, you, passing the next 40 kilometers in the direction of Krasnokutsk, you will be on a turn to SHG Sharovka. The Kharkov region, by the way, has several settlements with this name. Therefore, be extremely careful while traveling.

Further, without entering the village, follow the same road. After another kilometer, turn towards the sign "Sanatorium" Sharovka "" - and you will be on the spot. Before entering the palace complex, you can park your car and enter the manor through the central gate.

Sharovskiy Castle: how to get from Kharkov by public transport

From the Central Market, there are regular buses to Krasnokutsk, on one of which you will begin your journey. You will need to leave at the turn to Sharovskiy sanatorium. The path on foot on a direct road will take no more than five minutes. The locals are happy to show you the way, on which you will see the Sharovsky Castle. Also, from the Central Market, a fixed-route taxi goes straight to the village.