One of the most famous cultural and historical architectural monuments of Ponitrie is surely this Renaissance manor house. The manor house attracts lovers of history, culture, art and poetry. Visitors will surely feel the spirit of the classic Russian poetry wirter Aleander Sergeyevich Pushkin and admire several busts of prominent Slovak and Russian writers.   

HISTORY  

The original mansion was built in 1377 and rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 17th century by Kvaššay family. The family also built several necessary defensive buildings. In the 19th century the mansion became the property of an Austrian diplomat Baron Gustav Friesenhof living in St. Petersburg. After the death of his wife Natalia Gustav married sister in law of already deceased A.S. Pushkin Alexandra Goncharova. Their daughter Natalia lived in Brodzany for almost one year. Her education and charisma contributed to her decision to redesign the mansion – she gave the mansion a romantic feeling and planted a park with rare trees. In the nearby woods Natalia built a chapel with a family tomb (1895) and a summer place (1911) where the nobility and family of Alexander Pushkin had their meetings.   

INTERESTING FACTS   

Despite the opposition of the family she married Baron Oldenburg. Both philanthropists founded there a hospital and a shelter for sick and elderly people. Natalia had also set up a school and post office, and persuaded locals to join an amateur theater and brass band. Together with locals she organized festivals and events. She also had built two factories – one for brick manufacture and the other one for starch manufacture. She became a widow at very early age so she focused her attention on villagers. Natalia liked artists like writers, painters and musicians whom she often supported financially. She also bred Leonbergers and horses for which she also founded their own cemetery.   

OUR RECCOMMENDATION  

Since 1979 the manor house features a Slavic Museum of Alexander Pushkin. The museum is a rarity since it is one of only two museums (the second one is in Moldovia) dedicated to Pushkin outside Russia. Historical parlors of the mansion feature original furniture and personal belongings of its owners, family albums and rich pictorial decoration. Walls are decorated with pictures painted by Friesenhof’s daughter and also pictures by other artists. Life and work of A. S. Pushkin can be seen in the hall with portraits, drawings and books related to the life and work of this classic Russian poetry-writer. In addition to the mansions visitors can enjoy the English garden with waterfalls and the family tomb of the original owners located in the evangelical chapel of Friesenhofs at the top of the village. Do not miss the summer place built by Natália.