Gorbunki – Church, Park and History

The modest wooden Church of the Transfiguration was built in the 2000s. Bezzabotnoye Park was established in the late 18th century. A monument to the founders of the German colony of Strelna was unveiled at Gorbunki Cemetery on September 25, 2010.

The building that now houses the Church of the Transfiguration was originally built as a parish school and was later converted into a church. Together with its simple wooden architecture and construction in the 2000s, this makes for an unusual building history: the building’s original purpose differed from its later use. Those interested in local architectural history will find a tangible point of reference here, without reducing the church to a single date of construction.

Another historic site is the Gorbunki public cemetery, a former Lutheran cemetery. A monument to the founders of the German colony of Strelna was unveiled there in 2010. It commemorates the founders and the first German families. The site thus represents a distinct aspect of Gorbunki’s history, alongside its architectural and manor-park history.

The village’s own history is also connected with well-known figures of the Russian court: Olga Zherebtsova, née Zubova, bought Gorbunki in 1825. She was the sister of Platon and Valerian Zubov, favorites of Catherine II. This connection places the purchase of the village in a broader historical context.

Bezzabotnoye Park was laid out in the late 18th century. In 1870, E. I. Lamanski expanded the manor park, planted an orchard, and had a network of paths and bridges over waterways built. The two dates refer to different stages of development: the park’s establishment and later work on the estate.

One natural feature adds to the park’s history: a 200-year-old oak has been preserved at the edge of the pond. The combination of the historic grounds, later changes, and the tree by the water makes the park an interesting subject for travelers who want to explore the cultivated landscape as well as its buildings.

The wider destination of Leningrad Oblast also offers extensive natural and cultural attractions. Vepsian Forest Nature Park is located in the far east of the oblast and comprises seven nature reserves with particularly strict conservation regulations. The park has numerous lakes; the largest is Lake Lerinskoye, in the reserve of the same name.

Among the Vepsian Forest’s special natural assets are preserved old spruce and pine forests in the Vepsskiy Les and Ashchozyorskiy reserves. They are important for numerous organisms that can survive only in forests undisturbed by economic activity. Brown bears are relatively abundant in the nature park; the wolverine, extremely rare in the region, has also been recorded there. The Veps, a small people of Russia with their own culture and traditions, have traditionally lived in the area as well.

Koporye Fortress offers a different focus: it is a museum and a monument to ancient Russian stone architecture. It has been preserved in its present form since the 16th century, while parts of the masonry date back to the 13th century. The walls and towers must not be climbed because they are in an emergency condition. The Koporskaya krepost 2.0 multimedia guide can be used for a visit without a guided tour; check whether it is available before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Kerro Massif, Primorsk, Novoye Devyatkino, Kotly, Sviritsa, Gorlovshchina, Gatchina, Podborovye.

What is known about the Church of the Transfiguration in Gorbunki?

The modest wooden building was built in the 2000s. It was initially used as a parish school and was later converted into a church.

How should the dates given for the park be understood?

The park is dated to the late 18th century; Lamanski’s work took place in 1870. The dates therefore describe different stages of development.

What should visitors know about Koporye Fortress?

The walls and towers must not be climbed because they are in an emergency condition. If you want to use the multimedia guide for a visit without a guided tour, check its availability in advance.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Leningrad Oblast.