For some time after they arrived in Tobolsk, the Romanov family were allowed to attend the local cathedral for services. Blagoveschenie church was located very close to the Governor’s mansion: across the street then diagonally across the town gardens, and across another street to the left. I did the same walk, based on their own descriptions, and was able to locate the exact spot where the church once stood. (more…)
In addition to being one of the favorite fishing and hunting spots of Nicholas II, Ropsha palace has some darker history: it was where Tsar Peter III, husband of Catherine the Great, was murdered in 1762.
Read more ROMANOV FAMILY: ROPSHA PALACE
(WITH FLOOR PLAN)
This letter below was sent by Prince Vasily Alexandrovich Dolgorukov (“Valya”) to his mother after he arrived in Tobolsk with the Romanov family and suite. Originally written in French and translated by Nick Nicholson.
Read more THE ROMANOV FAMILY: LETTER FROM GOVERNOR’S MANSION IN TOBOLSK (WITH FLOOR PLAN)
By Liisi Kund
This Romanov history enthusiast decided to look into my country´s archives to learn what relationship there was between Tsar Nicholas II and Estonia.
Estonia has been part of Russia several times, the latest being 1944-1991 as part of the Soviet Union; prior to that it was 1710-1918, as of what we call “The Russian era”. Between these two time periods, we fought for our independence – the Estonian Declaration of Independence was read out in Pärnu on 23 February 1918. So for Estonia, the year 2018 is a centennial celebration, and myself I somehow feel sad, as it´s also 100 years since the deaths of the Russian Imperial family.
Read more TSAR NICHOLAS II AND ESTONIA by Liisi Kund
The “witty, vivacious, hopelessly stubborn, delightfully impertinent, and in general a perfect enfant terrible, the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna was born on June 18, 1901 in Peterhof.
This comedic characterization of Anastasia was firmly stated by Gleb Botkin, son of Romanov physician, Dr. Evgeny Botkin. Gleb was to also add that “she undoubtedly held the record for punishable deeds in her family, for in naughtiness she was a true genius!”
Read more GRAND DUCHESS ANASTASIA NIKOLAEVNA: 18 JUNE, 1901 – 17 JULY, 1918
Below are the video “podcasts” made by me during my visit to Tsarskoe Selo in December of 2016. Travel through time with me and learn what the familiar places from pre-revolution photos look like today. Have a good trip!
Read more ROMANOV FAMILY: TIME TRAVEL TO TSARSKOE SELO (VIDEOS)
