The main house of the Orlov-Denisov estate

The main house is located on the territory of the Orlov-Denisov estate within walking distance of the Lubyanka metro station. It was built in the 18th century and is a two-storey mansion with two side wings. The facade of the house is decorated with columns and abundant stucco. Initially, the territory of the estate belonged to Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. The walls in the basement of the mansion, which were built by Pozharsky, have been preserved to this day. Later, the mansion changed owners. In 1811, the palace was acquired by Governor-General Fyodor Rostopchin. During his tenure, Leo Tolstoy described in the novel "War and Peace" the massacre of Mikhail Vereshchagin near Rostopchin's house. In Soviet times, the United State Political Administration was located here, and later the museum and archive of the State Security Committee. Currently, the Main House has been completely renovated and is accessible to the public.