Russia lost one more historical building

In the city of Torzhok, Tver Region, the building of once-famous hotel of the Pozharskys has burned down, where in his time Russian classic Alexandr Pushkin stayed, as well as other famous people of 19th century: poet and translator Vasily Zhukovsky, writers Nikolai Gogol, Sergei Axakov, publicist Vissarion Belinsky. The hotel was well situated on the way from St Petersburg to Moscow. And in 21st century, the former hotel within several minutes was annihilated by the fire.

The fire happened, because the building was practically desolate. About 15 years ago, in the building some restoring work was launched, though it was soon stopped because of lack of money. Windows and doors stood open, so everybody who wanted could penetrate there, including teenagers, homeless people. Actually, now there are many versions, all of them are being considered by the investigation.

Though, any investigation cannot restore the lost building. “The building was of wood, and it was too hot, so the building soon burned down,” – Svetlana Nguen, PR-specialist of the Tver administration says. – “The firemen came immediately, though they could do nothing, however the fire was put out by the rain, but not by the firemen.

The museum in Torzhok embodies the fate of all Russian museums and architectural memorials: they stay desolate for years, being ruined by rains, snow, sun, and later they suddenly disappear completely, while we are sorry for the losses, neglecting many other building threatened with the same fate.

Yelena Kiseleva PRAVDA.Ru

Translated by Vera Solovieva

Read the original in Russian: http://www.pravda.ru/culture/2002/07/11/44046.html