Moldova1 TV campaign | SAVE THE DILAPIDATED MANORS: Entrepreneur from Chisinau aims to restore the Boyar Mansion in Gura Bâcului
The Janovski manor house, one of the oldest boyar estates in the Republic of Moldova, is located in the village of Gura Bâcului, in the Anenii Noi district. After decades of neglect, the manor could soon be revitalized. The property is now privately owned, having been acquired by an entrepreneur from Chisinau who plans to fully restore it. The investment involved is several million lei; however, the restoration process must navigate a complex bureaucratic landscape. This is due to the manor house being listed in the register of state-protected monuments. The estate gained additional fame as a filming location for several scenes from the well-known movie "The Fiddlers," directed by Emil Loteanu.
The mansion's appearance in the film was captured from a specific angle, and to create the most stunning visual, the production team undertook aesthetic rehabilitation work. They cleaned the walls, painted the facade, and added decorative elements to enhance the mansion's architecture. Since then, however, the building has not undergone any further rehabilitation, and the signs of aging are becoming increasingly evident, reports Nicolae Boico, a journalist for Moldova 1 TV.
The history of the mansion dates back to 1817, when the lands surrounding the town were part of the estate of Russian Major General Catargiu. He received this estate as a reward from the Russian emperor for his contributions during the Russo-Turkish War of 1806-1812. Later, in 1859, the property was passed on to Polish Colonel General Karl Janowski, who succeeded Catargiu.
"Construction began in 1864, and within five years, not only the boyar's house was built but also its annexes. This is a very picturesque place; it's the highest point in the village, and the Nistru River is 200 meters below in the valley," says historian Veronica Osipov.
The estate once boasted a park, a mill, stables, and a brick-and-tile factory. Additionally, the princely cellar designed by Alexandru Bernardazzi completed this unique ensemble. The estate frequently hosted lavish events featuring prominent figures of the time.
"This was the entrance for the boyars, and it included a summer room known as the green veranda. It was enclosed on all sides, and the boyars would come here for tea during sunny summer days. There was also a hall for dancing, where various grand events were held and where influential individuals would gather," explains Veronica Osipov.
The last owner of the manor was boyar Kaitan Vasilevsky. According to local legend, he allegedly hid his wealth within the estate's grounds.
"When he left, treasure hunters dug around the area, which led to the degradation of the manor," adds historian Veronica Osipov.
In 2021, the Shumanski family from Chisinau acquired the mansion, and they are eager to restore it to its former glory.
"Building something from scratch is much easier than restoring a structure with significant historical value. However, in our vision, this building has a soul; it is the heart of this estate," says Irina Shumanscaia, the mansion's owner.
The owners plan to develop a tourist guesthouse on the estate, with the mansion being restored and transformed into a restaurant. The estimated investment for this project is around two million lei.
"We conducted an expert assessment and received a positive conclusion. The building can be restored. We have consulted with a well-known architect from Chisinau. The mansion will be restored to its appearance from the 19th century," Irina Shumanscaia explains.
However, the process is challenging. As a state-protected monument, any renovations require special permits and approvals. A preliminary step has already been completed: a former boyar stable located a few dozen meters from the manor has been successfully converted into a restaurant and hotel.
The owner states that he has invested not only money but also his passion into the hotel complex, and as a result, he is now welcoming more and more tourists.
"We take pride in all our customers who visit; they keep coming back. For every birthday, godparents' day, or wedding, they choose us. This success comes from word-of-mouth advertising, as people share their positive experiences and recommend that others visit. We have big plans for the future, including building a pond. Our banquet hall can accommodate up to 130 guests," says entrepreneur Corneliu Blagoslovitu.
In Moldova, there are not many tourist destinations that boast a rich history and captivating legends. This is why restoring the mansion is vital; it would bring additional income to the local budget, which is a key objective for our local administration," states Lilia Brehova, the mayor of Gura Bâcului.
The new Minister of Culture, Cristian Jardan, has promised to streamline the restoration procedures and prioritize projects aimed at revitalizing the country’s architectural heritage.
"The ministry is committed to protecting this heritage while also allowing developers, business people, and private initiatives to thrive. Striking this delicate balance will be a significant challenge," remarks Cristian Jardan.
There are 64 registered mansions in the Republic of Moldova, with 47 listed in the Register of State-Protected Monuments.
