Hikaru, I know the Gorodok well and when one looks at the plans of the little town which Nicholas planned, the magnificent oil murals painted on its completion, illustrations of it when it was operational, such as feasts in the refectory, it is heartbreaking to see what it has become today.
Father Gennady Zverov made a huge difference when he had the grass replanted and the Yellow Palace, to an extent, restored. And, of course, the Cossack guard - that was thrilling. All of them real Cossacks.
However with the exception of the restaurant in the corner tower, the Gorodok lies abandoned and forlorn. It is possible to stand in the places where Alexandra and her daughters were photographed and mentally recreate what it once was like. However, the work required to restore it is daunting. I have heard there are currently discussions about doing precisely that - an enormous task which will take many years. I wish I had the ability post photographs. I have a series of photographs which cover a 360 degrees panorama of the Gorodok, all taken from the one spot.
For anyone visiting Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin) the restaurant in the Gorodok is very nice. Small, it serves traditional Russian food and if the weather is fine, they set up tables out of doors and one can get a better sense of the Gorodok. It is not cheap, but neither is it overly expensive.
Father Gennady has been ill. Would you please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.
tsaria
