The old intellectual Panini family, whose numerous estates were all around Russia, is known to the modern world by Countess Sofia Vladimirovna Panina. All her life, the heiress of a huge fortune fought against injustice that befallen the working class. She spent all her money on providing food for poor schoolchildren, teaching adults to read and write, and constructing Ligovsky People’s House, which was a combination of a free canteen, a gym, reading and theatre halls. Although Sofia Panina was considered one of the wealthiest brides in Russia, she lived rather modestly. The only heritage of this outstanding woman and philanthropist are three estates in Gaspra, Mytishchi, and Gorodets.

The House of Countess Panina is the only estate and one of the main sights in Gorodets. It became especially popular when it accommodated the expositions of Gorodets Museum of History and Art. The magnificent noble estate was built only in 1847, though the Panini family had owned the city since the 18th century. The perfect exemplar of wooden Russian Empire architecture has preserved the main house with a wing and the old clerk house.

The museum placed its exhibitions in the countess’s house in 2005. Today it is called the House of Countess Panina, and the Manor Garden of the 19th century is set up around it. The house is full of manor life atmosphere. Here, you can see old furniture and paintings of famous artists, an impressive library with manuscript books, and a splendid collection of traditional Russian silk and brocade costumes embroidered with gold and pearls. Sounds of an old gramophone accompany the fascinating tour. Various gramophones and music boxes, including a rare string-based gramophone, will amaze experts of musical instruments of the past.