Vasiliy Grigorovich-Barskiy Traveler and writer Date of Birth: 12.01.1701 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Vasily Grigorievich- Barsky

Vasily Grigorievich-Barsky, a traveler and writer, was known for his wanderings and records made during his journeys. His name is considered undeservedly forgotten, while his contributions to history and geography were quite significant. Vasily Grigorievich- Barsky was born in 1701 in Kiev. He was the son of a merchant who provided him with basic education, thinking that it was enough for a lifetime. However, Vasily turned out to be a curious and knowledge-hungry child - he decided to continue his studies. He entered the Kiev-Mohyla Academy, where he studied Slavic languages, Latin, and Canon Law. By the way, even then Vasily knew that becoming a priest, which seemed logical, was not something he desired, but rather, he wanted to "see foreign countries." By the time he finished his studies, he developed a persistent wound on his leg that would not heal. Therefore, Vasily decided to seek treatment in Lviv, which was renowned for its doctors at that time. By the way, he went against his father's will, who was absent from home at that time. When a messenger caught up with him on the way demanding his return home, Vasily wrote a tearful letter to his father, begging him not to hinder his wanderings. In Lviv, Grigorievich-Barsky recovered from his illness but instead of turning back home, he decided to continue his education by enrolling in the rhetoric class of the Lviv Jesuit Academy. By the way, his friend, Justin Lenitsky, traveled with him at the time, and the two posed as brothers when enrolling at the academy.

Soon their falsehood was exposed, and the fake brothers were expelled from the academy. However, by that time, Vasily and Justin had a different plan - they decided to go to Rome, or more precisely, their destination was the Italian city of Bari, which sounded similar to the places from which Vasily's family originated. Thus, they set off on their journey, marking the beginning of Vasily Grigorievich-Barsky's long wanderings that would bring him fame.

The travelers passed through Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria, eventually reaching Italy. It was 1724. Along the way, Vasily wrote travel notes, describing the cities he saw on his way. According to his descriptions, Vienna was "like a terrestrial paradise," and Budapest was a "divided city." By the time he arrived in Italy, Vasily's friend Justin disappeared from history - his traces were forever lost, and there were no mentions of him anywhere. Vasily, on the other hand, was not in the best shape - he suffered from several infections, and his leg wound troubled him again. Besides, he lost his documents, suffered from fever, and overall, things did not look good for him. He ended up in a hospital where his life hung by a thread. However, fate eventually smiled upon the wanderer, and Grigorievich-Barsky recovered. He escaped from the hospital and continued his journey, visiting Rome, Venice, and Naples. By the way, the latter amazed him with its "beautiful structures."

The traveler then went to Jerusalem, which took place between 1726 and 1728. During this time, he also visited Jordan, Cairo, Tripoli, Damascus, and other cities. He traveled to Alexandria, Cyprus, and Greek islands. Vasily Grigorievich-Barsky's wanderings continued for almost a quarter of a century. It was somewhat strange - something seemed to drive him forward, not allowing him to return home, although he was almost ready to return several times. His health was literally deteriorating - he suffered from many diseases, yet he kept going. And in all his journeys, he continued to make meticulous notes.

In 1734, in Damascus, he became a monk under the Antiochian Patriarch Silvester. However, he did not stay in the monastery and continued his journey. By the way, in his diary, he confessed that the patriarch treated him with great love and hospitality. Throughout his wanderings, Vasily continued to study - he learned languages, logic, metaphysics, as well as natural sciences, history, geography, and geology. He also delved into architecture, painting, and music.

In 1741, Vasily learned about his father's death, and it was then that he decided to return home and even sent a letter to Kiev requesting a teaching position. However, once again, the departure did not happen, and instead, in 1743, Grigorievich-Barsky was still in Constantinople, where the Russian ambassador offered him a position as a priest at the embassy. However, he declined and went to Mount Athos, where he worked in a library for some time.

Vasily returned to Kiev, his homeland, only in 1747, not of his own accord but to escape arrest, as he had a disagreement with the new Russian ambassador in Constantinople. Surprisingly, just a few weeks after his return, he died.

Vasily Grigorievich-Barsky was buried in the Kiev-Bratsky Bogoyavlensky Monastery, and a beautiful epitaph was written on his grave.

The works of the traveler were first published in 1788 and have been reprinted later. However, according to many historians, the name of this great traveler is still undeservedly forgotten.