Mariinsky Palace, Kiev (must see)

Mariinsky Palace is one of the city's most striking and historically significant landmarks, serving today as one of the official ceremonial residences of the President of Ukraine. The palace was commissioned by Empress Elizabeth of Russia in the mid-18th century, reflecting her desire to expand imperial presence in the city.

While the project is often associated with Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the design is more accurately attributed to his student, Ivan Michurin, who adapted plans originally intended for a palace near Moscow. Construction began around 1750 and was completed in 1755, long after Empress Elizabeth’s death.

The palace’s architectural style reflects the elegant Baroque tradition, with ornate façades, grand staircases, and elaborately decorated interiors designed to convey both imperial prestige and refined artistry. Its position overlooking the Dnipro River adds to its dramatic presence, while the surrounding landscaped gardens have long provided a serene complement to the palace’s formal grandeur.

Mariinsky Palace experienced a turbulent history. Following a fire around 1819, the building fell into disrepair and remained largely derelict for decades. In the 1870s, it underwent a major renovation by order of Emperor Alexander II, who named the restored palace after his wife, Empress Maria Alexandrovna, marking its renewed significance in the imperial landscape of Kyiv. Over the years, it has hosted state ceremonies, official receptions, and cultural events, linking the palace to both political life and public memory.

During World War II, the palace suffered additional damage, and later restoration efforts in the late 1940s and again in the 1980s focused on returning the building to its original Baroque splendor while preserving historical elements. Although public access to the interiors is limited due to its ongoing official function, visitors can admire the palace’s impressive exterior façades and explore its gardens, which offer sweeping views of the Dnipro River and the city’s historic districts.