House with Chimaeras

House with Chimaeras is the often top on the list of famous Kyiv Buildings. This unusual house, known far beyond the borders of Kyiv,was built by famous architect Horodecki in 1902. A year later, the 40-year-old architect moved in here with his family. However, he lived here not for a long time: he had to pawn the house because of numerous debts. After the house changed several owners, this famous building in Kyiv was given for communal apartments in 1921 and After the World War II, it housed the hospital for employees of the Central Committee of the Communist Party (Bolsheviks) of Ukraine. In the early 1990s, Kyiv residents could easily get into and fully enjoy the unusual building: it was open to the public. However, after the reconstruction in 2005, the house became a state residence for the reception of foreign delegations.

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a famous landmark in Kyiv. It is an architectural ensemble of monastic buildings situated on the plateau overlooking the right bank of the Dnipro River. The ensemble was formed over many centuries in organic combination with the landscape, and acts as a general urban dominant. Founded by St. Anthony and St. Theodosy in the 11th century, the monastery became a prominent spiritual and cultural center that made a significant contribution to the development of education, art and medicine.
The architectural ensemble of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra comprises unique surface and underground churches, built from the 11th to the 19th centuries, with a complex of labyrinthine caves, as well as domestic and household buildings from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The architectural ensemble acquired its modern aspect as a result of construction activities in the 17th to the 18th centuries in the heyday of the Ukrainian Baroque. For an incredible beauty, rich decoration and historic significance these two Kyiv sites make an important part of UNESCO World Heritage List.

St Andrew's Church

St Andrew’s Church is fantastic monument of architecture and very famous building in Kyiv.This church, designed by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli and constructed during 1747–1754, is considered to be one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings not only in Kyiv but also in Europe. Wealthy exterior, which is so typical of this style, brightness, lightness make St Andrew's Church so beautiful and magnificent. Interesting fact: it is the only church in Kiev that has no bells. It is located in the most popular street among tourists - Andriyivsky Uzviz (Descent). It is reconstructed from time to time due to its location on the hill, which slowly moves. There is a legend about Apostol Andrew: the prediction about Kyiv foundation was made by Apostol Andrew, who saw a big beautiful city with a lot of churches on green hills. Later St. Andrew’s Church was named after him. By the way, some people say that the place for the future church was chosen by Empress Catherine.

Mariyinsky Palace

Mariyinsky Palace is a typical Baroque building and a famous landmark in Kyiv, located on the hilly bank of the Dnipro River. It was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the most famous architect working in the Russian Empire in the middle of XVIII century, and appeared in Kyiv thanks to the Russian Empress Elizaveta Petrovna. Empress Catherine II was the first royal figure to stay in the Palace, who visited the capital of Ukraine in 1787.
Later, according to the wish of Empress Maria Alexandrovna, a large park was established at the southern side of the Palace. The Mariyinsky Palace was used as a residence for visiting members of the imperial family until 1917. Today it is the official ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine.

Castle of Richard the Lionheart

Castle of Richard the Lionheart has a romantic name given to the house located on Andriyivsky Descent, 15, by famous writer Viktor Nekrasov. Perhaps only the lazy people of Kyiv will not tell you a story about ghosts, howled in the chimney of the Castle. The construction of the famous landmark in Kyiv started in a difficult period of crisis in Kyiv in 1901. The process of construction was suspended twice: first time – because of fire, and the second time because of the city authorities who realized that the resolution of the Descent development didn’t exist. Finally, the castle was finished. Owners of the house changed fairly often, but the apartments were in demand in spite of the stories about ghosts. In Soviet times, the flats were turned into “kommunalki” (many rooms apartment where different families lived). Later in 2010s it was an unsuccessful attempt to turn the building into a hotel with the help of foreign investors. Since that time Richard's Castle is empty.
It is just a small list of famous landmarks in Kyiv. Take your time and visit some more Famous Buildings in Kyiv like Golden Gates, National Opera Theatre, Chocolate House and others.
Photo souces: Krysja, Dmitrydesign / shutterstock.com, depositphotos.com.