Mariyinsky Palace, Kiev

Mariyinski Palace was an official home of the russian royalty and is now the official ceremonial residence of the president of Ukraine. Officially the palace was built for the Russian Empress Elizaveta Petrovna (Empress Elizabeth). The first royalty to live in the palace was Catherine II the Great (Empress, 1762-1796) who on her visit to Kyiv in 1787 stayed in it for three months. Unfortunately the palace is not open to the public but as it is located in Mariyinski Park there are many other monuments and statues that are also worth a look.

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When I was there in December 2007, Mariyinski Palace was closed for renovation, so I could only see it from the entrance. It was built in baroque style, by the Italian architect, Rastrelli, as a royal palace for Queen Elizaveta, in 1752.

The Mariyinskiy Palace is the President Palace, and state events, rewarding, receptions and meeting of official delegations are held at the Palace.

The Palace was constructed during 1750 to 1755 by order of Empress Elizaveta Petrovna. The architect was Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also constructed the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg.

Members of the Tzar family have stayed in the Palace during their visits to Kiev, but after the revolution in 1917 it was used for different purposes for the communist party.

When Ukraine became independent, the Mariyinskiy Palace became the official palace of the President.

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Before 1744 there was no royal palace in Kiev Then Tsarina Elisaveta Petrovna for her own comfort ordered this palace. The Palace was completed in 1752 in Baroque style in the favorite style of Bartholomew Rastrelli. Unfortunately in 1819 the palace was burned down and only after 1870 was used again as royal residence. Since the Bolshevik revolution has seen many ups and downs. At present it is used for ceremonial receptions of presidents and high-ranking officials. The front courtyard is decorated with fountains with copies of French Rococo sculptures. Unfortunately admission to regular visitors is prohibited. It is a popular place for young couples to make photos after their wedding ceremony

Another of Bartolomeo Rastrelli's work, this is a beautiful blue & cream colored palace in a Ukrainian & Russian baroque style. I believe the president of Ukraine resides here, but it's closed to the public - no tours. There is a wonderful park along the perimeter of this building, and (depending on what time of year you go) i'm sure you'll see many new brides and grooms having wedding photos taken.

A note on the parks in Kiev: no matter where you go in Kiev you'll find a park to rest and relax or talk with your friends, or to reflect by yourself. Kiev is a city where you'll do a LOT of walking, so finding a park bench to relax for a minute is easy.

Mariyinsky Palace
Was designed by Rastrelli (as well as Anrew's church) in 1750. Situated in the beautiful park. An official residence of the President of Ukraine. Open as a museum for the visitors when no meeting held.

The Mariinsky Palace or Tsar’s palace is a fine monument of 18-19 century architecture, based on the plan by Rastrelli . In 1870 the building was reconstructed after it was damaged by the fire in 1819. During the years of the II world war building was destroyed for the second time and was restored after it; and in this form the two-storey baroque stone palace has come down to us. Frontal façade is 65,3m, side facing the park 199m. Russian tsars frequently stayed at the Mariinsky Palace. Nowadays Palace is the site of official receptions for the city’s most honoured guests.On the week-ends is open as a museum.

Strolling the city park will automatically lead you to the Marinskii Palace, that you approach from its rear side. Yet even from its back you can tell what a beautiful building it is.

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