Journey Through Kyiv of Oct 5, 2019

The Office of the President of Ukraine is the administrative body that supports the President in their role as the head of state of Ukraine. It is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the presidential administration and providing the President with the necessary resources and staff to carry out their duties effectively.

The office is located in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. It is situated in the historical building called the "Bankova" or "Presidential Administration Building," which is on Bankova Street. This building has been the center of the presidential administration since Ukraine gained its independence in 1991. The building itself is an architectural landmark and is a part of the Kyiv's historic and cultural heritage.

The Office of the President is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including policy analysis, strategic planning, drafting legislation, managing communications, and coordinating with other branches of government. The staff of the presidential administration comprises experts, advisors, and civil servants who work closely with the President to ensure that the executive branch functions effectively and in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine.

The Office of the President of Ukraine, located in Kiev, is housed in a historic building that dates back to the early 20th century, representing the political epicenter of the country. The House with Chimaeras, an Art Nouveau architectural gem designed by architect Vladislav Gorodetsky in 1901-1902, is famous for its unique sculptures of mythical creatures and animals adorning the façade. Both buildings hold great significance in the history of Kiev, as they reflect different eras of the city's architectural and political development. While the Presidential Office is a symbol of governance and authority, the House with Chimaeras is a testament to Kiev's rich cultural heritage and artistic creativity. Together, they showcase the city's diverse history and its blend of traditional and modern influences.

The House with Chimaeras, or Gorodetsky House, is an exceptional example of Art Nouveau architecture in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was designed by the renowned architect Vladislav Gorodetsky, who was born in 1863 in a Polish noble family and studied at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. Gorodetsky worked on various projects throughout the Russian Empire and Ukraine, contributing significantly to Kyiv's architectural landscape.

The House with Chimaeras was constructed between 1901 and 1902 as a private residence for Gorodetsky himself. It was built on a steep hill, which allowed for a unique design featuring three stories on one side and six on the other. The building's name derives from the numerous sculptural decorations of mythical creatures and exotic animals, such as chimaeras, dolphins, and elephants, adorn its façade. These sculptures were created by Italian artist Emilio Sala, who worked closely with Gorodetsky.

Gorodetsky built the House with Chimaeras as a demonstration of his architectural skills and to showcase the innovative use of then-modern materials like reinforced concrete. Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties, Gorodetsky was forced to sell the house in 1913. After changing hands multiple times, the building eventually became state property during the Soviet era. It was used for various purposes, including a clinic, an apartment complex, and a communal living space.

As for other works by Gorodetsky, he designed several prominent buildings in Kyiv, such as the National Art Museum of Ukraine, the St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral, and the Karaite Kenesa. Throughout his career, Gorodetsky was known for his versatility and ability to work with different architectural styles, from Art Nouveau to Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance.

In recent years, the House with Chimaeras has been carefully restored. It now serves as a proper venue for the President of Ukraine, hosting official events and meetings with foreign dignitaries. The building remains a significant cultural and architectural landmark, reflecting both the genius of its creator and the artistic heritage of Kyiv.

The building of the National Bank of Ukraine in Kyiv is an architectural and historical landmark that has played a crucial role in the country's financial sphere for over a century. Constructed between 1902 and 1905, it was designed by architect Aleksey K. Beretti, who integrated elements of Neoclassicism and Renaissance Revival styles into the building's façade.

During the Soviet era, the building continued to serve as a financial institution, housing the State Bank of the Ukrainian SSR. It was essential in managing the republic's finances and implementing monetary policy as part of the more extensive Soviet economic system. During this time, the bank was involved in various financial operations, including credit allocation, currency management, and the administration of state savings.

In the times of Mikhail Bulgakov, the prominent Russian writer who lived in Kyiv during the 1910s and 1920s, the building of the National Bank of Ukraine was already a significant financial institution. Bulgakov wrote the novel "The White Guard" in 1924, set during the turbulent Russian Civil War and the Ukrainian War of Independence. Although the novel does not explicitly mention the bank building, it captures the atmosphere and events of Kyiv during those chaotic years, including the rapidly changing political landscape and the hardships ordinary people face.

After Ukraine regained its independence in 1991, the State Bank of the Ukrainian SSR was transformed into the National Bank of Ukraine, which assumed the role of the country's central banking authority. The building has continued to serve as the headquarters for the National Bank of Ukraine, which is responsible for implementing monetary policy, maintaining price stability, and overseeing the banking sector.

Today, the building of the National Bank of Ukraine stands as a testament to the country's rich history and architectural heritage. Its intricate design, featuring decorative elements like columns, friezes, and a magnificent dome, showcases the architectural grandeur of the early 20th century and symbolises stability and continuity in Ukraine's financial and political development.

The building of the Verkhovna Rada, the unicameral parliament of Ukraine, is a significant architectural and historical landmark in Kyiv. Located in the city's government quarter, the building serves as the meeting place for Ukraine's legislative branch and plays a crucial role in the country's political life.

Construction of the Verkhovna Rada building began in 1936, during the Soviet era, and was completed in 1939. The project was led by the architect Volodymyr Zabolotny, who adopted a neoclassical design with distinctive Soviet elements, such as the large colonnade and the monumental sculptures adorning the façade. The building's symmetrical layout, impressive size, and decorative details reflect the architectural trends and ideologies of the time, emphasising the power and authority of the state.

During the Soviet period, the building served as the seat of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR, the highest legislative body in the Soviet Republic. Following Ukraine's declaration of independence in 1991, the building became the home of the newly formed Verkhovna Rada, tasked with creating and adopting laws, approving the budget, and representing the interests of the Ukrainian people.

One of the most notable events in the building's history took place in 1991 when the Verkhovna Rada declared Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union, marking a turning point in the country's path towards self-determination and sovereignty. Since then, the building has witnessed many significant political events, debates, and decisions that have shaped Ukraine's development.

Today, the Verkhovna Rada building remains an important symbol of Ukraine's political identity and the country's ongoing commitment to democratic governance. As the seat of the legislative branch, it continues to play a vital role in the political life of Ukraine, hosting parliamentary sessions, official ceremonies, and other events that contribute to the nation's progress and development.

Constitution Square (Ploshcha Konstytutsii) is in the Pechersk district of Kyiv, near the Verkhovna Rada and Mariinsky Palace. Established in the early 19th century, the square was initially called Mariinsky Square, named after the nearby Mariinsky Palace, which was built in the mid-18th century as a residence for the Russian Empress Elizabeth.

During the Soviet era, the square was renamed Soviet Square (Radyanska Ploshcha) to reflect the new political ideology. Following Ukraine's independence in 1991, the court was renamed Constitution Square to commemorate the adoption of the Ukrainian Constitution in 1996 and symbolise the country's commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.

The appearance of the square and its surroundings has changed significantly over the past century. In the early 20th century, Constitution Square was surrounded by various buildings, including the Mariinsky Palace, which served as a residence for visiting Russian royals, and later as a proper venue for the Soviet and Ukrainian governments. During the Soviet period, several new buildings were constructed, such as the Verkhovna Rada building and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine building.

Today, Constitution Square is surrounded by several notable government buildings, including the Verkhovna Rada, the Mariinsky Palace, and the House of the Cabinet of Ministers. The square is an important site for political events, official ceremonies, and public gatherings, reflecting the ongoing development and transformation of Kyiv's urban landscape and its political history.

The Mariinsky Palace is an elegant historical landmark in the Pechersk district of Kyiv, Ukraine. The palace was commissioned by the Russian Empress Elizabeth and was designed by the renowned architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the Baroque style. Construction began in 1744 and was completed in 1752.

Before the revolution, the Mariinsky Palace served as a royal residence for visiting members of the Russian imperial family, including Empress Catherine II (Catherine the Great), Emperor Nicholas I, and Emperor Alexander II. The palace hosted numerous balls, receptions, and other high-profile events during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was an important symbol of the Russian Empire's presence and influence in Ukraine.

During the tumultuous years of the 1917 revolution and the subsequent Civil War, the palace witnessed significant political upheaval and change. After the establishment of Soviet power in Ukraine, the Mariinsky Palace was used for various purposes. Initially, it served as the headquarters of the Red Army and later as the House of the Central Executive Committee of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. The palace was damaged during World War II, but it was eventually restored in the 1940s and 1950s.

In the Soviet era, the Mariinsky Palace was used for official state functions, including meetings of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR and receptions for foreign dignitaries. After Ukraine gained independence in 1991, the palace continued to serve as a proper venue for the President of Ukraine, hosting official events, meetings, and celebrations.

The Mariinsky Palace remains an important symbol of Ukraine's history and cultural heritage. The palace has been carefully restored and preserved, showcasing its beautiful Baroque architecture and design. Its historical significance and grandeur make it an essential destination for visitors to Kyiv, as well as a testament to the city's rich and varied past.

Mariinsky Park is a picturesque and historic park in the Pechersk district of Kyiv, adjacent to the Mariinsky Palace. Established in the 19th century, the park was initially designed as a French-style garden, and it has since evolved into a popular recreational space for both locals and visitors. The park offers stunning views of the Dnieper River and is adorned with sculptures, fountains, and various monuments, including the Memorial to the Soldiers of the War in Afghanistan.

Dynamo Stadium, officially known as the NSC Olimpiyskiy or Olympic Stadium, is a prominent sports venue in Kyiv. It was initially built in 1923, making it one of the oldest stadiums in Ukraine. Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations, with the most significant one in preparation for the UEFA Euro 2012 championship. With a seating capacity of over 70,000 spectators, it is the largest stadium in Ukraine. It serves as the home ground for the national football team and FC Dynamo Kyiv, one of the most successful football clubs in the country.

Football has a long-standing tradition in Kyiv and Ukraine. FC Dynamo Kyiv, founded in 1927, has been a symbol of Ukrainian football for decades. Throughout its history, the club has achieved numerous domestic and international successes, including winning the Soviet Top League, the Ukrainian Premier League, the Soviet Cup, the Ukrainian Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. Legendary footballers such as Oleg Blokhin, Andriy Shevchenko, and Igor Belanov have played for the club, further solidifying its prestigious reputation.

Kyiv has also hosted several important international football matches, including the final of the UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final, showcasing the city's passion for the sport and its status as a prominent football destination in Europe.

The combination of Mariinsky Park, Dynamo Stadium, and the vibrant football culture in Kyiv creates a unique and dynamic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts and visitors alike, reflecting the city's rich history, strong athletic traditions, and commitment to fostering a thriving sports scene.

The city council's "liberating duma", under the guidance of Ippolit Dyakov, embarked on numerous construction and improvement programs in Kyiv at the start of the 20th century, funding their endeavours mainly through bond loans. However, these efforts weren't without controversy. The creation of Petrovskaya Alley and the Park Bridge over it became one of the most scandalous projects due to the high expenditure and perceived personal enrichment of some city officials.

The practical actions for the Park Bridge construction started in the summer of 1909, with Professor Evgeny Paton tasked to design a pedestrian bridge. In the same season, Kyiv contractor Nikolai Smirnov agreed with the city to manufacture and install all the metallic parts of the bridge according to Paton's project. Anton Straus' famous pile-driving piles were used to ensure the stability of the bridge supports. Following the installation of the metal structures and subsequent earthworks, the alley was laid down in the spring and summer of 1910, leading to the Dnipro riverbank. After the successful completion of the final tests in November 1910, the alley was named in honour of Peter the Great, but the name "Petrovskaya Alley" has become more popular.

The Water Museum in Kiev, also known as the Water-Information Centre, occupies a building that formerly functioned as the city's main water tower. Constructed between 1872–1876 under the project of architect Alexander Schiele, it was a critical component of the city's water supply system. Its position on a high hill facilitated water distribution through the necessary pressure. After serving as a water tower until the mid-20th century, advancements in water supply technologies led to its repurposing.

In 2003, the Kiev Vodokanal (Water Canal) company converted the building into the Water Museum. Today, the museum houses interactive exhibitions and educational programs that highlight the role of water in our ecosystem, the importance of clean water, and the functioning of the water supply system. Not far from the Water Museum stands the enchanting "Yasensvit" or Wishing Tree, a captivating work of contemporary art that has grown to become one of Kiev's most beloved landmarks. Visitors flock to tie ribbons around its branches, each ribbon symbolizing a wish hoped to come true. The Wishing Tree, together with the Water Museum, forms a unique blend of history, education, and culture in the heart of Kiev.

Independence Square, also known as Maidan Nezalezhnosti, is the central square in Kiev, housing the iconic Monument of Independence. During the Soviet era, it was a significant commercial and transport hub named "Square of the October Revolution." In 2014, it became the epicentre of the Revolution of Dignity, where thousands of Ukrainians demanded a shift towards European integration and the end of corruption, making it a powerful symbol of Ukraine's ongoing fight for sovereignty and democracy.