Discover the most romantic building in Kyiv and find out where to locate it (with photos).

One of the most fascinating and unusual buildings in Kyiv is the "Richard the Lionheart Castle," constructed in the early 20th century in the style of English Gothic architecture. The house, resembling an ancient castle, is adorned with towers, crenellated railings, and spires.

This architectural gem is poetically named after house number 15, situated in a picturesque location on Andriyivskyy Descent. "Telegraph" informs readers about this unique structure and shows where it can be found in Kyiv.

History of the Castle's Construction

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This majestic building was named after the English King Richard I, known as the Lionheart, who became a hero in Walter Scott's legendary novel "Ivanhoe." The house is considered one of the most mysterious structures in Kyiv, also bearing a notorious reputation.

The castle was built between 1902 and 1904, but it remains unclear who exactly was the author of this house. According to legend, contractor Dmitry Orlov simply stole the castle's design—the facade was based on the Ministry of Internal Affairs building in Saint Petersburg, created by architect Marfeld.

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Construction began in 1902 in secrecy from the city authorities, with Orlov actively bribing police officers to turn a blind eye to the building erected from the stolen plans.

During the final stages of construction, the half-finished house suffered significant damage from a powerful fire, the cause of which was never determined. As a result, construction was delayed and completed only at the end of 1904.

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Throughout the construction, Dmitry Orlov fell deep into debt and took out a 36-year loan from the Kyiv Credit Society, renting out the apartments.

The house began to be actively inhabited by tenants, but even then, the castle started to accumulate legends—allegedly, footsteps could be heard in the corridors at night, along with strange sounds.

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In 1911, Dmitry Orlov was shot under mysterious circumstances. After the builder's death, he left behind a wife and five children. Due to overwhelming debts, the widow sold the house and moved out.

Architecture of the Castle

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The castle is situated on a complex terrain that descends toward Podil. Access to the house is provided by two entrances: one from the yard via a concrete staircase, and the other from the street via a wooden staircase built during the renovation in 1991-1992.

Its majestic facades are adorned with architectural elements characteristic of medieval fortresses and castles, including various types of towers, spires, and battlements on the edges of the walls, with a grand tower rising on the left side.

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In the courtyard, there was also a one-story brick residential wing that was demolished in 1988, as well as one-story service buildings with a large ice cellar in the basement.

The house was equipped with plumbing and heating, and the courtyard and driveway were paved.

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Why is this Castle Unusually Named?

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The castle received its name thanks to writer Viktor Nekrasov. In 1967, he was the first to write that as children, he and his friends played in the courtyard of this house and imagined it as the majestic castle from Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe."

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There is another version regarding the whimsical name of this house. It is said that several decades ago, a merchant named Richard Yurevich lived here. He owned a shop nearby and was known for his love of telling various interesting stories.

During World War II, Richard reportedly hid Jews in the castle's basements, earning him the nickname Richard the Lionheart.

Where is Richard's Castle Located?

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In the late 1990s, the castle was acquired by an American businessman of Ukrainian descent, Yuriy Chopyvskyi. He intended to renovate the castle and open a restaurant, art gallery, or hotel.

Currently, the castle stands abandoned and is gradually falling into disrepair. However, it still provides a backdrop for bright and unforgettable photographs.

Address: Andriyivskyy Descent, 15.

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Let us remind you that Kyiv has a luxurious mansion of a countess that at one point turned into a dreadful torture chamber. This interesting example of early 20th-century manor architecture is designed in the Empire style and boasts a richly decorated facade, interiors with intriguing reliefs and paintings, carved doors, and gilding.

The Uvarova estate is a monument of local architectural significance; however, terrible things occurred within its walls that would chill the blood.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported that one of the most unusual and memorable sites in the capital is undoubtedly the Chocolate House on Lypky, built in the 1880s.