Putin's Palace, Presidential residence in Cape Idokopas, Russia
Known as Putin's Palace, this residence is a sprawling Italianate complex on the Black Sea coast with three levels that house an indoor pool, cinema, gaming hall, chapel, greenhouse, helicopter pad, and yacht dock. The main building covers roughly seventeen thousand square meters (about one hundred ninety thousand square feet) and combines formal spaces with private quarters.
Construction started in 2005 under architect Lanfranco Cirillo, following a classical Italian design for grand residences. The complex drew public attention in 2010 when a businessman raised allegations about corruption in how the project was funded.
The complex reflects European design principles with grand marble floors, tall columns, and luxurious rooms intended for formal receptions and private stays. Its architectural language draws from Italian villa traditions and combines formal grandeur with a sense of withdrawn privacy.
The grounds sit on a secluded stretch of the Black Sea coast in Gelendzhik District and are protected by controlled zones and restricted airspace, making entry or close viewing impossible. Viewpoints in the wider area occasionally offer distant glimpses of the compound from afar.
Investigations in 2021 uncovered widespread mold problems throughout much of the structure, requiring extensive repair work and removal of luxurious wall and ceiling finishes. These flaws revealed that even expensive building projects can face serious technical issues.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
