Castle of Richard the Lionheart, Kyiv, Gothic Revival architectural monument in Andriyivsky Descent, Kyiv, Ukraine
The Castle of Richard the Lionheart is a building with castellated walls, high towers, and spires that echo medieval knightly castles in the Gothic Revival style. It sits on Andriyivsky Descent and overlooks the Podol district and the Dnieper River below.
Industrialist Dmitry Orlov built this structure between 1902 and 1904 during a time when Kyiv was expanding rapidly and wealthy residents were creating new homes. The building reflects the era of quick growth and investment that shaped the city at the turn of the century.
The structure received its name in 1967 after an elderly resident nicknamed Richard, despite having no connection to the medieval English monarch. Locals still use this playful name today, which has become part of how people talk about this hilltop building.
Access is from Andriyivsky Descent 15, where steps and paths lead up to the building. The back side offers viewpoints where you can look out over the Podol district and toward the Dnieper River.
The building became known for strange sounds that puzzled residents until they discovered eggshells in the flue and broken bottles inside the walls were acting as resonators. This accidental acoustic property made it an unexpected talking point among those living nearby.
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