Kyiv. Country residence "Mezhyhirya"
*a kind request to dear readers to refrain from commenting on political topics under this post
How long, how short, but after almost a year and a half, I still decided to visit Mezhyhirya. She waited until, so to speak, the spirit of the previous owner "weathered. " The weather in Kyiv is wonderful, it's time to visit parks and outdoor recreation.
So, now Mezhyhirya is one of the most beautiful garden and park ensembles of modern Ukraine. And that is exactly how it should be treated. On the vast territory that once belonged to the Mezhigorsky Monastery, carefully destroyed by the Bolsheviks, there is a country estate, designed in several tiers. At the top there is a park, beautiful ponds with rainbow trout, golden carps and tame ducks, magnificent fountains and fancy gazebos. An unforgettable panorama of the Kiev Sea opens from the terrace of the main house (aka "Honka"). The lower tier is a beautifully designed promenade that any coastal city would envy. Right there in the bay at the pier, a landing stage-restaurant (Galeon) and a pleasure boat are moored, which has recently been making excursion trips from the Kiev River Station. There is also a car museum, a small ostrich farm, a heliport, a golf course and several guest mansions at the back of the residence.
The residence is kept in perfect order. All flower beds and lawns are carefully guarded by gardeners. The animals were given to zoos, but the poultry house, a few horses and ostriches were left. Bicycle paths are demarcated throughout the territory, you can rent a bicycle at the entrance (50 UAH/hour). Those who wish can order a tour of the territory on an open pleasure car (there are many of them in European cities, like a golf cart). Entrance to all rooms is allowed only if accompanied and for a fee. There was no desire to see the “bykoko” style live, all photos are available on the Internet. Also in the park they sell ice cream and water, small souvenirs. Guards keep order. Entrance costs 50 UAH, discounts are provided for preferential categories (pensioners, students, children). For the convenience of visitors, a map is shown on the ticket, which greatly simplifies the walk. Working hours - 9-19.00 on weekdays, 9-20.00 on weekends. From Kyiv (landmark - Shevchenko Square) on an excellent road less than 10 minutes drive.
The active walk took almost 6 hours, so if you wish, you can spend the whole day in the park. Unpleasant associations arose only when Honka and Galleon, once inhabited, caught my eye. The rest are associations with European residence parks and Ukrainian estate parks of the 18th-19th centuries. (only the latter are in the worst condition, unfortunately). Over time, Khonka plans to equip the Museum of Corruption for those who are interested : )
I want to end the story on a positive note, because I try to see the good in everything. Whatever the background of the creation of this residence, we inherited a wonderful European park, accessible and giving pleasure first of all to us, our children and loved ones.
