Shah Palace Odesa

Crowning the abrupt precipice in the historical part of the city, the Shah Palace is rightly considered to be one of the most beautiful and magnificent edifices in Odesa. Constructed in uncharacteristic for Odesa neo-Gothic style, it stands out against other age-old buildings of the city and represents town's true adornment that locals boast about and guests are amazed at over more than one and a half century.

The intricate building of the palace was constructed in 1852 to a design by the architect, Felix Gonsiorowski, for his compatriot, Polish tycoon, Zenon Brżozowski. It was erected on the site of the proposed military hospital, whose construction took longer than planned due to uncertain reasons. Therefore the half-finished building was pulled down. As of today it is a two-storey limestone palace faced with Inkerman stone. Its shapes and decorations are reminiscent of medieval English castles, by which perhaps the architect was inspired. Its thick walls are crowned by battlemented turrets, cut with big ogival windows and arches that imitate the castle style.

Making client wishes come true, the architect designed the palace to produce the biggest impressions from the seaside. It was a perimeter formed by four buildings. There was an open-loop patio in the middle that leaded to the area once featured the fountain. Formerly it was accessible through the monumental arch that imitated medieval turret with wicket gate modeled after drawbridge.