On Friday, 14 February 2025, the staff of the Media Center Directorate organised a tour for diplomats to the magnificent Klovskyi Palace, a unique 18th-century architectural monument of national importance. The winter promenade was attended by the spouses of the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Austria (Petra Benkö) and Italy (Monica Bartoli), as well as by the staff of the Embassies of Brazil, Bulgaria, Mexico, the EU Delegation and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS in Ukraine.
Diplomats and their families toured the exquisite 3,200-square-metre palace, an outstanding example of Ukrainian Baroque style. Throughout its history, the palace served a variety of functions: it used to house the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra’s printing shop, a military hospital, the first men’s gymnasium, a women’s theological school, and later, several museums. In 2003, the historic building was granted to the Supreme Court of Ukraine and underwent a comprehensive restoration from 2003 to 2009, including interior renovations. Since then, the Supreme Court of Ukraine has been functioning here, and that is why this building is often called the House of Justice, as it is the place where final decisions of crucial importance for justice in Ukraine are made.
During the visit, the foreign guests gained insights into the activities of Ukraine’s highest judicial body, ascended the majestic grand staircase of the palace, toured the hearing room and the refined conference hall, where walls are adorned with doves — symbols of peace — and sheaves of wheat. The distinguished guests were impressed by the huge plenum hall, which can accommodate 220 people. The hall’s walls feature historical Ukrainian state symbols spanning from the reign of Yaroslav the Wise to the restoration of Ukraine’s independence.
The tour concluded with a visit to the Supreme Court Museum, where participants explored the history of Ukraine’s judiciary and its most notable figures, viewed important documents, robes, judges’ insignia, and memorable gifts symbolising the Supreme Court’s ties with foreign judicial institutions.
For over two centuries, Klovskyi Palace has been an adornment of Kyiv’s Lypky neighbourhood, offering visitors unique impressions and emotions.
