Step inside Baturyn's grand Rozumovsky Palace, the residence of Hetmans
Why you should see the Razumovskyi Palace in Baturyn (photo: Wikipedia)
Baturyn—the former hetman capital—is home to one of the most magnificent 18th-century residences, the palace of Kyrylo Rozumovskyi. It is not just an architectural landmark; the building embodies the grandeur of Ukrainian statehood, European taste, and the ambitions of the last Hetman of Left-Bank Ukraine. Here's what makes the Razumovskyi Palace impressive, and some of the legends surrounding it.
History of the Hetman's Palace
The Razumovskyi Palace is the main gem of Baturyn and a symbol of Hetman authority. It was built between 1799 and 1803 for Kyrylo Razumovskyi, the last Hetman of Left-Bank Ukraine.
The palace was designed by Scottish architect Charles Cameron, best known for his work for Empress Catherine II.
The neoclassical residence was meant to embody European sophistication and the power of Hetmanate Ukraine.
Inside, there are reception halls, marble staircases, a library with tens of thousands of volumes, and a collection of paintings and portraits of Ukrainian elders.
Hetman and his 'musical' brother
Interestingly, Kyrylo Razumovskyi was the younger brother of Oleksiy Razumovskyi, a former Cossack and singer who became a favorite of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. Thanks to his brother, Kyrylo received a brilliant European education and later ascended to the position of Hetman.
It is said that in the palace, Razumovskyi often recalled his Cossack roots and even ordered that Ukrainian music be played in the marble hall.
Razumovskyi Palace in Baturyn: why you should see the grand Hetman residence.
Antique hall of the palace (photo: Wikipedia)
Who inherited the palace
When Kyrylo Rozumovsky died in 1803, the palace was inherited by his son Oleksiy, a well-known diplomat and philanthropist who continued to expand the family estate.
During his time, the residence remained a cultural hub that brought together scholars, artists, and politicians.
Later, the building passed through other descendants, but none could maintain it properly.
Due to this, the palace stood empty for many years until the state took it under its care in the early 1990s, and a large-scale restoration began in 2003 as part of the "Hetman's Capital" project.
Ceiling paintings (photo: Wikipedia)
Today, the Rozumovsky Palace once again shines in all its glory, welcoming tourists and standing as a proud part of the nation's heritage.
Legend of the Hetman's love
A beautiful legend says that Kyrylo Razumovskyi hid a symbol of his great but unrequited love in the palace.
It is said that the young Hetman fell in love with a girl from a Cossack family, but the nobility did not approve of their marriage. When the girl died, Razumovskyi ordered her name to be engraved on one of the foundation stones to be remembered forever.
Locals claim that on quiet evenings, the sound of an old harpsichord can sometimes be heard in the palace halls, as if someone from the past is reminding visitors of a love that knows no death.
Ghost from the Hetman's hall
Another legend tells of the spirit of Kyrylo Rozumovsky, who is said to appear in the main hall during thunderstorms. Witnesses report seeing a male figure in Hetman attire near the portrait of Catherine II, the place of their last meeting.
According to legend, the Hetman regretted that he could not restore full independence to Ukraine, and even after death, his soul guards his home as a symbol of enduring Hetman honor.
Secrets of Baturyn's underground passages
Beneath the palace, an extensive network of underground tunnels is said to exist. They are said to have connected the hetman's residence with the citadel and the Seim River, providing an escape route in case of a siege or danger. During restoration, archaeologists indeed discovered remnants of the old tunnels and passageways, some of which have now been preserved.
What to see nearby
Baturyn is not just the palace. Nearby attractions include:
The Baturyn Citadel is a reconstructed fortress from the Cossack era.
Territory of the architectural and memorial complex, Baturyn Citadel (photo: Wikipedia)
The Resurrection Church, where Kyrylo Razumovskyi is buried.
Resurrection Church is the burial place of K.G. Razumovskyi (photo: Wikipedia)
The house of General Judge Vasyl Kochubey, which preserves documents from the Hetman era.
House of General Judge V. Kochubey in Baturyn (photo: Wikipedia)
Earlier, we wrote about castles shrouded in myths and legends.
Sources: Official website of the National Historical and Cultural Reserve “Hetman Capital,” Encyclopedia of Ukrainian History, Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, Wikipedia
