Podol (or Podil) is an old district of Kiev, where craftsmen and fishermen used to live. The district was formed after fire of 1811, when all the wooden constructions burnt down. Several slopes, including the famous Andreevsky Spusk, lead to Podol. The compositional center of Podol is large Kontraktovaya Square, where each house is interesting in its own way. Since 1798 the square was the place for al Russian fairs, and for the needs of customers the Merchants' Yard was put up. It contained 50 stores with various goods and products. Unfortunately the original building didn't survive until today, and the new building of the same look was constructed. Near the Merchants' Yard there is the fountain Samson, designed by Ukrainian architect Grigorovich-Barsky in 1749. The fountain is object of many legends, one of which says that the one who tries "Samson water" will stay in Kiev forever.

Throughout its 250-year history, the Mariyinsky Palace experienced blossoming, landscaping, desolation, reconstruction, forgetfulness and fame.

The majestic building that raises in Pechersk over Lipki, on Bankova Street, 11, was built in 1939 for the staff of the Kiev military district. It is the monument of Kiev culture and architecture. The building project was created by the famous Kharkov architect Grigoriev, who combined two styles in the structure: classic and Ukrainian Baroque.