Built more than a century ago by eccentric Kyivite Wladislaw Horodecki, this is the most unique structure in Kyiv. Sophisticated architectural forms are buried beneath the phantasmal figures of Horodecki's dreams. The elephant trunk storm drains, rhinos, antelope, gigantic frogs, mermaids and other figures are constructed of cement, a state-of-the-art material back in the 19th century. A local cement factory owner provided Horodecki with a complimentary supply knowing that the interest generated by such an unusual home would pay-off. Ahead of its time, the design makes full use of the uneven Kyiv landscape: Three stories rise on one side and six descend the hill on the other. The interior design was also considered radically modern, and included an ice room for food storage, a wine cellar, a laundry room, a garage for horse drawn carriages and even a special room for Horodecki’s cow. This insured fresh milk for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Shrouded in mystery and legend, this place continues to intrigue visitors.