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Romanovs in Crimea – History of Livadia

Alexander II Romanov had bought land in Livadia in the middle of XIX century. Alexander II, Alexander III, and Nicolas II, all last three Emperors of Russia enjoyed quiet and tranquil family rest in a fabulous Livadia.  

Tsar Alexander ІІ bought a manor in Livadia in 1861 for his wife Maria. Climate of South Crimea was highly recommended for the Empress as a remedy against tuberculosis she was suffering from. Since then Tsar’s family started to visit Livadia quite often and Yalta acquired fame of a royal marine resort. Russian court architect Hippolyte Monigetti (1819-1878) built a palace complex for the Romanovs consisting of the Big Tsar’s palace, the Small Palace for Princes and heirs, the palace church, palaces for Grand Princes. There were more than 70 buildings erected for the palace complex which became a template for  construction in Yalta.    

The name Livadia (derived from Greek world livadion which means lawn) reminds of a Greek battalion defending southern borders of Russia in the end of XVIII century.
Beautiful and dramatic nature of South Crimea with salubrious air of mountains and warm sea won special affection of the Romanovs who lived the simple life in Livadia, free of strict court etiquette and conventions.

A splendid royal residence and a tranquil country house, the white Palace of Livadia was built in only 17 month. The Palace had been designed for Romanovs in Neo-Renaissance style by outstanding Russian architect Krasnov. 2500 construction workers had toiled to build the palace in just 17 months. The foundation was laid in April 1910 and the construction was completed in September 1911.

The Romanov family lived at their new White Palave of Livadia only four times, the last in 1914. Nevertheless, it was the happiest and most carefree time for the family. When Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the throne in March of 1917, he requested bolsheviks for the family to be permitted to live at Livadia as private citizens. His request was denied and they were evacuated to Yekaterinburg where the whole family of the tsar Nikolas were murdered in July 1918.

After October Revolution and immigration of the Imperial family, the Palace served as a museum of Tsar’s family, later as a sanatorium of peasants specialized in treatment of tuberculosis.   

In February 1945 the Yalta Conference was held in Livadia, when the palace housed the apartments of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and other members of the American delegation.

Today Livadia has a few changes since the reign of the last Emperor still and it remains one of Yalta’s most popular attractions.

Built by Monigetti, the small Palace Church of the Exaltation of the Holly Cross is at the back of the Palace. It was created as a religious treasury of the Romanovs. Built during the reign of Alexander II, the Church was a place where burial service was read for Alexander III who died in Livadia. It is here Nikolas II took an oath of faithfulness to the Russian throne and his bride, Princess Alisa von Hessen was confirmed into the Orthodox Church and given the name Alexandra Feodorovna.

With its delicately carved white facade, the White Palace of Livadia is a building of  58 living rooms and 116 individual halls decorated with rich interiors, luxurious main entrance, white Carrara marble columns, fine carven benches, fabulous Italian and Arab yards, griffins, gargoyles, flower gardens, and fountains.

Neo Renaissance-style palace of Livadia features for an arched portico of Carrara marble, a spacious Arabic patio, an Italian patio, a Florentine tower, ornate Bramantesque windows, a "balcony-belvedere", and multiple bays with jasper vases. A gallery connects the palace with a neo-Byzantine church of the Exaltation of the Cross, built for the Romanovs by court architect Monighetti in 1866.

The White Hall of Livadia Palace is the largest and one of the Place’s most beautiful rooms. 218-square-meter room has a special lightening system with 300 lams set behind the cornice to accentuate exclusive celling stucco. During the Tsar’s time the White Hall was used for balls and parties, celebration of 16-th anniversary of Grand Princess Olga and other important imperial receptions. In 1945, the White Hall has gone down into history as a venue of plenary meetings of Yalta conference.

The Reception Room

Venetian style Reception room is a visiting card of the palace with Renaissance ornaments on windows, door and celling, fretted walnut wainscots, exquisite Murano chandelier.
Seceret talks on the Far East were held in this room during the Yalta Conference of 1945, then Roosevelt’s Study.

The State Study of Nikolas II
Empire style room with rich stylish decorations during time of Yalta Conference was the accommodation for Franklin D. Roosevelt.  It is also known as the Roosevelt’s Study.

The English Billiard Room
The Tudor style room is featured for chestnut wainscots and a fireplace with Emperor’s initials. It is here the resulting documents of Yalta Conference were signed on February 11 1945. The photograph of The Big Three was taken nearby, in Italian Courtyard. 

The Italian Courtyard
The brilliant masterpiece of architect Krasnov, Italian courtyard was the spot where The Big Three picture (Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin) was taken during the Yalta Conference.

The Arabian Courtyard
Floral tiled ornament and white marble fountain turn Arabian courtyard into a memorable picturesque corner of the Palace. Optic glass lift and staircase to the second floor are nearby.

The Private Study of Nikolas II

Simple comfort of this room corresponds to the nature of Nicolas II.  During his stay in Livadia the tsar used to work, read and receive ministers in his study. Architect Krasnov got a special imperial praise for decoration of this room. The study has fumed maple panels, diorite fireplace and stained glass windows overlooking the sea.

The Tsar’s Path

Famous for beautiful vistas and healing air of pine trees, the Tsar’s Path starts in the south of the palace. The path stretches westward to the sea for about 7 km on the heights 130-140 meters. Nicolas II enjoyed walks here. Very often whole family set out for a nice walk down the path to enjoy scenic views of the Black Sea.