Vorontsov Palace. Yalta

Vorontsov Palace is situated in outskirts of Yalta at a small resort town Alupka. Mikhail Vorontsov was governor of the southern Russia (which included also the Crimean peninsula) in the early 19th century. Moorish elements and northern European styles of Alupka Palace blend seamlessly here to create a stunning villa. The staircase leads all the way to the Black sea and the lions that guard it are carved from imported Italian marble. Vorontsov's Castle, built in five different architectural styles (actually different from each side) is well kept and has a small art gallery.