to provide a design and supervise the work.

Similar to some other famous parks of the time — Versailles, the Belvedere Park in Vienna, the Vatican Gardens in Rome, Hellbrun in Salzburg, Blenheim in England, Drottningsholm in Sweden and Peterhof (Petrodvorets) in Russia — Sofiyivka was largely planned in the Italian Baroque tradition with themes from the myths of the Greco-Roman antiquity in full display. Sofiyivka has its own Elysian Fields, its own River Styx; statues and busts of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Apollo, Mercury and Venus grace the alleys and groves. The new, “English style” ideas in landscaping were also used with “wild sections” added in good measure.

An alley leading from the main entrance and along the lively River Kamyanka is lined with horse chestnuts. In what looks like a forest, the eye is entertained by dark firs, tender and light birch trees, peaceful meadows and moss-covered rocks. At the end of the alley, the Flora Pavilion appears suddenly and unexpectedly. The alley turns to the right but from the steps of the Pavilion a pond comes into view. The pond with a dragon sitting in the centre of the pond and “vomiting water” high into the sky, is surrounded by grim rocks with ivy reaching down to the water. Oaks, maples, linden, elms and black poplars in the dense wood give way to a more open space as the alley climbs to the top of a hill with a Chinese-style arbour welcoming the weary stroller.

A stroll through the park opens new wonders almost at every step you take. Gazebos, statues, arbours, ponds, columns, grottoes, islands, exotic plants in the conservatory, chirping birds, meandering alleys and trails soothe the soul, rejoice the heart, and fill you with wonder — you cannot help being amused, amazed and fascinated by the artistic ingenuity and natural variety you will find in Sofiyivka, a beautiful park named after a beautiful woman.