Touring the grounds of Mezhyhirya, the lavish former estate of ousted Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, can be an odd experience.
From a main house built to resemble an oversized Finnish hunting lodge to acres of manicured gardens to a gladiator themed boxing ring, visitors are in for a first-hand look at what millions of tax dollars can buy.
There are many calling for the estate to be turned into a "museum of corruption." And, while those efforts have stalled , here is what a tour of Mezhyhirya looks like.
The the main club house inside Mezhgorye, the residence of Ukraine's ousted president Victor Yanukovych.
Misha Friedman
Mezhyhirya has become a popular wedding day destination for Ukrainians.
Misha Friedman
The main staircase at Mezhyhirya club house.
Misha Friedman
A portrait of Petro Oliynykr, 34, a grocery salesman from Lviv has, came to Mezhgorye from Maidan where he participated in the revolution and has remained there ever since guarding/protecting it from looters.
Misha Friedman
Petro Oliynyk with a Ukrainian emblem embroidered flag draped around his shoulders.
Misha Friedman
Related: A babushka in Ukraine's forbidden mansion (VIDEO)
Yanukovych-themed toilet paper (though, probably placed there by rebels) in the master bedroom.
Misha Friedman
The salt room inside the spa.
Misha Friedman
A gladiator themed boxing ring.
Misha Friedman
A shrink wrapped leather chair in Viktor Yanukovych's former office at Mezhyhirya.
Misha Friedman
This story was produced with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting .
From PRI's The World ©2016 PRI
