By Criss
By Isabel van Brugen
An opulent residence nestled along Russia’s Black Sea coast, long rumored to be Russian President Vladimir Putin’s secret “palace,” has undergone a remarkable transformation. According to an independent investigative outlet, the Gelendzhik Palace near Sochi, southern Russia, now boasts a home church complete with a triptych and a wooden throne.
The residence, infamously dubbed “Putin’s Palace,” first came into the spotlight after an investigation by the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2021. The VChK-OGPU Telegram channel, which has close ties to Russian security forces, confirmed the existence of the luxurious property. However, recent video footage and illustrations reveal that the interior has been significantly altered.
Obsession with War and Religion
Russian outlet Proekt obtained exclusive glimpses of the renovated interior. Gone are the entertainment areas with a pole, a casino, and a room filled with toy cars and a railway. Instead, the residence now features a home church adorned with crosses and a triptych depicting “Saint Prince Vladimir.” Art historians and an icon painter were consulted to identify the religious figures in the artwork.
Historical Context and Symbolism
The inclusion of a home church in the Gelendzhik Palace harks back to medieval traditions. In ancient Russia, rulers often commissioned patronal icons, which were later placed in prominent cathedrals. Notably, Putin has a tradition of visiting the Annunciation Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin after his inauguration. The wooden throne within the church suggests either a high-ranking church hierarch or an owner with an elevated sense of self-importance.
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Extravagant Details
Proekt also revealed that the reading room in the “palace” now boasts two chandeliers adorned with red crystals from the French manufacturer Baccarat. These lavish fixtures reportedly cost a staggering 100 million rubles (approximately $1 million).
Corruption Allegations
Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) previously released a comprehensive video investigation in 2021. The video alleged that the Gelendzhik Palace, valued at $1.35 billion, was funded through a complex corruption scheme. According to the report, Putin rewarded his allies at partially state-owned energy giants with top jobs and lucrative government projects.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed these claims as “pure nonsense” at the time. However, the palace’s transformation—from a hedonistic playground to a place of worship—continues to captivate public interest and fuel speculation about its true purpose.
