... Where a soul can rest. Architecture as tourist magnets

Kyivan Paris

This is what Kyivites call an entire block, which, in fact, consists of several buildings in the centre of the block on Horodetskoho Street. One of them, the most famous, is located in the very centre of the ‘Kyivan Paris’, opposite the intersection with Zankovetskoi Street. Its luxurious decor immediately attracts attention, forcing you to gaze into the magnificence of intricate decorations. However, it is only a shell of its former greatness, recreated after fires during the war. The statues of ancient gods and heroes partially collapsed in 1941 — they had to be rebuilt anew. But the towers of the building were never rebuilt. 

Two-storey shops were considered a feature of the building; those were a sign and symbol of unprecedented prestige, a particular ‘Parisian’ chic.

Address: 9 Horodetskoho St.

Syrotkin’s revenue house

The history of this plot of land, the house, its architects and owners is quite interesting. In 1899, Petro Hryhorovych-Barskyi started the construction based on the design of architect Hilevych, and then, it was continued by merchant Oleksandr Syrotkin. The latter hired the architect Karl Schiemann, who had already built 7 buildings in Kyiv. In 1902, the construction of the revenue house was completed. The first storey of the building housed the Cafe Marquisa mentioned by Bulgakov in his novel The White Guard.

Address: 24/39 Prorizna St. or 39/24 Volodymyrska St.

Snizhko & Khlebnikova’s revenue house

This house built in 1901 inevitably draws everyone’s attention. And for good reason. The manor belonged to a family of brick magnates whose business was founded by Adam Snizhko. The philanthropists did not spare money, and the building turned out to be pompous, very similar to a palace, with magnificent shape of the façade, an interesting shape of a weather vane and original stucco decorations. 

The first floor housed luxury shops and a hairdresser’s parlour. Apartments were located above.

Address: 45/2 Pushkinska St.

St. Nicholas Catholic Cathedral

Organ and Chamber Music Hall (St. Nicholas Catholic Cathedral) is one of the most beautiful buildings of early 20th century in Kyiv. The cathedral is stylised as Gothic, with high arrow-shaped spires. The construction of St. Nicholas in Kyiv was carried out based on the design of the architect Wołowski. The construction works themselves were supervised by the famous Kyiv architect Władysław Horodecki. The architect decided to draw his inspiration from Notre Dame. If you look closely at the balconies girdling the sides of the cathedral towers, you can see that it is not the magnificent capitals that keep them in motion, but the terrible creatures that languish under the load placed on their backs. And even higher, under the very foundations of the sharp domes, even more fearsome creatures lurk, closely inspecting all the approaches to the holy temple.

A large family of griffins nests on the tower with a spire. In medieval Europe, these creatures symbolised the dual nature of Christ, divine and human at the same time. Architect Horodecki placed a sculpture of Archstrategist Michael stepping on the punished devil in the form of a winged dragon on the central pediment to emphasise the victory of good over evil.

Since 1981, St. Nicholas Catholic Cathedral was converted into a concert hall, the National House of Organ and Chamber Music. Works of all available styles and genres are performed here with equal success: from classical music to modern authors. 

On June 25, 2001, Pope John Paul II visited the Cathedral.

Address: 75 Velyka Vasylkivska.

The building of the National Bank of Ukraine

A stunning building in the Venetian style imitating the Italian Palazzo. The façade was clad by the Italian sculptor Emilio Sala who also worked closely with Horodecki and contributed to the design of the House with Chimaeras, the Karaite Kenasa, the National Art Museum (“House with Lions”) and St. Nicholas.

Address: 9 Instytutska St.