Kyiv's Andriivsky Uzviz
History and Culture From Starokyivskaya Hill to Kontraktova Ploshcha
From the five bud-shaped domes topping St. Andrew's Church to rows of artists' sidewalk tents, Andriivsky Uzviz captures the essence of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv.
If you are looking for a place with Kyiv's history and culture combined with a great place to find some traditional souvenirs, look no further than what locals call "the most charming street," Andriivsky Uzviz (Andrew's Descent).
History
This short, steep, curvy, cobblestone road was originally created around the 10-1100's as a shortcut from Kyiv's aristocratic Upper/Old Town down the hill to the Podil district, birthplace of the city's trade, commerce, and industry. The street begins at the summit of Starokyivskaya Hill near St. Andrew's Church and winds down or "descends" to its terminus at Kontraktova Ploshcha (Plaza).
For centuries, the passageway (at first it was not an actual road) was not inhabited because the steep slope made it too dangerous for construction. The first buildings along the road were erected in the 17th century and apartment buildings did not appear until the end of the 19th century. Merchants and craftsmen made their homes along the street throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
Andriivsky Uzviz existed as a dirt road until just over a century ago when it was finally paved with cobblestones. Today, if you can ignore the occasional automobile that dares to navigate the curves and uneven cobbles, the street appears just as it did a century ago.
Attractions
- St. Andrew's Church is located at the "top" of the street on Starokyivskaya Hill. The baroque-style building topped with five bud-shaped domes was designed by renowned Russian architect Bartholomeo Rastrelli and constructed in the mid 1700's by a team of specialists from St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kyiv. Inside is a museum, and services of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church are still occasionally held here. The road inherited its current name in the 1840's after this architectural treasure.
- Other points of interest include the gothic-style house "Castle of Richard Lionheart,” built at the beginning of the 20th century by Dimitri Orlov. Down the road is the former home of famous Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov. Inside is a museum with many of Bulgakov's personal belongings, photos, and exhibitions related to his life and works.
- A visit to Andriivsky Uzviz is not complete without taking time to admire the creative works and crafts of the many street vendors and open art exhibitions that line the street. This open air bazaar, known as Kyiv's Montmarte, offers a large selection of items such as paintings, decorative art, clothing, wood carvings, soviet-era paraphernalia, and of course the requisite matrioshka dolls. This is a street of contrasts and souvenir hunters should be careful as you can find both high and low quality merchandise at these stands. You can find a bargain, but the vendors can spot a foreigner a mile away and some may try to take advantage of you.
- While shopping, don't forget to check out some of the small, trendy shops along the way. Finally, after several tiring hours strolling up and down the hill, you can get a tasty, filling meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes.
Although Andriivsky Uzviz is typically thriving with activity, the ambience of this small, picturesque piece of Kyiv transports you back in time to the slower pace of a bygone era.
