Today, Viktoriya Porechnaya takes us on her Gypsy Travels to Andriyvsky Uzviz in Kiev, Ukraine.
One of my favorite places in Kyiv is Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andrew’s Descent). It’s an ancient street with art galleries, shops and studios; the best place to shop for Ukrainian handmade crafts and artwork and the biggest flea market with unique vintage treasures. It’s also a place of festivals and concerts with many cafes and restaurants. Famous Ukrainian Baroque church of St. Andrew and The Castle of Richard in modernized Gothic style are also located here. The whole of Podil (old region of Kiev), including Andriyvsky Uzviz, is a fabulous place for walking and discovering new things.
According to a legend, a man walked up the hill here, erected a cross and prophesied: ‘A great city will stand on this spot’. That man was Andrew, the Apostle, hence the name of Kiev’s quaintest thoroughfare, a steep cobbled street. Its highlight is the stunning gold and blue St Andrew’s Church, a five-domed, cross-shaped baroque masterpiece that celebrates the apostle’s legend. The church was built in 1754 by an Italian architect, Bartolomeo Rastrelli.
There’s attractions galore along Andriyivsky Uzviz, including wonderful cafes, restaurants, galleries, craft shops and museums.
A little way up on the left, house №13, the early home of the much-loved author of ‘The Master and Margaret’, has become the strange and memorable Bulgakov Museum.
Almost each building here is an architectural monument. House №15, nicknamed ‘the Castle of Richard the Lionheart,’ is the most unusual and mysterious one. The apartment house, created in English Neo-Gothic style reminiscent of a medieval castle, is the subject of many legends.
Today, as many years ago, a bohemian atmosphere reigns here. The numerous artistic salons, galleries and art-cafes on the street reinforce this aura. Kiev’s Montmartre is always full of artists and craftsmen selling pictures, decorations, glass and ceramic objects, as well as souvenirs.
When we celebrate the “Day of Kiev” and the Independence Day, the Andriyivsky Uzviz becomes filled with locals, tourists and the usual vendors selling their wares so there are lots of things to buy.
You can find Ukranian embroidery dresses and other folk items from different regions of the country.
Vintage treasures are everywhere here.
Or even more modern things from the end of the last century.
So you could say that Andriyvsky Uzviz is the place where past meets present!
One thing is for certain – it’s definitely a place worth visiting!
– Viktoriya –
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