Andriivskyi Uzviz in Kyiv is like Monmartre in Paris. It is famous for its atmosphere. Artists claim that the aura of the street itself inspires their creativity. Independently of the weather conditions, you will see artists that come here to demonstrate their works. You can also buy Ukrainian souvenirs and listen to street musicians. An adornment to Andriivsky Uzviz and all of Kyiv is St. Andrew’s Church – one of the city’s symbols.

Mykhail Bulgakov – a writer whose museum is situated on Andriivsky Uzviz – wrote: “A beautiful city, happy city. Above the stretching Dnieper covered with sun”. The atmosphere of Andriivsky Uzviz is best for illustrating this description because only positive emotions rule here.

St. Andrew’s Church
Andriivs’kyi Uzviz, 23

Before reaching the Uzviz, you will see a church with turquoise domes, gold incrustations. This is St. Andew’s Church, a symbol of Kyiv. It was built in the middle of the 18th century for the Russian empress Elizabeth Petrivna. At that time, Ukrainian territory, including Kyiv, was under Russian imperial rule. Elizabeth enjoyed developing Kyiv. On her order, a palace was built along with a palace church. The building’s architectural plans were drafted by the famous Italian architect Bartholomew Rastrelli. It is an example of baroque architecture of the 18th century. Restorations (1979) returned the church to its original state. They were done according to the architectural drawings developed by Rastrelli, which were uncovered in a museum in Vienna at the Albertinum. In Soviet times, St. Andrew’s Church functioned as a museum. If you enjoy chamber music and symphonies, we urge you to attend a concert here some evening.

The Monument to Pronia Prokopivna and Holokhvastov
Near the building at Desiatynna Street, 14, (Sculptors V. Shchur, V. Sivko, 1999)

At the very top of this street you will notice a sculptural composition of a man and woman dressed up in old-fashioned clothing. Anyone you ask will tell you that the woman is Pronia Prokopivna and that the man is Holokhvastov. But the explaining why they are liked so much will take more time. These two personalities are comic characters from the play “Hunting Two Rabbits”. Ukrainians have a saying, “if you go hunting for two rabbits at the same time, you won’t catch either of them”.  Mr. Holokhvastov (actor O. Borysov) decided to better his financial status through marriage. However, he started dating two women at the same time. So, Pronia Prokopivna (actress M. Krynyts’ka) proved that she was not a rabbit that the loser bridegroom thought her to be.

The Studio and Museum of Ivan Kavaleridze
Andriivs’kyi Uzviz, 21

You probably noticed the monument to Yaroslav the Wise near the Golden Gates, the monument to Princess Ol’ha on Mykhailivs’ka Square, and many other monuments. The sculptor responsible for all of them is Ivan Kavaleridze (1887-1978), a shining example of Ukrainian avant-garde in monumental sculpture. Many monuments in Ukraine have been built according to his drafts and many of them were erected after his death. On the square in the lower part of St. Andrew’s Church, you can see many examples of his works.

The “Castle of Richard the Lion Heart”
Andriivs’kyi Uzviz, 15 (1902-1904)

It’s not difficult to guess that this building has little to do with the English King from the Middle Ages. The title was dreamt up by a certain writer and this name has survived till today. Experts agree that the building itself does not have much architectural importance.  It is a typical example of early 20th century architecture. However, how odd it looks on the Kyiv slopes. Don’t you agree? People hold that it is home to many ghosts and that mysterious sound can be heard from it at night.

The Observatory on Uzdykhalnytsia Hill

Below Richard the Lion Heart’s Castle, you will see stairs bringing you uphill. This hill is called Uzdykhalnytsia, which in translation means “the hill of sighs”.  Apparently, someone once sighed here in such a way that the hill was christened after this episode. Here you will see a wonderful panorama of Andriivs’kyi Uzviz, Podil, the Dnipro, the bridges and the new parts of Kyiv. Your breath will likely be taken away.

The Observatory on Zamkova Hill (Castle Hill)
Steps start near building 22-b

Castle Hill derives its name from the very fact that a castle once stood here, while the hill itself was the city’s administrative center. Actually, archeologists hold that this area was initially settled at the end of the 3rd century B.C. Today, Castle Hill has no remnants of the castle, church or bridge which once linked it with another hill. Nonetheless, a beautiful view of Kyiv’s slopes and Andriivs’kyi Uzviz opens up from Castle Hill.

The Literature and Memorial Museum of M. Bulhakov “Dim Turbinykh” (The Turbin Family’s Home)
Andriivs’kyi Uzviz, 13 (Architect N. Hardenin, 1888)

One of the most interesting writers of the 20th century, Mykhail Bulhakov, once lived at this address. This is where he spent his childhood, and this is the building he portrayed in his novel “The White Guard”. This is why the museum is unique. It will introduce you to the lives of the Bulhakov family as well as the Turbins, the characters in one of Bulhakov’s novels.

The Kyiv “Koleso” Theater (The “Wheel” Theater)
Andriivs’kyi Uzviz, 8

“Koleso” Theater is a unique chamber theater. Its shows always sell out, and not only in Ukraine.  Perhaps the secret of its popularity lies in its ability to have “face to face” contact. Or maybe, it’s the group’s innovative repertoire. Many of the plays it puts on can only be seen here. So, don’t waste an opportunity to attend a Ukrainian or foreign play staged here.

The Museum dedicated to the history of a single street
Andriivs’kyi Uzviz, 2-b

After strolling through the Uzviz you won’t question the idea that a museum dedicated to this street is required.  We can discuss the street, its buildings and residents endlessly. The museum has many items on display and all of them help you feel the city’s centuries old spirit.

Galleries on Andriivs’kyi Uzviz

If you wish to become acquainted with the works of modern Ukrainian artists, buy some original works, and certainly visit the galleries on the Uzviz. There are countless galleries you can pop into, including “36”, “Soviart”, “Atelier Karas’”, “Honchary”, “Tryptych”, the Gallery of Decorative and Applied Art, and many more.