<p><br />

A classic panorama of late imperial<br />

Kyiv with a view of the University main building from<br />

Kruhlouniversytetska / Kruty Uzviz street. A big number of similar<br />

photos, taken in the 1860s-1910s, affords an opportunity to trace<br />

back the process of urban modernization of Kyiv, as well as that of<br />

the waves of housing themselves. A characteristic feature of this<br />

panoramic perspective is the domination of the majestic structure of<br />

the University main building over the visually small and somewhat<br />

chaotic though regular housing of the lowland. Bibikovsky boulevard<br />

with poplars is present in almost all photos of this kind, as well as<br />

the waste area in front of the University and the Bessarabsky market.</p><br />

<p><br />

The photo is taken from a higher than<br />

usual place on Kruty Uzviz from where a significant view of the<br />

University opens. It reflects the process of modernization: in the<br />

midground we can see mostly multistoried row housing, while in the<br />

foreground on the left, there is a one-storied mansion and an<br />

unimproved area of the carriageway (no pavement, no specified<br />

sidewalks etc.). One can also see pavilions of the Bessarabsky market<br />

below and the St. Volodymyr cathedral in the distance.</p><p>Olga Martyniuk</p>