<p>

A classic panorama of late imperial

Kyiv with a view of the University main building from

Kruhlouniversytetska / Kruty Uzviz street. A big number of similar

photos, taken in the 1860s-1910s, affords an opportunity to trace

back the process of urban modernization of Kyiv, as well as that of

the waves of housing themselves. A characteristic feature of this

panoramic perspective is the domination of the majestic structure of

the University main building over the visually small and somewhat

chaotic though regular housing of the lowland. Bibikovsky boulevard

with poplars is present in almost all photos of this kind, as well as

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

<p>

The photo is taken from a higher than

usual place on Kruty Uzviz from where a significant view of the

University opens. It reflects the process of modernization: in the

midground we can see mostly multistoried row housing, while in the

foreground on the left, there is a one-storied mansion and an

unimproved area of the carriageway (no pavement, no specified

sidewalks etc.). One can also see pavilions of the Bessarabsky market

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