<p>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 stages of housing. A characteristic feature of this panoramic<br />

perspective is the domination of the majestic dark red structure of<br />

the University main building over the housing of the lowland. One can<br />

almost always see Bibikovsky boulevard with poplars in the photos of<br />

this kind, as well as the Bessarabsky market.</p><p>On the left, one can see the<br />

fashionable buildings of the National, Palais Royal,<br />

and Marseille hotels, which were built at the turn of the twentieth century. Below,<br />

there are a few covered pavilions of the Bessarabsky market without<br />

walls; just a few years later they will be replaced by a single large<br />

modern style pavilion with cold storage premises, arranged in the<br />

cellars. The St. Volodymyr cathedral can be seen at some distance, on<br />

the right side of Bibikovsky (now Tarasa Shevchenka) boulevard.</p><p>Olga Martyniuk</p>