<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 stages of housing. A characteristic feature of this panoramic

perspective is the domination of the majestic dark red structure of

the University main building over the housing of the lowland. One can

almost always see Bibikovsky boulevard with poplars in the photos of

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

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

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

there are a few covered pavilions of the Bessarabsky market without

walls; just a few years later they will be replaced by a single large

modern style pavilion with cold storage premises, arranged in the

cellars. The St. Volodymyr cathedral can be seen at some distance, on

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