© iStock /OlyaSolodenko
© iStock /OlyaSolodenko

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Vozdvyzhenka - The rainbow district of Kyiv

2 minutes to read

 The capital of Ukraine is a European metropolis, an engine city where people move from their home to the office and back. However, Kyiv is not only the business centre of the country but also a cradle of Ukrainian history, a city with many museums and galleries, beautiful narrow streets and neighbourhoods. In the capital, there are many places to go for walks to simply enjoy the charming architecture. Such a place is the Obolon Quay, considered a very romantic place of the capital. In this article, I will tell you about one of the most elite micro-districts of Kyiv, which has an interesting history. It is located in the old part of the city and resembles an architectural rainbow. Therefore, I invite you to find out more about Vozdvyzhenka - the district of Kyiv located in Podil.

Vozdvizhenka district, Podil, Kyiv
Vozdvizhenka district, Podil, Kyiv
Воздвиженка, Київ, Україна, 02000

A short history of Vozdvyzhenka

Vozdvyzhenka is a very elite district of Kyiv. It is located in the so-called Gonchar-Kozhemyaki tract - a picturesque mountainous area. Settlements of artisans, potters, and diggers were established here during the times of Kievan Rus, before the construction of the buildings that we can see today. At the beginning of the 19th century, these shops produced quality painting utensils, unique jewellery, and very reliable locks. You will be amazed to learn that Vozdvyzhenka is a brand new neighbourhood. Its construction began in the year 2000. This district is far from being an artisanal area, but it is part of the most expensive real estate in the capital -  Podil.

© iStock /sonatali
© iStock /sonatali

The colorful architectural style

Every house and facade of the Vozdvizhenka district is a real work of art, thought out to the smallest detail, reproducing the architectural style of the late 19th century. Mostly, the form of the buildings is Baroque with Gothic variations. The historic spirit of old Podol is conveyed by fashionable boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, as well as galleries located on the ground floors of the houses. Each house on Vozdvyzhenka is part of a unique architectural project since all the colourful houses are stacked together to portray a true rainbow. Today, Vozdvyzhenka is a popular place for walks and photos, but under the beautiful facades hides the sadness of the metropolis. Among the city's residents, the area is often called the dead city, or the ghost town of millionaires. Most of the homes have not yet been bought because of the sky-high prices, and a part of those that have been purchased are somehow still vacant.

© iStock /OlyaSolodenko
© iStock /OlyaSolodenko

The top 3 restaurants of Vozdvyzhenka

In addition to a good stroll in Vozdvyzhenka, I want to invite you to visit these three interesting restaurants, with numerous franchises in the area. I selected restaurants that belong to Chef Dima Borisov's most famous establishments. These are Oxota Na OvetsРИБАLOVE, and Grab's Burger; very cosy and atmospheric restaurants where you can taste a lot of delicious and original fish and meat dishes. Therefore, I invite you to visit the picturesque district of Kyiv - Vozdvyzhenka, to have some delicious meals, but most of all, to see its charming architectural rainbow.

Oxota Na Ovets Restaurant, Vozdvizhenka, Kyiv
Oxota Na Ovets Restaurant, Vozdvizhenka, Kyiv
вулиця Воздвиженська, 10б, Київ, Україна, 004071
РИБАLOVE Restaurant, Vozdvizhenka, Kyiv
РИБАLOVE Restaurant, Vozdvizhenka, Kyiv
вулиця Воздвиженська, 21-23, Київ, Україна, 04071
Grab's Burger Restaurant, Vozdvizhenka, Kyiv
Grab's Burger Restaurant, Vozdvizhenka, Kyiv
вулиця Воздвиженська, 21-23, Київ, Україна, 04071

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The author

Marusia Bilous

Marusia Bilous

Hi, I’m Marusia from Lviv, Ukraine. My life is a permanent movement in a search for unforgettable impressions and interesting people. I promise that your virtual trip to my country will be interesting, and you will definitely plan one of your travels to Ukraine.

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