What Chernivtsi looked like more than 100 years ago: fascinating archival photos

Chernivtsi is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Ukraine. Chernivtsi originated on the territory of the Galicia-Volhynia principality, and the defensive city was founded in the second half of the 12th century by Galician Prince Yaroslav Osmomysl. Throughout history, the city was part of the Moldavian principality, Austria, Romania, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1940, according to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Northern Bukovyna with Chernivtsi became part of the Ukrainian SSR.

Chernivtsi in the early twentieth century was a real cultural center, a city where different nationalities and traditions intertwined. It was a time when architecture, literature, music, and science flourished. Rare photos of Chernivtsi from a century ago have appeared online.

Chernivtsi has always impressed with its architecture. The city was full of various styles, from classicism to modernism. The university building stood out in particular, as it became a symbol of the city. Chernivtsi University was one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Europe. Outstanding scientists worked here and conducted scientific research.

In the photo, you can see the former Provincial Administration, now the university building, in the distance. The government building was constructed in 1871-1873 under the supervision of Anton Pavlovskyi, a senior construction adviser, and architects von Hlaubitz and Gustav Fritsch. In the center of the square is a monument to Austria, which was erected in 1875 and dismantled in 1919.

Next in the photo, we see the area near the former Erzherzog Eugen barracks, which was built in 1902. Today it is Sadova Street. The photo dates from around 1905.

On the left of the photo is Strada Cuciurul Mare, now Heroiv Maidanu Street. In the center is a military hospital built in 1849. On the right, you can see the fence of the Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1891-1894, architect Josef Leitzner).

The first power plant, built in 1896, can be seen on the right. In 1904-1906, the site of the market was the Palace of Justice, now the regional state administration.

On the left is the former Hotel Paris, dating from the early nineteenth century. Photo from 1890-1900.

Next in the photo, we see the building of the former Bristol Hotel. Photo from 1906-1918.

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