What Khreshchatyk looked like before the Soviets blew it up during World War II: historical photos

Kyiv in the 1930s was a city of contrasts: rapid development and tragic losses. It was during this period that the capital of Ukraine experienced significant changes.

On the one hand, the city was actively developing, with new buildings and infrastructure appearing. On the other hand, the Stalinist regime dealt a devastating blow to the cultural heritage of Kyiv. Today we have the opportunity to look at this complex and controversial decade through old photos of the capital published by the Native Kyivan Club community.

These are unique photographs of Kyiv in the 1930s. The pictures allow us to look into the past of the city, which was experiencing rapid changes.

The photos capture the iconic places of the capital: Khreshchatyk, Askold's Grave, Podil, and the Red Building of the University. The Kyiv of that time impresses with its architecture, the atmosphere of calm and serenity of its inhabitants.

Interestingly, it was in the 1930s that Kyiv regained its status as the capital of Ukraine. However, along with the city's development, tragic events also occurred. Thus, by the decision of the authorities, St. Michael's Monastery and the Three Saints' Church were destroyed, and a government quarter was planned to be built in their place. However, these plans were never realized.

Photos posted online are not just images of the past. They are a valuable historical document that allows us to better understand what Kyiv was like back then. The pictures remind us that the city has a rich history, full of both bright and tragic pages.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA's Telegram and Viberchannels to keep up with the latest events.