1 Yaroslaviv Val Street

1 Yaroslaviv Val Street is a multi-story residential building with decorated stone facades and Gothic architectural elements standing at the intersection of two major streets. The structure combines residential apartments and commercial spaces within a single property designed to serve both dwelling and business needs.

Architect Mykola Dobachevskyi designed the building between 1896 and 1898 for Polish landowner Mykhailo Pidhorsky as a residential investment venture. This construction occurred during a period when Kyiv was rapidly modernizing its architectural landscape and urban infrastructure.

The building reflects how late 19th-century Kyiv developed when affluent residents built large properties to generate rental income. The ornate stone facade and Gothic details show the wealth that such investment properties represented at the time.

The building sits near public transportation stops and is within walking distance of Independence Square. Visitors can observe the Gothic details from street level while easily combining the visit with other nearby landmarks.

The structure earned the nickname 'Baron's Castle' due to its Gothic elements and the prominent social position of its original owner. This informal name reveals how locals perceived and interpreted the building's architectural expression in society.