Formation of the Street
Drahomanova Street in Lviv dates back to the 18th century, when it was known as Honcharska Vyshcha (Upper Pottery Street), named after the pottery workshops located in the area. Throughout its history, the street’s name changed several times: in 1895, it became Mokhnatsky Street (in honor of the Polish publicist Maurycy Mochnacki); during the German occupation, it was called Blumenstrasse; and since 1946, it has borne the name of Ukrainian thinker and publicist Mykhailo Drahomanov.
The architectural ensemble of the street includes styles such as Classicism, Historicism, Secession (Art Nouveau), and Constructivism. Notable landmarks include the villa of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky (now the National Museum), built at the end of the 19th century, and the romantic Secession-style villa of Yulian Makarevych. Today, the street retains its aristocratic character and remains part of the historical core of Lviv.
Architects and Styles
The Glombinsky Villa, built in 1901 based on a design by architect Jan Schulz, is one of the earliest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Lviv. Located in the Pidzamche district, the villa represents a transition from Neo-Renaissance forms to a new style characterized by asymmetry, flowing lines, and nature-inspired decorative elements. Jan Schulz, regarded as the founder of Lviv’s Secession movement, designed this villa as his personal residence, highlighting its architectural significance.
Before World War II, there were plans to build the “Polish Radio Lwów” headquarters on the adjacent plot. In the 1950s, the building was used as an emergency medical station.
Sources
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State Archives of the Lviv Region (DALO), Fond 2, Inventory 2, File 698.
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Biryulov, Yu. “The Villas of Architects”, Halytska Brama, 2007, Nos. 3–4, p. 22.