Street Formation
Hlinky Street is located within the historical Lychakiv district, to the east of Lviv’s city center. At one time, it was considered one of the city’s most prestigious streets. Nestled in a picturesque, green area on the northern slope of the Vulecki Hills, the street was developed in the first half of the 20th century with villas — initially in the Neo-Gothic style (buildings No. 1a, 5, 7), and later, in the 1930s, in the functionalist style.
In 1913, the street was named after the Polish noble family of the Herburt clan. During the German occupation (1943–1944), it was called Maienstrasse. Since 1945, it has borne the name of Russian composer Mikhail Glinka (1804–1857).
Architects and Style
The two-story house was built in 1903–1904 based on a design by architect Artur Schleyen as the private villa of the renowned artist Antoni Stepanowycz. The villa’s architecture combines modern construction techniques with Neo-Gothic decorative elements.
Who Was the Owner?
The original owner of the building was Antoni Stepanowycz. After his death in 1929, the property likely passed to Kazimierz and Maria Bartel — prominent Polish political figures. They are listed as owners in documents from 1935: that year, at the request of the owner, architect Andrzej Frydecki developed a renovation plan for the villa.
What Does the House Look Like?
The villa at 5 Hlinky Street is a freestanding two-story building from the early 20th century, designed in a Neo-Gothic style with elements of Art Nouveau. Its architectural character is defined by exposed stone masonry, plastered surfaces, arched and semicircular windows with Gothic-style frames, sculptural details (including a chimera on the façade), decorative metalwork, and expressive features such as triforium windows, buttresses, and water spouts. The villa has retained its authentic floor plan and interior details, as well as its historical surroundings including a front garden and a retaining wall.
Interesting Facts
Between 1939 and 1941, the villa was home to Kazimierz Bartel, one of the founders of the Lviv School of Mathematics and a former Prime Minister of Poland.
What Is There Now?
Today, the villa functions as a residential building, with some elements of the original design preserved. It is officially recognized as an architectural monument.
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State Archives of the Lviv Region (DALO) 2/1/2261.
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Svitlana Linda, “Architecture of Historicism,” in Architecture of Lviv: Time and Styles from the 13th to the 21st Century, ed. Yu. Biriulov (Lviv: Center of Europe, 2008), 410.
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Ihor Melnyk, “Vulka and Pomirky,” in Lviv’s New World and the Southern Outskirts of the Royal Capital City of Halychyna from St. George’s to Navaria (Lviv: Center of Europe, 2008), 173.
