Residential Building

Formation of the Street

Knyazya Romana Street is one of the oldest in Lviv. The first written mention dates back to 1382 when it was known as Honcharska Street, indicating the presence of potters in the area. In 1885, due to administrative changes, a part of Halytska Street was separated and named after Polish King Stefan Batory. Throughout the 20th century, the street underwent several name changes: Sverdlova (1940–1941), Wehrmachtstrasse (1941–1944), Vatutin (1944–1992). The current name, Knyazya Romana, was adopted in 1992 to honor Roman Mstyslavych, the founder of the Galicia-Volhynia Principality.

The street’s architecture reflects various historical periods, from classicism to constructivism. Many buildings are recognized as national and local architectural monuments.

Architects and Styles
The residential building at 34 Knyazya Romana Street was constructed in 1912, designed by architects Stanisław Ulejski and Józef Piątkowski. It was built in the Secession style with elements of neoclassicism, reflecting the influence of early 20th-century German architecture.

Who Was the Owner?
Before 1939, the building hosted the “Automotor” car factory, the tailor’s workshop of Klyakocher and Kurnicki, the “Polonia” boarding house run by Sokolowska, the “Smyrna” carpet manufacturing firm, and a bookstore owned by Igel.
During the Soviet period, it housed the headquarters of the Voluntary People’s Guard of the Lenin (Halytskyi) District and the visa and registration office (VVIR).
Since 1993, part of the building has been used by the novitiate of the Greek-Catholic Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of St. Vincent de Paul.

What Does the Building Look Like?
The building is five stories tall, with a Secession-style facade adorned with decorative elements. Stained-glass windows in the stairwell and wrought-iron balconies attract particular attention. In 2020, the historic gate of the building — one of the largest in the city — was restored.

Interesting Facts

• The building was home to engineer and inventor Edmund Libanski, the creator of the first airplane in Poland.

• The attic of the building once housed the studio of artist Volodymyr Blotskyi, and later that of Maria Bianca-Mossoci.

What Is There Now?
Currently, the building is used as a residential property. Part of the premises is occupied by the novitiate of the Greek-Catholic Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of St. Vincent de Paul. The ground floors are being converted for commercial use.