Formation of the Street
Saksahanskoho Street, located in the historic center of Lviv, began forming in the late 19th century. Initially known as Romanovycha Street, it underwent several name changes depending on the ruling powers. Since 1933, it has been named in honor of Panas Saksahansky, a prominent Ukrainian actor and director. The street is lined with villas and tenement houses (czynsz buildings) in historicist, Art Nouveau, and early modernist styles. Its proximity to the city center made it a prestigious residential address for intellectuals and the bourgeoisie.
About the Building
Builders and Styles
The building at 1 Saksahanskoho Street was constructed in 1907 by architect Alfred Zachariewicz for Maria and Piotr Szczepański. It exemplifies Lviv’s Art Nouveau style with elements of modernized Baroque. Notable features include a symmetrical facade, sculptural decoration, and wrought iron balconies, giving it a refined aesthetic typical of early 20th-century architecture.
Who Was the Owner?
Originally, the building belonged to Maria and Piotr Szczepański. It later housed various institutions and, since 1957, state educational bodies.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The house is three stories high, with a raised ground floor, symmetrical structure, and ornate facade. It features bay windows, molded stucco decor, original metal balcony railings, and a prominent arched entryway. Much of the facade remains in its original form.
Interesting Facts
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In the interwar period, the building hosted the Latvian Consulate.
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It also housed offices of the “Desna” Dnistrian Oil Association, the Polish-American emigration syndicate, and a branch of “Deutz-Humbolt,” a German diesel engine manufacturer.
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Between 1950 and 1957, it functioned as a dormitory for the Lviv Oil Industry Technical School.
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Since 1957, it has hosted the Faculty of Biology of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
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It also houses the editorial office of the popular science magazine “Svit Fiziky” and the University Alumni Association.
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The building is listed as a Local Architectural Monument under protection number 284-m.
What Is Here Now?
Today, the building serves as a university building of the Faculty of Biology of Lviv National University. It also accommodates the editorial office of the magazine “Svit Fiziky” and the Alumni Association of the university.
Bibliography
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Saksahanskoho Street (Lviv) – Wikipedia
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Julian and Alfred Zachariewicz – Creators of Capital Lviv – culture.pl
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Register of Local Architectural Monuments – Lviv Region