Formation of the Street
Valova Street in Lviv developed on the site of former medieval defensive ramparts, from which it takes its name (“Valova” meaning “Rampart Street”). In the 15th–16th centuries, the city was surrounded by massive walls and ramparts, which lost their defensive significance following Austrian administrative reforms at the end of the 18th century.
Between 1777 and 1820, during the expansion and re-planning of Lviv initiated by the Austrian authorities, these fortifications were gradually dismantled. A new street was laid out in place of the former ramparts, preserving their memory. The formation of Valova Street spanned several decades, from the early 19th century until it reached its modern appearance by the middle of the same century.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Valova Street was actively developed with predominantly three- and four-story townhouses constructed in the Classicism, Historicism, and Art Nouveau styles. The street became an essential part of the city center, connecting key districts of Lviv and providing convenient access to Market Square (Rynok) and Halytska Square.
Today, Valova Street remains an important cultural and historical area in Lviv, harmoniously blending historical heritage with contemporary urban life. Its buildings represent various eras of the city’s development, making the street a popular tourist route, acquainting visitors with Lviv’s rich history.
Architects and Architectural Styles
The building at 11 Valova Street in Lviv was constructed in 1910, based on the project by architect Artur Schleyen. The building was designed in the Art Nouveau style, featuring distinct Neo-Gothic elements in its architectural details and decorative features.
Ownership
The original owners of the building were Berl and Sabina Finkler, who commissioned it for the insurance company “American Union.”
Appearance of the Building
This five-story building has a symmetrical façade with three projections, each crowned with triangular pediments. The second floor features three balconies adorned with Gothic-style stucco balustrades. The central balcony is decorated with sculptures of medieval knights holding shields bearing the coats of arms of Western and Eastern Galicia, Volhynia, and Lviv. The ground floor is accentuated by linear decorative rustication, while the upper floors have subtle rusticated detailing.
Interesting Facts
The knight sculptures on the façade were created by renowned sculptor Tadeusz Błotnicki. Around 1918, after its completion, the building housed the Directorate of Military Engineering, and later the command of the Lviv military garrison.
Current Use
Today, the building is home to the headquarters of PJSC “Idea Bank.”
Sources
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State Archives of Lviv Oblast (DALO) 2/1/962: 1-10. File renamed State Archives of Lviv Oblast (DALO) 2/1/928. https://e.archivelviv.gov.ua/file-viewer/227707#file-716767
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Vuytsyk, V. S. Encounter with Lviv: A Guidebook. Lviv: Kameniar Publishing House, 1987, p. 123.
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Lviv: Tourist Guide. Lviv: Centre of Europe Publishing, 1999, p. 59.
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Lwów: Illustrated Guide. Lviv: Centrum Europy; Wrocław: Via Nowa, 2001, p. 38.