Formation of the Street
Zamarsynivska Street is one of the oldest thoroughfares in Lviv. It begins at Staryi Rynok Square and stretches northward toward the area of the former village of Zamarsyniv. The name of the street originates from this village, which in turn was named after the Lviv burgher Jan Zomershtein, who established an estate there in 1389.
In the 17th to 19th centuries, the street was commonly referred to as “Muravani Mosty” (Stone Bridges), owing to a stone bridge that crossed a man-made branch of the Poltva River. The official name “Zamarsynivska” was granted in 1871. During the Soviet period from 1946 to 1990, it was renamed Kalinina Street, before reverting to its historical name after Ukraine gained independence.
Throughout the centuries, Zamarsynivska Street played an important role as a transit route linking the central part of Lviv to the northern suburbs. In the 19th century, the street developed rapidly with the construction of rental apartment buildings, shops, workshops, and industrial facilities. The installation of a tram line in 1909 further strengthened its significance as part of the city’s growing infrastructure.
Builders and Styles
The building at No. 5 Zamarsynivska Street was constructed in the 1910s, replacing an earlier structure. Its architecture reflects the features of rational post-Secession style with elements of Neo-Gothic influence. The facade is restrained in its decoration, with symmetry and vertical articulation typical of the period. Decorative elements such as plaster ornaments and mascarons (sculpted faces) add refinement and character to the building.
Who Was the Owner?
During the interwar period, the property belonged to a businessman named Krieger, who operated a paper goods factory and warehouse on-site. There was also a clockmaker’s workshop run by Samuel Katz in the building. After World War II, the building was nationalized by the Soviet authorities and repurposed for various state functions. Today, the building is a multi-unit residential property in private ownership.
What Does the Building Look Like?
This is a four-story masonry building, plastered and symmetrically designed. The facade is decorated with Neo-Gothic elements such as mascarons and stucco ornamentation typical of the post-Secession period. The rectangular windows retain original woodwork. On the ground floor, commercial premises are located, each with a separate entrance.
Interesting Facts
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Building No. 5 is part of the historical urban fabric of Zamarsynivska Street, developed during the early 20th-century growth of Lviv.
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During the interwar years, the building hosted small enterprises, reflecting its commercial and economic role at the time.
What Is There Now?
Today, the building continues to serve its residential function, with several privately owned apartments. The ground floor houses commercial units such as shops and offices. The building retains its original use and forms part of the architectural heritage of Lviv’s northern sector.
Bibliography
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Zamarsynivska Street — Wikipedia
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Zamarsynivska | Streets of Lviv Project
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Zamarsyniv and Zamarsynivska in 1960 – Photographs by Yulian Dorosh
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Stories of Habsburg-Era Buildings in Lviv and Their Residents
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List of Registered Architectural Monuments in Lviv