Formation of the Street
Yuliana Opilskoho Street is situated in the Frankivskyi district of Lviv. Its history dates back to the late 19th century when it was known as Zbaraska Street, commemorating the Battle of Zbarazh in 1649. During the German occupation, it was named Kluckgasse, in honor of General Alexander von Kluck. In the post-war period, it was renamed Smolenska Street, and since 1993, it has borne its current name in honor of Ukrainian writer Yulian Opilskyi. The street is predominantly built up with early 20th-century rental houses in the Secession style.
Builders and Styles
Building No. 2 on Opilskoho Street was constructed in 1908–1909 based on the design by architect Mykhailo Kovalchuk, commissioned by Władysław Seidel. It is a three-story rental house executed in the early (decorative) Secession style. The facade is adorned with stucco featuring plant motifs characteristic of Hutsul Secession. Notably, the vestibule walls are decorated with unique paintings depicting landscapes and figures in traditional folk attire.
Who Was the Owner?
The original owner of the building was Władysław Seidel, who in 1908 applied to the magistrate for permission to construct a three-story building on a plot subdivided from parcel No. 132 ¼. In 1910, he became the official owner of this tenement.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building comprises three floors and a basement, with a facade embellished with decorative stucco in the Secession style. The vestibule walls feature paintings with Hutsul motifs, including landscapes and figures in traditional folk costumes. These paintings have been preserved only in the upper parts of the walls. Together with neighboring tenements, the building forms a harmonious architectural ensemble on the street.
Interesting Facts
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The building is part of an architectural ensemble created by the Seidel family, which also includes the adjacent tenement at 4 Opilskoho Street. Both buildings share similar layouts and decorative elements.
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The unique paintings in the vestibule are a rare example of Hutsul Secession in Lviv’s architecture.
What Is There Now?
Today, the building at 2 Opilskoho Street remains residential.
Bibliography
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Opilskoho St., 2 – Residential Building | Interactive Lviv
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Opilskoho St., 4 – Residential Building | Interactive Lviv
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“St. Jerome Hears the Trumpet of the Last Judgment” or a Brief Excursion into a Secession-Style Vestibule