Street Formation
Hlibova Street in Lviv is a short and picturesque street located between Drahomanova Street and Kalycha Hora, not far from the city center. Its history dates back to the 18th century, with the street marked on a 1766 map of Lviv as a road running between private estates along the slopes of Kalycha Hora.
Over time, the street underwent several name changes:
-
Until the 1860s – known as Honcharska Side Street, branching off from what is now Drahomanova Street.
-
In 1871 – renamed Holubyna Street, likely due to the presence of small villas resembling dovecotes.
-
In 1906 – renamed after Polish literary figure Piotr Chmielowski, who lived in the villa “Palatyn” (now Hlibova St. 12).
-
During the German occupation (1941–1944) – the street was called Hochstrasse.
-
Since 1945 – it bears its current name, in honor of Ukrainian poet, fabulist, and civic figure Leonid Hlibov.
Initially, the street was lined with single-story cottages. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they were replaced by buildings in the styles of French 17th-century palace architecture, Classicism, Constructivism, and Historicism. Most buildings on the street are listed as architectural monuments of local significance.
Notable landmarks include building No. 2, designed in 1906 by architect Tadeusz Obmiński in the Secession style. Its facade is richly decorated with botanical motifs, and the balcony parapets feature a honeycomb pattern.
Another architectural gem is the Palatyn Villa (No. 12), built in 1875 in the Neo-Romanesque style by architect Edmund Köhler for the family of Władysław Czarnowski. In 1893, it was renovated by architect Alfred Kamienobrodzki, who added Neo-Gothic elements. The villa has retained its historic appearance and is now a protected architectural monument.
Today, Hlibova Street retains its residential character and historic charm. Its total length is approximately 180 meters, with the even-numbered side descending downhill and the odd-numbered side transitioning toward the upper part of Kalycha Hora Street. The street is known for its architectural heritage and cozy atmosphere, blending history with modern urban life.
Architects and Styles
The residential building at the corner of Hlibova and Drahomanova Streets was built for H. Brich in 1906, designed by architect Tadeusz Obmiński. It is a prime example of early 20th-century Lviv residential architecture in the Secession style. Notably, the renowned physicist Marian Smoluchowski (1872–1917) lived in this building.
What Does the Building Look Like?
This three-story brick building has facades facing both Hlibova and Drahomanova Streets. The main facade features asymmetrical risalits with Secession-style pilasters topped with elaborate gables and lion-head mascarons. Particularly striking are the floral stucco decorations, such as sunflowers above the entrance, festoons, and decorative strips between the windows. The balconies have honeycomb-patterned parapets, and the pilasters are capped with sculpted bees.
Inside, original decorative elements remain: multicolored metlakh tiles on the floor, a ceiling rosette, and preserved original wall plaster.
Interesting Fact
In 1910, the building was home to Marian Smoluchowski — a renowned physicist, professor at Lviv University, and one of the founders of modern statistical physics and the theory of Brownian motion.
Current Use
As of 2025, building No. 2 on Hlibova Street continues to serve its original function as a residential property.
Sources
State Archives of the Lviv Region (DALO), Fund 2, Inventory 1, File 2287