Formation of the Street
Mayer Balaban Street in Lviv has a rich history that reflects the development of the city and its Jewish community. It first appeared on a map of Lviv in 1766, indicating its existence as early as the 18th century. Initially, the street was named Soniachna Side Street, first on the left, as it branched off from Soniachna Street. The name “Soniachna” (“Sunny”) originated from the nearby synagogue Or Shemesh (“Sunlight”).
In 1871, the street was renamed after Berek Joselewicz, a participant in Tadeusz Kościuszko’s uprising. During the German occupation in 1943–1944, it was named Lesia Ukrainka Street (Lesia Ukrainkagasse). After World War II, in 1946, it was renamed after the Bolshevik figure Sergei Lazo. The street received its current name in 1992, in honor of Mayer Samuel Balaban, a prominent Jewish historian from Lviv.
Balaban Street is located in the historical Krakivske Suburb, traditionally inhabited by members of the Jewish community. The street’s development mostly took place at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and includes rental houses in the styles of classicism and Art Nouveau, as well as industrial buildings.
Mayer Balaban (1877–1942) was a distinguished historian, educator, and rabbi who made a significant contribution to the study of Jewish history in Poland and Galicia. He was born in Lviv into a family involved in printing and received his education at Lviv University. Balaban authored over 1,000 scholarly works, many of which focused on the history of Jewish communities, particularly in Lviv.
Naming the street after Mayer Balaban highlights the importance of Lviv’s Jewish heritage and honors his contribution to the study of Jewish history in the city.
Architects and Styles
No. 22 – a three-story building from the early 20th century, built in the Art Nouveau style. The original decoration of the entrance hall and stairwell has been preserved.