Formation of the Street
Stepana Bandery Street is one of the most important thoroughfares in Lviv, connecting the city center with its western districts. Its formation dates back to the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century, during a period of rapid urban expansion beyond the historical core of the city.
Originally, the street was named 3 Maja (Third of May) — in honor of the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791 — and retained this name until 1939. During the interwar period, it was one of the most prestigious streets in Lviv. Educational institutions, including the Polytechnic School (now Lviv Polytechnic National University), administrative offices, and grand residential buildings were located here.
In the Soviet era, the street was first renamed Dzerzhynskoho Street, and in 1991 it received its current name — in honor of Stepan Bandera, a leader of the Ukrainian nationalist movement.
The street’s route followed key transportation lines, including a railway linking the Main Train Station with the city center, as well as newly developed neighborhoods expanding toward Klepariv and Zamarstyniv. From the beginning, the street was designed as a wide urban boulevard with a tram line and a tree-lined median.
Builders and Styles
The building at 47a Stepana Bandery Street in Lviv is a notable architectural monument in the Secession style, built in 1911–1912 to the design of architect Artur Schlein. It stands on the site of a former Dominican monastery that existed here until the early 20th century. The building is part of an architectural ensemble together with neighboring buildings at 47 Bandery Street and 4 Yefremova Street, forming a shared courtyard and a harmonious urban composition.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building is four stories tall and has a double-tract layout with a gabled roof. The facade is designed in a rational Secession style with elements of Neoclassicism: it is symmetrical, with a central risalit (projection), decorated with pilasters, garlands, medallions, and a complexly shaped attic. Balconies with varied wrought-iron railings and concrete brackets add a sense of dynamism to the facade. The entrance group retains its original doors with a decorative transom, inlaid with copper plates and diamond-cut glass.
Interesting Facts
The interior preserves many original elements: the stairwell features sandstone stairs, metal railings, and majolica wall tiles; wooden doors with inlay and original window frames remain intact. A particular highlight is the triptych mural “Spring” on the stairwell ceiling, painted in 1912 by artists A. Rosen and G. Feller. This mural is a unique example of Lviv Secessionist polychrome art.
What’s There Now?
In the interwar period, a confectionery owned by Mykola Snihur operated on the ground floor. During the Soviet era, the building housed a dairy store and the “Akademiya” café. Today, the building serves a residential function, with a café and shop located on the ground floor.