Today we invite you to explore the most secretive, atmospheric, and interesting district of the capital, Kyiv's Pechersk. Find out more about the history and architecture of the Pechersk Crosses neighborhood from Kyrylo Stepants

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Ancient Pechersk hides many secrets and amazing corners. One of these historical gems is the Crosses, a unique area that emerged in ancient times in Pechersk. For a long time, the area was notorious for crime and was even considered the first “red light district” of the capital.

However, centuries have passed since then, and Pecherskie Kresty has turned into a cozy neighborhood with an amazing network of streets, courtyards and estates of outstanding personalities.

The Visit Ukraine editorial team has watched a new video by YouTube blogger, digger, stalker, and writer Kyrylo Stepants and is ready to share the secrets of the Pechersk Crosses with you.

So make yourself comfortable and discover the unknown Pechersk with us. We promise it will be interesting!

History of the Pechersk Crosses area

So, the Crosses are a historical area in Pechersk between the Klovskyi ravine and the road to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. According to legend, a cross has long stood on one hill with a wooden log cabin around it. It is not known for certain whether there was a grave or a church there, but the area was named Krestiv.

Another possible origin of the area's name is its location at the crossroads that led to Podil and Old Kyiv, to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The crosses are located on a triangular plot between the Arsenal (Princes Ostrozky), the old Pechersk Hippodrome (Mykhailo Omelyanovych Pavlenko Street), and Ivan Mazepa Street.

In the Middle Ages, this sloboda belonged to St. Nicholas Monastery and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. Later, the land was seized from the church and became state property. The sloboda was built up with one-story houses. In the 18030s, the New Pechersk Fortress was built, and the modern network of alleys and streets was formed at that time.

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The most prominent sights of the Pechersk Crosses

A large number of buildings dating back to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have been preserved in the area of the Pechersk Crosses:

1. The Krauss mansion at 5 Knyaziv Ostrozkykh Street;

2. Berdyaev's mansion at 10 Ivan Mazepa Street;

3. An apartment building at 14 Butyshiv Lane;

4. An apartment building in the Art Nouveau style at 14/12 Omelyanovych-Pavlenko Street;

5. Pechersk City Parochial School at 11 Butyshiv Lane;

6. The building of the Kyiv Board of the Russian Red Cross Society at 1 Knyaziv Ostrozkykh Street;

7. House of Culture of the Arsenal plant at 3, Knyaziv Ostrozkykh Street;

8. Residential building of Metrobud workers at 5 Knyaziv Ostrozkykh Street.

If you are interested in the most delicious locations in Kyiv, you can read our previous articles. We have already talked about the TOP 5 Kyiv restaurants recommended by Stepan Yeranosyan, as well as the best restaurants recommended by Anton Ptushkin and Misha Katsurin.

Kyiv's “red light district”

Since the eighteenth century, the Pechersk Crosses area has been known as a debauched place. “Cross girls” served garrison soldiers, officers, officials, and even students. In 1843, prostitution was legalized in the Russian Empire. After that, the “girls of the cross” were transferred to brothels on St. Andrew's Descent.

However, despite their not-so-gentlemanly activities, the women adhered to their own code of etiquette. Upon arrival, they would first treat each of their guests, and only then would they begin their work. Any lewd activities were stopped before the first morning bells of the monastery.

We remind you! Uzhhorod is an incredible and truly European city that impresses with its historical atmosphere. Read more about the best and most interesting places in Uzhhorod on the recommendation of Masha Sebova, which are definitely worth visiting during your next trip.

Kyiv is a surprisingly rich city, famous for its thousand-year historical heritage, unique traditions and cultural attractions. Our managers can help you choose the best option for a family trip or a short trip with friends.You can contact a Visit Ukraine specialist through a convenient messenger (Telegram | WhatsApp).