Interesting Facts About the Monuments of Andriivskyi Descent

The streets of Kyiv can tell modern readers a great deal about their history and unusual events in the lives of famous people. Andriivskyi Descent in Kyiv is no exception. What is Andriivskyi Descent famous for? Here almost every corner is a part of our people’s history, which can surprise or inspire creative experiments. It is impossible to overlook the monuments of Andriivskyi Descent. Some see them as a work of art, for others they are simply beautiful sculptures, and for those who believe in mysticism, they are a chance to make a wish. Any doubts? Then make a wish and rub the beetle on Holokhvastov’s back or Bulgakov’s nose!

Those who begin a walk along Andriivskyi Descent from St. Andrew’s Church will certainly notice one of its most famous monuments — the monument to Two Hares.

The monument to Two Hares almost fully recreates a fragment of a scene from the film of the same name. Those who have not yet had a chance to see Podil in the 60s of the 20th century should watch the film. Part of the filming took place right by St. Andrew’s Church.

The main figures of the bronze monument are Pronya Prokopivna and her suitor Svyryd Holokhvastov. Brides love this monument, as there is an opinion that those who rub the ring on Pronya’s hand will be able to marry successfully or be happy in family life.

Descending down the steep slope of Andriivskyi Descent, on the right side in a small square you will notice three unusual concrete sculptures: T. Shevchenko, Yaroslav the Wise and the headless monument to Princess Olha. All of them share one thing — their author is the well-known sculptor I. Kavaleridze. By the way, there is a museum dedicated to his life and work nearby. All three monuments are prototypes of real sculptures. The concrete monument to T. Shevchenko, now made of bronze, is in the city of Rivne. The much larger sculpture of Yaroslav the Wise, which witters-on dubbed the “man with a cake,” was approved and installed near the Golden Gate, and the destroyed sculpture of Princess Olha has now been recreated and is on Mykhailivska Square. It has still not been established where her head went after the monument was destroyed by the Bolsheviks.

Near building number 13 stands a bronze sculpture of M. Bulgakov. The location was chosen logically, since it was in this house that the famous writer, director and author of The Master and Margarita, The White Guard, Heart of a Dog and other well-known works once lived. The monument’s author, Mykola Rapai, is an Honored Artist of Ukraine.

In 2010, the cat Behemoth from The Master and Margarita was admired on the facade of the building. However, under strange circumstances, the sculpture disappeared for unknown reasons. However, in Kyiv there is another miniature sculpture in the likeness of Bulgakov, beside whom stands the same cat Behemoth.

Not so long ago, in March 2021, a monument to Mykola Hohol appeared on Andriivskyi Descent — a rather controversial monument that sparked a great deal of discussion. The sculpture appeared very suddenly, as there had been no competitions or public discussions the day before. This caused indignation in the Central Council of the Ukrainian Society for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments. A petition was created with the aim of auditing the condition and concept for the future development of Andriivskyi Descent. However, the petition did not gather the required number of votes for review, so the monument to Hohol remained on the city’s historic street.

The monument to Oleksandr Vertynskyi is no less controversial. Not all admirers of this actor liked his portrayal as the sad Pierrot, although it is one of his popular roles, in which he is remembered by many viewers. Some compared the monument to a tomb sculpture that was not worthy of being installed on Andriivskyi Descent. According to unconfirmed rumors, it was installed with money from a local collector.

If you still have not decided where to go for a walk or see something interesting in Kyiv, head to Andriivskyi Descent without hesitation! It is an interesting place for walks with a unique 19th-century atmosphere. It is constantly changing, supplemented by new buildings and monuments, yet it always attracts anyone who is tired of reinforced-concrete high-rises, wants to spend time well, or simply wants to return to the past for a moment. It is one of the few streets in Kyiv with so many monuments that can remind us of famous figures who made their contribution to Ukrainian culture.