Did you know that “Kozhevnyk” housing and building cooperative influenced the architectural style of the Old Pechersk Fortress in the 1920s.

In summer 1926, representatives of that organization dismantled the building of the soldier's guardhouse located between building №19 of Kyiv-Pechersk Larva and the Church of the Savior at Berestove. They did it without the permission of the authorities responsible for the protection of the monument. In July that same year, “Kozhevnyk” cooperative intended to destroy the Powder Cellar in Pavlivsky Bastion, built in the 18th century under the project of military engineer Daniel de Bosquet. According to members of the cooperative, that historic building was a “hotbed for banditry” and “a year-round overnight stay for various dark and criminal elements”. They thought it threatened the lives of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra residents and the Monasery’s property. Fortunately, the All-Ukrainian Archaeological Committee” imposed a complete ban on the dismantling” of the Powder Cellar. This decision helped preserve the historical and architectural monument until now.

Captions to the illustrations:

1. Soldier's guard between building №19 of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and the Church of the Savior at Berestove. 1920s [National Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve, inv. № KPL-N-1170]

2-3. Powder Cellar in Pavlivsky Bastion [National Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve, inv. № KPL-N-6271]

4. Earthworks near Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, between building №19 and the Church of the Savior at Berestove. 1920s – 1930s [National Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve, inv. № KPL-N-2992]