Water Towers

The water tower was invented in order to hold a reservoir of water up high and to create pressure in the water-supply system. With the growth of towns and the increase in consumers, the main function of this important element of the water supply has been lost. The most interesting examples can be seen at railway stations or in industrial zones. Most of them are not used for their intended purpose, since there is no need to fill steam locomotives with water. The water tower at the junction station of Koziatyn can be considered a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering architecture. Exquisite in its beauty, with lacy brick decoration, the tower was built at the end of the 19th century by the famous architect O. V. Kobeliev.

 

Koziatyn, Vinnytsia region. The water tower at the railway station

Ukrainian Architectural Modern (UAM). A National Style

Ukrainian Modern took shape on the traditions of progressive architecture with the use of historical architectural forms. The style was founded on the canons of folk building, the ritual character of religious structures and the achievements of European architecture. UAM developed on the territory of Ukraine during 1903-1941, and in those years about 500 remarkable structures were built — religious buildings, zemstvo schools and hospitals, and public buildings. Not all of the representatives of the national architectural heritage have survived to our days, but many of the monuments can be called true masterpieces of Ukrainian art.

The Vasyl Krychevskyi Poltava Museum of Local Lore (UAM)

Stryi. A City of Historical and Architectural Heritage

«Stryi is a European city» — such slogans can be seen in this Subcarpathian district centre in the Lviv region. It is impossible to build a future without knowing your own origins and without preserving the cultural heritage for those who come after.

Stryi, Lviv region. The sign on the road roundabout

Synagogues in Ukraine. How Is Their Heritage Preserved?

In Jewish communities scattered across the world, the synagogue is a social and spiritual centre. In these beautiful buildings with large windows, one of which faces towards Jerusalem, not only are God's Commandments preached, but public matters are also decided, solemn ceremonies held and guests received. In the 'Houses of Assembly' the community's board sits and a communal court operates. Sadly, many spiritual heirs of King Solomon's First Temple were destroyed by the Holocaust. Some buildings were saved when churches of other denominations, or organisations and institutions, came to occupy their walls. Let us look, through examples, at what synagogues in Ukraine are like.

Uzhhorod. The former synagogue, 1904.

Stryi

Stryi is the ancient town of Lviv region, founded in the 14th century. I’ve been there many times, and therefore I share my impressions of all trips.