Renovation of Starokyivska mountain

Location

Starokyivska mountain is protected by 'UNESCO'.

Archeological excavations

Since 2005 the archaeological research of the Tithe Church’s foundations started on the site. In 2011 there was a threat of destruction of the foundation’s remnants, therefore, the works were on its conservation were carried out. Upon completion of the work, the construction fence, which was set up in 2005, have not been demolished. The vast territory of the museum remained closed until 2015, which led to the destruction of the main pedestrian links.

Restoration of the Tithe Church’s foundations

In summer 2015, the NGO 'Initiative for St. Andrew's Passage', with the support of the local community, demolished the construction fence and executed tracing of the Tithe Church’s foundation.

State of the site before reconstruction

Archival drawings

In the archives of the museum we found the design of the architect Avram Miletsky and some documents that helped us understand how the territory was arranged before the archaeological excavations began.

Site research

In early 2016, on the initiative of the Kyivan maecenas Vyacheslav Moskalevsky, the work began on the further restoration of Starokyivska mountain, a modern territory of the National Museum of History of Ukraine.

Paving

Half of pavement was destroyed, pedestrian links with Volodymyrska street were lost. To preserve original sandstone pavers, the survived pavers were counted apiece for further restoration. It turned out to be almost half of the total amount. Another part was purchased from the same career 'Terebovan', from which, according to archival documents, were supplied the existing sandstones.

Lighting and storm drain system

In the evening, it was dangerous to stay in the territory (especially on the museum's backyard): only three out of 31 lanterns worked, all others were broken. Some lanterns were torn to the foundation, domes were broken. There was also an obvious lack of benches for rest.

On the territory there were only 5 dots of water receivers, so water flowed along the pavement and destroyed it. In the winter it was slippery on pathes. Powerful fast water streams negatively affected the general condition of pavement. The northern branch of the drainage system was sludged and littered.

Green plantations and lawn

Most of  trees were in a satisfactory condition. Only spruce tree, located near the entrance to the museum, was struck by a fungal disease. Several acacia trees and linden were struck by mistletoe. Self-seeding plants on the slope completely closed the panoramic view of Kyiv from the sightseeing platform. The lawn was trampled and burned out in the sun, because there was no care for it. 

In cooperation with involved experts we analyzed 4 types of soil that were taken at different points of the site. Then the grass mixture that can withstand heat, which does not require intensive care and is suitable for these conditions was chosen.

What we have changed

Our goal was to give the space a second life after 10 years of its isolation. It meant not only putting a new pavement and street furniture, but also reforming the entire infrastructure of the territory, creating a high-quality public space that meets the needs of the people.

Implementation process

In order to make Starokyivska mountains a citizens' favorite place for rest, first of all ubiquitous kiosks were dismantled and the central stairs were renovated, since the old ones were impossible for use.

How the site looks now

The reconstruction project of Starokyivska mountain envisages the revival of the historic center of Kyiv, modern in its infrastructure and opened to the public.