KHRESCHATYK
The symbol of the city of Kiev has long been considered Khreshchatyk. It seems that Kyiv has always existed and developed by Khreshchatyk. It should be noted that Khreshchatyk became the main street of the city only one hundred to one hundred and fifty years ago. Previously, there were impenetrable thicket, "kreschaty yar", which flowed Lybed left tributary - a river Khreshchatyk. At the time of Kievan Rus arranged the hunters in these areas network and traps for animals. Hence the name came from the oldest Downtown - Perevesische.
According to documents XVI-XVII, this area is known as Evseykova Valley, and the documents of XVIII century - under the name Sands. From the lake, which was located at the present Independence Square (Independence Square), a stream flowed in the streets and fell into the river Basseinaya Clov. Along the creek at a road Vasilkov. ). Hence the name - Big and Small Vasilkovsky Street (Little Vasylkivska now Shota Rustaveli Street). Along the Maidan Square stretched ditches, which served to protect the city. Near St. Michael's streets were Lyadsky gates (they were restored during the last restoration area). Stretched from the gates of Ivanovo road connecting with the hem of Caves (now - Vladimir descent and Grushevskogo Street).
Setting up the street began at the end of the XVIII century on the tract Khreshchatyk. The first buildings were made of wood and stone building was the first Pan Golovinsky estate (built inentury). However, in this building until 1849 housed the provincial post office with "Traffic Service coaches. " In the years 1804 -06 at the beginning of the street was built the first municipal theater in Kiev under the direction of A. I. Melenskogo. In 1851 it was decided to demolish theater and in its place to build the project A. V. Beretti "European" hotel.
The very formation of the same street Khreschatyk began in the 30 -40 s of the XIX century. In the 70 -80 s of the same century there began to build, mostly three-story house with shops and facilities for offices and banks. Since that time acquired the status of Kreschatik main street of Kiev. His extended till Bessarabia Square. The length of the street has reached 1200 meters. Khreshchatyk and to this day is considered the longest main street of the capital in Europe.
