Bessarabska Square

   Bessarabs’ka square marks the end of Khreschatyk. However, it was only by the end of the 40s of XIX century that it was included into the city zone, even though regarded much earlier. For instance, it is known that by the end of the XIX century here used to be a horse post station. It was also used as a stop-point for the guests coming from the South. 

      At that time around the station used to be active sales because of winemakers coming to Kyiv from Besarabiya. Probably, this explains the name of the square. 

   The 80s and 90s of the XIX century were to bring rapid building of Khreschatyk and Rue Grand Vasyl’kivs’ka. Bessarabs’ka square turns into one of the most central squares in Kyiv. On the place of a shy house of Beretti is a fashionable hotel “National” erected, on the opposite side of the square – appears not less stylish “Palais Royal”. The last one has miraculously survived. Until recently here was a hospital; after permanent restoration, it was turned into a shopping center – “Mandarin Plaza”.

   The central building of the square later appeared to be Bessarabs’ky covered bazaar, erected in 1910-12 years by a Polish architect Gaj. The style was chosen – Ukrainian Modernism with little of Constructivism. The architect was willing to depict the options of the used construction structures that is why all the farms and the stuff are seeable.

 

     The bazaar is masterfully embellished with sculptures and ornaments. These have been made by the pupils of the Kyiv Artist School of Balavens’ky.