Podol
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Podol is one of the most ancient quarters in Kiev. It is located on the right bank hollow near Kiev hills Zamkova, Old Kiev Hill and others. The name “Podol” originates from settlements of first citizens in a place called “po dol”, that is translated as “in a water gap” of Dniepr. Ancientry of this part of Kiev may be proved by archaeological excavations, by virtue of which log constructions of 10 century and wooden pavements of 9-11 centuries were found. Also Podol as a quarter of the city is mentioned in old Kiev Rus literature. In times of Kiev Rus Podol was the centre of commerce and crafts in Kiev. There was a port in a place where Pochaina River felled in Dniepr. Dniepr itself was a part of important trade way called “from Vikings to Greeks”. Loaded ships landed at numerous hithes of Podol. All these attributes influenced the development of commerce in Kiev. |
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In the middle of 13 century, The Upper City was completely destroyed by Batukhan, that is why for that period Podol became the main district of Kiev.
In centuries 15-16 craftsmen of Podol united in gilds – manufactures of potters, smiths, carpenters etc. Later, this quarter placed magistrate (city hall), Academy, Kiev Fraternity (socio-religious community). In 17 century building-up of Podol developed, and in the end of 18 century annual trade fairs gathering many people from over the country were held there.
At all times – from the ancient period till nowadays – Podol keeps the spirit of a quarter of simple people.Settled by craftsmen, merchants, and sailors in times of Kiev Rus, it was and still is an incarnation of democracy in Kiev. Podol is always famous for its loyalty to different faiths and religions. A great number of different communities – Polish, Greek, Armenian, Jewish, Tatar etc. – lived there long time ago as neighbors and prayed in different temples. Now, churches of various confessions can be seen in Podol as well. In the end of 15 century Podol has got a right to a self-administration – township. It’s right here, in Podol that first markets and fairs took place. Pharmacy, mill, aqueduct, electric station, high education, tram and funicular – all these things, being so close to a simple people, appeared for the first time in Podol.
Not once Podol was plundered by enemy tribes; it often suffered from flooding, because Dniepr was not the only river here – Pochaina and Glybochitsa as Dniepr’s feeders existed earlier but do not now.
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Terrible fires destroyed permanently buildings of the quarter; in 1811it was so wild that almost all edifices disappeared; even streets of Podol completely changed their layout. But Podol never gave up – it was rebuilt, revived, smartened, as this quarter is immortal. Podol has the leading position among other districts of Kiev by the number of monuments of historical value, memorial buildings, and architectural landmarks. |
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