Awful Kyiv Walking Tour: Discovering the Postmodern District of Podil
You know, whenever I lead a group or just one tour guest through the vibrant streets of Podil, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride. This isn’t just any neighborhood; it’s like walking through a living museum of postmodern architecture. You’re surrounded by buildings that seem like they came right out of a design school—bold shapes, fun details, and a touch of whimsy.
Awful Kyiv Walking Tour: Discovering the Postmodern District of Podil

So, welcome to Podil, guys! This place has been around since the 10th century, but don’t worry, the buildings here won’t make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time—unless you consider the 1980s a trip down memory lane!
The Birth of a Postmodern Gem
While walking in Kyiv near Taras Shevchenko Metro Station, you might come across an interesting neighborhood. It looks clearly Soviet, but it has many extra architectural details that don’t serve a purpose—uncommon for that era, which usually focused on practicality. This mix makes you curious about when it was built and the choices the designers made.

The postmodern quarter we’re walking through was born out of a creative explosion between 1979 and 1989. It took ten years to design and build these unique structures, and it’s fascinating how they all work together.
Imagine a group of architects—Georgiy Dukhovichny, Tatyana Lazarenko, Leonid Moroz, and Yuriy Shalatsky—sitting together, discussing how to make their designs work well within Kyiv’s unique style.
Each building on this Kyiv walking tour has its own personality, like an eccentric uncle at a family reunion (we all have that one relative right?). They’re low-rise, typically no taller than seven stories, creating a cozy, walkable feel. The aim was to let the landscape of hills and historical sites peek through, ensuring that no one was blocking views of the iconic hills of Shchekavitsa and Yurkovytsia. Can you believe that? There was a time when architects actually cared about sightlines!
Colorful Facades and Unique Features
Let’s dive into the details. Have you seen the colors? The earthy, painted brick facades reflect the late 19th-century style in Kyiv. Back then, people couldn’t afford plaster, so they painted the brick instead. It’s a simple choice that adds a lot of character to the Podil district. Even though it might look like a cringe.
As we wander deeper into the postmodern district, I point out some of the more unusual elements. “Look at those balconies!” I never miss a chance to talk about balconies on my walking tours. I consider myself not only a Kyiv guide, but a true ambassador of Kyiv balconies. Many of them were designed with a view in mind, but now, it seems like every homeowner decided to ‘improve’ them by glazing them in. I guess they thought, ‘Why not turn my balcony into a sunroom?’ It’s like an architectural game of ‘let’s see who’s balcony can be the worst.
The creativity in Podil’s architecture comes with a rich backstory. During the 1980s, when the postmodern quarter was developed, the building process faced numerous challenges. Shortages of materials were common, and the political landscape was shifting rapidly, making construction a real test of adaptability.




Despite these obstacles, architects found innovative ways to blend styles. They incorporated elements of traditional Kyiv architecture, like decorative brickwork and classic forms, into their postmodern designs. This approach created a unique fusion that reflects the city’s history and culture.
Local Stories and Architectural Wonders
And as our Kyiv walking tour proceeds, when we reach the heart of this architectural gem, I can’t resist sharing my favorite: the ‘castle’ building. You’ve got to see this! Walk through the archway, and it’s like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale— It’s got towers and even a pigeon coop! Talk about respecting tradition!”
This building shows how postmodernism playfully connects to the past by mixing fun elements with classic designs.
For example, the building on Oleniwska Street has gabled roofs and small windows that look like fortified towers, topped with flagpoles. Decorative arches link it to nearby buildings, giving a sense of unity.
Architectural Harmony or Excession?
As our Kyiv walking tour goes on, we explore the Podil district, it’s clear that the buildings have a cohesive style that ties everything together. The courtyards, kindergartens, schools, and recreational areas all share a common design language. You’ll notice arches, porticoes, multi-level ceilings, and a maze of internal pathways that create a charming, inviting atmosphere.


These architectural choices, which might seem excessive or costly by today’s standards, are what give this neighborhood its cozy, friendly feel. It’s like stepping into a place where every corner invites you to linger a bit longer. Each detail has been thoughtfully planned to enhance community life, making it a unique blend of function and beauty.
The interplay of these elements—like decorative arches connecting buildings and the layered heights of rooftops—offers not just aesthetic appeal, but also a nod to historical architectural traditions. It’s a wonderful example of how postmodernism can respect the past while crafting a lively urban environment.
Community and Charm
Exploring the Podil neighborhood is more than just admiring the architecture; it’s also about the people who give these spaces their energy. Each street corner holds a story, and every story enriches the vibrant mix of Kyiv contrasts.
So, if you’re looking to uncover the quirks of Kyiv while feeling like you’ve stepped into an architect’s dream, join me on this adventure. We’ll explore Podil together (and not only Podil, we’ll climb for some fascinating views), diving into its postmodern charm, quirky designs, and, of course, a few laughs along the way! The postmodernism district of Kyiv is just a part of the Awful Kyiv Tour.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a good walk, the Awful Kyiv tour has something for everyone. Let’s taste Kyiv’s culture, admire the community energy, get angry with greedy developers who are ruining the landscapes of the city and observe the leftovers of Kyiv’s prominent historical architecture. While enjoying a good laugh at Kyiv’s ugly yet somehow cozy balconies.
Awful can be awesome. Dare to see it.