Mysteries of Kyiv's past: basements of an ancient manor house found in the center of the capital

During a collapse that occurred in one of the residential courtyards in Pechersk, historical masonry from the late 19th and early 20th centuries was discovered. Activists and monument preservationists suggest that these may be the basements of Samson Strelbytsky's estate-workshop, built in 1820–1830.

What is known about basements:

Materials and structure: Under the layer of earth, ceilings and masonry walls made of Kyiv yellow brick were discovered.

A niche with a bowed lintel was also found.

The direction of the main passage goes from the facade of the Manor-Workshop building (Museum Lane, 8-A) towards the courtyard house (8-B) and ends with a “dead” niche.

Possible destination

There is an assumption that the basements were used as Samson Strelbytsky's workshop.

At the same time, the brick dungeons in the courtyard of the manor can be combined in another way and belong to the residential wing.

Historical context

The manor-workshop dates back to 1820–1830.

The outbuilding was built in 1911 and has the status of a monument of architecture and urban planning.

Research is currently ongoing, and new details may be discovered in the future.

Why did the collapse happen there?

A few weeks ago, in the Pechersk district, rescuers from the Kyiv Rescue Service retrieved three cars that had fallen under the asphalt, where there was an old basement.

There is currently no official cause for the collapse in the courtyard on Pechersk. However, several factors can be identified that could have led to it:

Historical basements: The discovered basements of the Samson Strelbytskyi estate-workshop, built in 1820–1830, could have lost their strength over time.

Old masonry, especially without proper maintenance, can collapse under the influence of groundwater and other factors.

Utilities: In this area, as in many old districts of Kyiv, there are a large number of underground utilities.

Damage or water leakage from these communications could lead to soil erosion and collapse.

Geological features: Pechersk is located on hills, which makes it prone to landslides and collapses.

Groundwater and other geological processes could have contributed to the formation of the chasm.

Improper yard maintenance: Lack of proper yard maintenance could contribute to water accumulation and soil erosion.

Also, cars were parked at the site of the sinkhole, which increased the load on the soil.

It is important to note that the exact cause of the collapse can only be determined after a detailed investigation.

Who was Samson Strelbytsky?

Samson Strelbytsky was a Ukrainian goldsmith of the late 18th and first third of the 19th centuries. He worked in Kyiv and was known for his jewelry for the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.

Here are some facts about him:

Born on June 27 (July 8), 1766 in Kyiv.

He died in 1831 in Kyiv.

He was the grandson of the famous Ukrainian engraver of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Ivan Strelbytsky.

He studied at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.

Among his famous students was Zakhar Brezgunov.

Samson Strelbytsky came from a noble family, as evidenced by his address to the Kyiv noble assembly and the presence of a seal with the image of the noble coat of arms.

He fruitfully collaborated with the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, for which he produced many valuable religious objects, including:

• two large silver candlesticks for the Assumption Cathedral (1801)
• silver frames and halos for icons of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.

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