Kharkiv is a blend of styles and eras, evident in countless photographs of the historic center.

For example, in this photo taken on Universytets’ka Street, the building in the foreground is in the Neoclassical style—the side wing of the first building of Kharkiv University from the early 19th century, attached to the former governor’s residence, which was built in 1777. In the background, two remarkable buildings on Rizdviana Street are visible. On the right is a Ghotic Revival building, the “Zibelman and Sons” factory, designed by architect M. Kompaniets (1914). On the left is an eclectic building with Art Nouveau elements designed by architect Pokrovsky, the former Diocesan Hotel (1913).

But if you look at Universytets’ka Street from the opposite direction, from Rizdviana Street, you can see the Baroque-style Dormition Cathedral with its Neoclassical-style bell tower, the Socialist classicism style City Council building, the Neo-Renaissance-style Clergy House of the Dormition Cathedral, the eclectic University Library and the historic “A lady’s happiness” store, as well as the neoclassical Palace of Labor…