A vintage 1978 Soviet collectible postcard depicting the multi-story Azovstal Hotel in Mariupol (known as Zhdanov during the Soviet era), Ukraine.
What is shown on the postcard
The postcard shows the main facade of the multi-story Azovstal Hotel, built in the Soviet modernist style. A large sign reading “Azovstal” (“Азовсталь”) is mounted on the roof. At the level of the sixth floor, a long red Soviet propaganda banner with white letters reads: “DECISIONS OF THE 25th CONGRESS OF THE CPSU — INTO LIFE!”. In front of the building, there are landscaped lawns with small fir trees and an asphalt pedestrian path.
Historical note
The Azovstal Hotel was constructed during the Soviet era to accommodate visitors to the city, including specialists visiting the nearby metallurgical plant of the same name. The building represents a typical 1970s multi-story hotel design, featuring simple geometric lines, light facade tiling, and contrasting yellow panels between the windows.
Present day
In subsequent decades, the building retained its structural shape, but its usage and exterior design underwent changes. The Soviet slogans and original rooftop sign were removed. During the hostilities in Mariupol in 2022, the building and its surrounding area sustained severe damage.
Location (map)
Address: 84 Myru Avenue, Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine
Coordinates: 47.096184, 37.540131
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Mariupol, Myru Avenue, 84 (former Azovstal Hotel).
Questions and answers
- What was the name of the hotel on the postcard? The hotel was named “Azovstal”.
- What slogan is displayed on the building’s facade? The facade features a Soviet propaganda banner reading “Decisions of the 25th Congress of the CPSU — into life!”.
- What architectural style does the hotel represent? The hotel building was designed in the Soviet modernist style of the 1970s.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Mariupol from 1978.
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