A historical postcard from 1970, capturing the panorama of Kyiv’s main street, Khreshchatyk, viewed from Kalinin Square (now Maidan Nezalezhnosti).
What is shown on the postcard
The image shows the wide roadway of Khreshchatyk Street with active public transit, including Soviet trolleybuses and passenger cars. On the right, the massive Main Post Office building stands with its characteristic archways and the sign “ПОШТАМТ”. On the left side, a multi-story residential building featuring a spire and a decorative tower stands out. Chestnut trees line the street, alongside pedestrian sidewalks, uniquely styled lampposts, and underground passage entrances.
Historical note
Khreshchatyk was almost completely destroyed during World War II and rebuilt during the post-war period (1940s–1950s) in a unified architectural style combining Soviet classicism and Ukrainian Baroque. The Main Post Office building was constructed between 1952 and 1958. At the time of the photo in 1970, the street served as the primary administrative and public hub of the Ukrainian SSR’s capital.
Present day
Today, Khreshchatyk’s layout largely retains its post-war architectural ensemble. The Main Post Office continues to function as the central branch of Ukraine’s national postal service. The square in front of it and the adjacent street sections have been reconstructed, featuring updated street lighting and repaved roadways.
Location (map)
Address: 22 Khreshchatyk St, Kyiv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 50.450400, 30.523500
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Main Post Office on Khreshchatyk Street.
Questions and answers
- Which prominent building is visible on the right? On the right side of the image, the Main Post Office building with the sign ‘ПОШТАМТ’ is captured.
- What transport is visible on the road? The roadway shows Soviet trolleybuses, passenger cars of the era, and a small cargo van.
- What is the history behind the street’s reconstruction? Khreshchatyk was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in the 1940s–1950s in a Soviet classicism architectural style.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1970.
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