This collectible 1971 postcard features one of the oldest surviving fortification monuments in Lviv — the Powder Tower (Ukrainian: Porokhova Vezha), located on modern-day Pidvalna Street.
What is shown on the postcard
The image shows the semi-circular Powder Tower with its massive conical roof and thick, unplastered defensive walls featuring small window openings. In the foreground, against a backdrop of lush green trees, two Soviet-era vehicles are parked: a white-and-turquoise LAZ bus and a white utility van. In the background on the right, the top of the Korniakt Tower is visible.
Historical note
The Powder Tower was constructed between 1554 and 1556 using stone from older city fortifications. As part of Lviv’s outer defensive system, it was used to store gunpowder and weapons during times of siege, and functioned as a granary in peacetime. In 1959, the building was restored and handed over to the Union of Architects of Lviv Region to serve as the House of the Architect.
Present day
Today, the Powder Tower retains its historical appearance and operates as the Center for Architecture, Design, and Urbanism. It remains a key landmark within Lviv’s historic center, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Location (map)
Address: 4 Pidvalna St, Lviv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 49.843111, 24.034750
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Exact coordinates of the Powder Tower in Lviv.
Questions and answers
- When was the Powder Tower built? The tower was constructed between 1554 and 1556.
- What was the function of the tower in the Soviet era? Starting in 1959, the building served as the House of the Architect for the Union of Architects of Lviv Region.
- What vehicles are visible in the foreground of the postcard? A Soviet LAZ passenger bus and a small white utility van are visible parked in front of the tower.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Lviv from 1971.
