Russian attack destroys part of Zaporizhzhia National University, a cultural heritage site

A Russian attack damaged building No. 3 of Zaporizhzhia National University (ZNU) on the night of 20-21 September. The building was hit directly, causing a fire to break out. The building is a local cultural heritage landmark.

Source: Zaporizhzhia National University on Facebook

Details: ZNU stated that difficult recovery work lies ahead. Buildings No. 4 and No. 5 were also damaged. There were no casualties among university students or staff.

Building No. 3 is located on 62 Hohol Street. It is the former Oleksandrivsk Girls' High School – one of the historical buildings of Oleksandrivsk, present-day Zaporizhzhia. It was built in 1902–1903.

The building features elements of late historicism (eclecticism), neo-Renaissance and the so-called "brick" style. It has a T-shaped layout, arched windows and decorative ceramic brick embellishments. City architect Fadey Pekutovsky was responsible for the project.

In 1911, a house church was added to the building. After the closure of the gymnasium in 1920, the headquarters of the 30th Rifle Division was housed here, and from 1921 – a military hospital. In 1926, the building was handed over to the Zaporizhzhia Pedagogical College.

In 1930, the building was transferred to the Pedagogical Institute. After the Second World War, a secondary school operated here. In 1979, the building was again handed over to the Pedagogical Institute, initially housing the faculties of physical education and history and from 1987 – the faculty of biology.

The building was registered as a historical monument back in 1971, and in 1987 it was granted the status of an architectural monument of local significance.

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