"Flat Building" in Zhytomyr is one of the city's most unusual architectural landmarks. It is also called the "chimera building" or "heart-shaped building", but its main feature is an optical illusion. If you look at it from the right angle, it seems as if the building has only one wall—it is so narrow from the end view.
In reality, this is a full-fledged structure, simply with a very non-standard geometry.
History of the Building
The "Flat Building" appeared in the second half of the 19th century—most likely in the 1870s, when the city was actively developing and building up. This was the era of the formation of the center of Zhytomyr, when every patch of land mattered, and architects had to work with difficult plots.
It was precisely this situation that caused the appearance of this unusual building. The plot was located at the corner of the square and the former Hilarion Street (now Hrushevsky Street) and had a complex shape. Instead of ignoring this limitation, the architect made it the basis of the project: the walls of the building converge not at a right angle, but at an acute angle, and the plan turned out triangular.
Thanks to this, an effect appeared that every tourist knows today: from a certain perspective, it seems that the building has only one wall. In fact, this is a full-fledged structure, simply its geometry creates an optical illusion. Hence the name—"Flat Building".
Initially, the building had a practical purpose—it was built for the city fire department on the territory of the Zlatorovych estate, where the first city fire brigade was stationed in the 1870s. Therefore, this was neither decorative architecture nor an experiment for the sake of effect, but a rational use of space in the city center.
Over time, the functions of the building changed, but its unique shape remained unchanged and immediately attracted the attention of townspeople. The style of the building is eclecticism: the facade combines features of classicism and neo-renaissance. Local historians classify the building as a local architectural landmark.
Later, another name appeared—"heart-shaped building": from a certain perspective, the two wings of the building form a silhouette similar to a heart. This gave rise to a number of urban legends—from romantic stories about a gift to a beloved to versions about an establishment of dubious purpose. None of them are documented, but all of them have become part of urban folklore.
Similar "flat buildings" exist in other cities around the world, yet in Zhytomyr such a solution arose not as an imitation of fashion, but as a forced adaptation to the conditions of development. This is precisely what makes it unique in the local context.
Today, the City Information Center operates in the building, and the building itself has become one of the most famous architectural curiosities of Zhytomyr, which people specially come to see and photograph.
Why the "Heart-Shaped Building"
If you look at the building from above or from a certain perspective, it is visible that its two wings form a silhouette similar to a heart. Hence another, "romantic" name.
This shape gave rise to several urban legends:
- supposedly a wealthy merchant built the house for his beloved;
- or that until 1917 there was a brothel here.
None of these versions are confirmed, but they add character to the place.
Architectural Feature
The main feature of the building is the illusion of perspective:
- the narrow end creates the effect of a "flat wall";
- in photos, the building looks unreal;
- from different angles, it is perceived differently.
Therefore, this is one of the most popular photo spots in Zhytomyr.
Interesting facts about the "Flat House"
The "Flat House" has long become not only an architectural curiosity, but also a hero of urban stories and legends.
Firstly, the building is not actually flat. It is a full-fledged triangular structure with two wings that, coming together at a sharp angle, create an effect similar to the silhouette of a heart.
Secondly, the "flat wall" effect is an optical illusion. From the right angle, it seems that the house has only one facade with windows, while the side walls seemingly disappear. It is this visual trick that made the building popular.
Another point is that the perception of the house changes depending on the viewing angle. From one side it looks like an ordinary building, from the other — like a thin decoration without depth. Therefore, it is often photographed, and those who see it for the first time do not immediately believe their eyes.
Urban legends are also worth mentioning separately, ranging from romantic to mystical. Some locals claim that you can hear strange noises here or even encounter something "otherworldly". There is no confirmation of this, but such stories only heighten interest in the place.
And one more fact: despite its popularity, this is not a museum or a tourist attraction, but a building with institutions inside. Therefore, it looks "alive" rather than a stage set for tourists.
How to get there
The house stands on Peremoha Square, so it is easy to get there by public transport to the "Peremoha Square" stop:
- bus no. 102;
- marshrutkas no. 2, 11, 19, 40, 58;
- trolleybuses no. 2, 3, 5A;
- tram.
What is nearby
The house is right in the city center, so nearby are:
- Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral;
- the house on Kyivska Street where Mykhailo Kotsiubynsky lived;
- pedestrian Mykhailivska Street with the Trybel House.
This is a point that is easy to add to any route.
What you should know
- this is not a museum — institutions operate inside;
- the best angle is from the side of the narrow corner;
- in photos, the house looks even more impressive than in real life;
- one of the "hidden" highlights of Zhytomyr.
The "Flat House" is an example of how limitations can create something unique. A simple architectural solution turned into an urban legend and one of the most interesting photo locations in Zhytomyr.
