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Kiev Funicular

Kiev Funicular
(Київський фунікулер)
Kiev Funicular logo.svg
Kiev Funicular.jpeg
Looking from the top station, two Kiev funicular wagons approach each other, where they will finally pass each other on the system's two track sidings
Overview
Type Funicular
Locale Kiev, Ukraine
Coordinates 50°27′28″N 30°31′25″E / 50.45778°N 30.52361°E / 50.45778; 30.52361Coordinates: 50°27′28″N 30°31′25″E / 50.45778°N 30.52361°E / 50.45778; 30.52361
Termini Poshtova (lower station)
Mykhailivska (upper station)
Stations 2
Operation
Opened 1905
Operator(s) Kyivpastrans
Technical
Line length 238 metres (781 ft)
Track gauge 1,200 mm (3 ft 11 14 in)
Electrification 100 kW
Maximum incline 36%

The Kiev Funicular (Ukrainian: Київський фунікулер, Russian: Киевский фуникулёр) serves the city of Kiev, connecting the historic Uppertown, and the lower commercial neighborhood of Podil through the steep Volodymyrska Hill overseeing the Dnieper River. The line consists of only two stations and is operated by the Kiev city community enterprise Kyivpastrans.

The funicular was constructed during 1902-1905, and was first opened to the public on 20 May [O.S. 7 May] 1905. The construction cost, about 230,000 Russian rubles, was covered by a Belgian owner of the Kiev trams. The funicular was the project of Arthur Abrahamson, who received professional training on railroad engineering in Zürich, Switzerland and Saint Petersburg, Russia. The station vestibules were initially developed by N. Piatnitskiy, and the railway structure was designed by N. Barishnikov.

Due to its proximity to the St. Michael's Cathedral, it was once named the Mykhailivskyi Mekhanichnyi Pidyom (Ukrainian: Михайлівський механічний підйом, literally St. Michael's Mechanical Lift). After the cathedral was destroyed by the Soviet authorities in 1935-1936, the name of the funicular was changed.

In 1984 the lower station changed its outlook. It was redeveloped by architects Janos Vig, Valentine Yezhov, and others.


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Wikipedia

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