#JCulture As part of the project "Research and Preservation of Jewish Cultural Heritage in the Border Area," we continue to share with you stories about the life of the city's Jewish community

      One of the richest Jewish families in Stanyslaviv was the Gartenberg family. Descendants of oil entrepreneurs from Boryslav, they started a successful real estate rental business in Stanyslaviv. They owned almost all the houses in the quarter that stretches from the current ASC to the passage and around it. However, their most famous and legendary creation was the Gartenberg Passage. It was built in 1904 by Viennese architect G. Koshits with the involvement of local craftsmen Bowblick and Jan Kudelski. The project was led by Lviv engineer Fleishel. By the way, the entire building was constructed (and how well!) in just six months. It was one of the first indoor shopping centres in the city. It was distinguished by the fact that it was originally designed for trade, not adapted for it. The total height of the passage was 13.5 m. The style was moderate Secession. The passage was rich in decor: allegorical compositions, paintings, and sculptures. In a few years, this building became a favourite holiday destination for Stanislaviv residents. Unfortunately, the authenticity was destroyed by the First World War. The building was heavily damaged and was rebuilt in a much simpler form. There is a legend about how the Gartenberg brothers built the passage. They were very wealthy people. They decided to make their passage exclusive. Columns, statues and other luxurious decorative elements did not satisfy them. And then they came up with an idea: to cover the floor of their passage with silver coins of Austria-Hungary.

      They went to the burgomaster (now mayor). They submitted a proposal for approval. But how could this be allowed, the burgomaster thought. "The coins have a portrait of the emperor on them. And people will trample on the very head of the empire? No, he could not allow this. And he had no way to refuse. His wife came to the rescue. She suggested a compromise: coins could be laid out on the floor of the passage, but they should be placed sideways. This answer pleased the mayor and upset the Gartenberg brothers, because they did not have that kind of money.

      The project "Research and Preservation of Jewish Cultural Heritage in the Border Area" (JCulture) is being implemented within the framework of the ENI Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020, funded by the European Union. The responsible partner for the implementation of project activities in Ivano-Frankivsk is the Investment Policy Department of Ivano-Frankivsk City Council.