A photograph of the red building of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, taken by Oleksandr Ryzhkov in January 2022, won second place in the international photo contest Wiki Loves Monuments 2024. This image represents cultural heritage, showcasing the university building, which was constructed between 1837 and 1842 according to the design of the famous architect Vikentiy Beretti.
"It was a pretty beautiful, yet cold time just before sunset. The battery was draining fast, and my fingers were freezing. I only managed to get off a few shots... I wanted to share the beauty of my country. I want the whole world to see how beautiful it is here", Oleksandr Ryzhkov explained about how the photograph was taken.
Ukraine has been participating in the international photo contest of immovable monuments, "Wiki Loves Monuments", since 2012. Over 4,500 photographers submitted around 240,000 images this year within 56 national selections. Only up to ten photos from each contest were nominated for the world final, and it is the work of a Ukrainian author that was among the best.
The photo also won in the Ukrainian national round, and the full list of winners is expected in April or May. Additionally, it achieved first place in the "Best Photo of Kyiv 2024" category, representing a historic win for a KNU photograph in the capital city.
In recent years, the Ukrainian jury has highlighted several notable sites, including the Pyrohiv Open-Air Museum, the Refectory Chirch of Anthony and Theodosius at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, the House with Chimaeras, St. Andrew's Church, St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral, the architectural complex of Zamkova Hora (Castle Hill) and Andriivskyi Descent, as well as the Monument to Volodymyr the Great.
