The five square mile area off of I-77 stretching from East 79th to Broadway  has been home to Czech, Polish, and Slovak immigrants since the 1870's.  Annual festivals and a parade commemorate this legacy, and the area now known as Slavic Village continues to be an ethnic enclave with many third and fourth generation residents. It’s a neighborhood of neighborhoods and its most important assets are its residents. They form block clubs and book clubs, plan events and plant gardens together. They’re a tough, dedicated bunch, committed to their community and working hard to balance pride in the past with the needs of newcomers and a changing urban landscape.

            Signs of the old days are everywhere: many districts and buildings are designated historic landmarks and are listed on the National Register. You can still buy pierogies, kielbasa, and sauerkraut made the Old World way on Fleet Avenue and go polka dancing at the Karlin Club. But leaders understand that to stay relevant and vibrant, the place must reinvent itself too. The Slavic Village Development Corporation has been spearheading these efforts for more than two decades. Though much remains to be done, the group has been remarkably successful. Stylish contemporary townhouses and artist’s lofts have been added to the housing mix and older homes are being renovated. There are new biking and hiking trails, a driving range and a golf course. Streetscape improvements are reviving once thriving commercial districts.

            A handful of beautiful 19th and early 20th century churches can be found in Slavic Village. If they were in Europe, each would merit a spot on travelers’ Must-See lists. Be a tourist in your own town and visit these architectural gems. The Shrine Church of Saint Stanislaus, dedicated in 1891 and notable for its devotional art and extraordinary decorative details, regularly hosts CityMusic concerts. The exquisite setting and fine acoustics make this a wonderful place to experience the special pleasure of live performances.
Shrine of St. Stanislaus Learn More

Drawn first by jobs in nearby factories, and later by the chance to live among others who spoke their languages, people flocked here from Eastern Europe by the thousands. Like most aging city neighborhoods, Slavic Village has its share of problems. But this strong close knit community has the energy, the vision, and the organizational will to solve them and achieve both stability and growth. Learn More

Sausages and sandwiches are easy to find, along with made from scratch soups, and freshly baked strudel to take home. Café Krakow, across the street from St. Stanislaus, is the perfect spot for refreshments before and after concerts and even during intermission.  Many more places to dine and drink are just minutes away in Tremont and Ohio City. Learn More

 

There’s never a shortage of ways to enjoy yourself in Slavic Village. You can take in an opera, shop at a Farmer’s Market, watch a Little League game, or learn how to Jitterbug. And that’s not all. Learn More

 
 Check out upcoming events and programs. Learn More