The capital city of Lviv oblast.
Lviv (also spelled Lvov) is a city and administrative center of Lviv oblast of Ukraine located on the picturesque Roztochchya Upland on the Poltva River. There are a lot of other spellings of this city: Lwow, Lwov, Lvow, Lviw, Lwiv, Lwiw.
Lviv city has the population of about 734 000 (2010).
The phone code of the city is +380 32; the postal code is 79000.
Lviv was founded in the mid-13th century by Prince Daniel Romanovich of Galicia, who built the castle on the hill now called Hill of a High Castle.
Lviv settlement was first mentioned in ancient Russian manuscripts in 1256. Lviv was historically the chief center of Galicia, a region now divided between Ukraine and Poland.
Lviv town position controlling east-west routes and passes across the Carpathians was the reason of its stormy history. Polish King Kazimir’s III troops invaded Lviv in 1340, but the citizens banished the invaders.
Poland control was established in 1349. In 1356 Magdeburg Law was adopted in the town. In 1370-1387 Lviv was ruled by Hungary. It was seized by the Cossacks in 1648 and the Swedes in 1704.
Lviv was given to Austria on the first partition of Poland in 1772 and after the fall of Austro-Hungary in 1918 the city was ruled by Ukrainian bourgeoisie who proclaimed a short-live “Western Ukrainian People’s Republic”.
But the Poles drove Ukrainian troops out of Lviv city and regained control. The city was joined to Ukrainian Socialist Republic together with western Ukraine in 1939 and after German occupation annexed by the Soviet Union in 1945. During the German occupation over 200,000 citizens of Lviv were killed in concentration camps.
The main part of historical monuments, churches and buildings in Lviv survived due to the fact that the battle for the city took place in southern area. After the war most of the Polish population left the city and moved to Poland, mainly its western part, to former German lands (a lot of people moved to Wroclaw).
After World War II the national structure of Lviv city changed as traditional ethnic groups (the Polish, the Jews and the Germans) were taken away or killed. The Polish language and its regional variant were of no use any more.
The Soviet power began suppressing Ukrainian national movement. At the same time the Ukrainian Greek Catholic church was abolished and turned into Russian Orthodox church. After Stalin’s death Soviet policy became more tolerant and Lviv remains an important center of Ukrainian culture.
In the 50s and 60s of 20th century the city grew very much both in population and size. A lot of famous plants and factories were founded in Lviv and transferred from Eastern Ukraine. By early 1980s Lvov numbered 137 large plants.
In 1998 the historical center of Lviv city and St. Yur cathedral were included into the list of UNESCO world heritage. In June 2001 the city was visited by John Paul II.
Present day Lviv retains its nodal position, with nine railways converging on the city. As a result, industrial development has been considerable: engineering products manufactured in Lviv city include buses, agricultural machinery, loading machinery, bicycles, and television sets. There is also a wide range of consumer goods and foodstuffs industries in Lviv.
Lviv is also a major publishing and cultural center, especially of Ukrainian culture, which flourished there in tsarist times. Lviv University, which was founded in 1661 and named for the Ukrainian poet and journalist Ivan Franko, is one of the institutions of higher education in Lviv.
There are also poly-graphic institute, institute of applied arts, conservatoire. There are also many research establishments in Lviv city of Ukraine.
Lviv architecture reflects a lot of European styles corresponding to different historical epochs. Lviv wasn’t much destroyed during the wars of 20th century. After fires of 1527 and 1556 there were almost no traces of Gothic Lviv, but the following epochs are well presented: Renaissance, baroque, classicism. The historical center of Lviv has a lot of architectural monuments of 14th-17th centuries.
City Day - celebration of Lviv foundation. 1256 is considered the date of foundation (the first record refers to that year). It is marked either in September or in May: on September 29th-30th, 2006, the 750th anniversary of the city was marked, in 2007 the City Day was marked on May, 6th;
The flag day (April, 3rd) - it was the day when in 1990 on the city hall of Lviv the current Ukrainian flag was put, it was the first city in Ukraine to do that.
Lviv street and Black Kamenitsa
Lviv street view
Lviv architecture
Market Square. The architectural ensemble of the main shopping area in Lviv began to take shape in the 14th century on the model of European medieval cities. The square is surrounded by 44 houses built at different times and in several styles (Renaissance, Baroque, and Empire). The elements of Gothic architecture of the 15th-16th centuries are preserved in the basements and ground floors of many houses. Museums, shops and cafes can be found there.
Town Hall building standing in the center of the square is a symbol of the city. There is Lviv Tourist Information Center on the ground floor. The center sells Lviv maps and guidebooks. Also the people working there can answer your questions. The square is almost always full of tourists, especially during the days of numerous festivals and holidays. Address: Lviv, Market Square.
Town Hall. One of the most recognizable symbols of Lviv. The main entrance to the building is guarded by two sculptures of lions holding shields with the arms of the city. The first wooden building of the town hall was constrcuted in 1381 and later it was reconstructed several times. Present building of the town hall was constrcuted in early 19th century.
Since 1939 the building houses the Lviv city council. Guided tours of the building with a visit to the clock tower are available. From the observation deck of the tower (408 steps) you can see one of the best panoramas of the city. Recently, an old tradition has been renewed - everyday at noon the hymn of the city is sounding from the tower. On weekends, the trumpeter blows every two hours from 9 am to 9 pm. Address: Lviv, Market Square, 1. Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (Saturday, Sunday - 11:00-19:00), day off - Monday.
Opera House. Lviv Opera Theater named after S. Krushelnytskaya is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in Europe along with Odessa and Vienna Operas. The facade is decorated with sculpted figures of “Life” and “Art”, the statues of “Glory”, “Victory”, and “Love”. The theater was designed so that the lobby, hallways and stairs were largely illuminated by natural light.
One of the most beautiful interiors is a mirrored hall decorated with paintings depicting the symbolic change of the seasons. On the first floor the private suite of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph with the bathroom and exit to the Imperial (now - the President’s) box remained intact. Address: Lviv, Liberty Ave., 28.
Cathedral (Latin) Church. The cathedral is the main church of the Roman Catholic Church in Lviv. It was being built and rebuilt for 400 years. The first stone was laid by Polish King Casimir the Great in 1360. After the restoration of 1760-1778 years Gothic forms of the cathedral were transformed into Baroque.
In the east wall you can see the cannonballs, reminiscent of the Turkish siege of 1672, as well as the shell left over from the Ukrainian-Polish war of 1918-1919. Until the end of the 18th century the area around the church was occupied by the cemetery with numerous chapels. Several chapels survived: Boim Chapel (1609-1615) and Kampian Chapel (1619). Address: Lviv, Katedralnaya Square, 1.
Boim Chapel. The chapel located near the walls of the Latin Church is one of the most remarkable architectural monuments of Lviv. The chapel was built in the early 17th century over the family vault of Lviv patricians Boim. It was constructed in the style of mature Renaissance with the transition to the Baroque. The dome is crowned by unusual sculpture of sitting Christ. Today Boim Chapel is a department of Lviv Art Gallery. Address: Lviv, Katedralnaya Square, 1. Opening hours: 11:00-17:00, day off - Monday.
Dominican church. One of the most significant Baroque monuments in Lviv. The cells of the monastery of Dominicans refer to the 16th century. In 1701, Czar Peter I signed a military alliance between Russia and Poland against Sweden here. Up to the 18th century the building of Dominican church was Gothic. In 1792-1798 it was reconstructed.
In Soviet times the church was closed and the building was used as a museum of atheism. Today it is Greek Catholic Church of the Holy Eucharist. The collection of sacred art relics of Lviv museum of religion history is exhibited in the basement. Concerts of organ music are being held on a regular basis. Address: Lviv, Museum Square, 1. Opening hours: 10:00-18:00, day off - Monday (concerts: Sunday, 15:00).
Cathedral of St. Yur. One of the most beautiful architectural ensembles of Lviv city, the pearl of the Ukrainian baroque. The cathedral is the main shrine of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The first church on St. Yur Hill in Lviv was founded in the time of the Galicia-Volyn principality. The present complex was built in 1744-1770 years. The oldest bell in Ukraine (1341) is placed in the bell tower. The Palace of the Metropolitans is located nearby. In 2001, John Paul II stayed in the palace during his visit to Ukraine. Since 1998, the Cathedral of St. Yur, along with an ensemble of the historic center of Lviv, is included in UNESCO World Heritage List. Address: Lviv, St. Yur Square, 5.
Armenian Cathedral. In the Armenian block of Lviv between Armenian and L. Ukrainka streets the cathedral, bell tower, palace of archbishops and convent are located. The buildings form a picturesque “Armenian courtyard”. The construction was led by the Armenian architect Doring (Dorhi) by means of Armenian merchants. The oldest part of the cathedral is the eastern (the 14th century). After the reconstruction of 1723 the building received its present baroque appearance. Address: Lviv. Armenian Str., 7-13.
The High Castle. Castle (Prince) hill (413 meters) is located in the central part of Lviv. On the top of the hill a fortified residence of Prince Danilo Galitsky was built in the 13th century. It was named the High Castle, in contrast to the other - the Lower Castle (Citadel). Originally the fortress was built of wood, with earth ramparts.
In 1362 the fortress was rebuilt in stone by Polish King Casimir who conquered the Galicia. In the 19th century the castle was almost completely dismantled. The park “High Castle” and observation point offering the best views of Lviv were arranged on its place. The fragment of the southern wall with loopholes survived. A long staircase leads to the top of the hill. Address: Lviv, High Castle (Vysokiy Zamok) Str.
Lviv city architecture
Lviv view
Lviv scenery
Arsenal of Lviv. Fortification, part of the city’s defense system. The first arsenal was built at this place at the beginning of the 15th century. But in 1554 it was demolished and a new two-storey building for manufacture and storage of weapons was constructed. In the 18th century during the Austrian rule the building was used as a prison.
In 1981 the museum “Arsenal” was opened here. The museum has one of the best collections of arms in Ukraine. The museum runs an antique shop. Address: Lviv, Podvalnaya Str., 5. Opening hours: 10:00-17:30, day off - Wednesday.
Royal Arsenal. This arsenal was built in Baroque style by order of Polish king Wladyslaw IV. As a strategically important city, Lviv had two arsenals. Since 1939 the building is occupied by Lviv Regional State Archives. In front of the building the monument to printing pioneer Ivan Fedorov is installed. Second-hand books market is located nearby. It is a very popular place among foreign tourists. People selling old books and antiques gather here. Address: Lviv, Podvalnaya Str., 13.
Shevchenko open-air museum. The Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life is located on the wooded hills in the eastern part of Lviv, behind the High Castle. The area is divided into six ethnographic zones devoted to the life of various nationalities living in Western Ukraine: Boykovskaya, Lemkovskaya, Hutsulskaya, Bukovinskaya, Podolskaya, and Volynskaya. There are more than 120 architectural monuments of the western regions: 6 churches, houses, smithy, school, sawmill, water and wind mills. The oldest exhibit is a peasant hut (1749). Address: Lviv, Chernecha Mountain Str., 1. Opening hours: 10:00-18:00, day off - Monday.
House of Kornyakt (Historical Museum). Kornyakt Palace is the pearl of residential Renaissance architecture of the city. Italian courtyard with an exhibition of sculptures can be found inside. The Historical Museum is located here. The exhibition “Royal Chamber” displays the collection of jewelry, paintings, antique furniture and glassware. Cafe and antique shop are also open for visitors. Address: Lviv, Market Square, 6. Opening hours: 10:00-18:00, day off - Wednesday.
Assumption (Volozhskaya) Church. Outstanding monument of Renaissance architecture. For a long time the church was wooden. The construction of a stone church began in the 15th century and lasted more than four decades. Orthodox community of Lviv concentrated around it. The bell tower of the church (66 meters) built in 1572 is called the tower of Kornyakt after the Greek merchant and philanthropist protected the Orthodoxy in Lviv. Address: Lviv. Ruska Str., 7.
Bernardine Monastery. In the 17th century the monastery of Bernardine Order together with the church of St. Andrew was a separate fortification located outside the city limits. The church of St. Andrew was built in 1600-1630 in the Renaissance style. Today the monastery building belongs to the Central State Archive of Lviv. The church of St. Andrew was returned to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Address: Lviv, Sobornaya (Cathedral) Square, 3-a.
Glinyanskiye Gate. The most preserved part of medieval Lviv fortifications. The gateway built in the style of the late Renaissance in the early 17th century is a part of the fortification complex of Bernardine monastery. Defensive moat was restored during the renovation of 1976-1977. Address: Lviv, Valovaya Str., 20.
Lychakov Cemetery. This cemetery-museum is looking like a landscape park. The cemetery was officially founded in 1784, although it was there at least from the 16th century. The territory of 40 hectares is divided into 86 fields with almost 3,5 thousand monuments and compositions made by famous sculptors and architects. I. Franko, S. Krushelnytska, M. Konopnitskaya and other well known people are buried here. In 1991 the cemetery received the status of historical and memorial museum-reserve. Address: Lviv, Pekarskaya Str., 95.
Liberty (Svobody) Avenue. The central street of Lviv. The street appeared in the 18th century in place of the lower wall of the city. The prospect with an alley in the middle starts from the Opera House. Monument to Taras Shevchenko and sculptures dedicated to the works of the poet are placed in the center of the avenue. The avenue ends with Mickiewicz Square. The figure of Our Lady is placed in the middle of the square. Monument to the Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz appeared on the square in 1905. Historic building of hotel “George” is also located on the square. Address: Lviv, Liberty Ave.
Potocki Palace (Museum of European Art). The most luxurious palace of Lviv was created for Polish magnates Potocki. The style of the palace is similar to French chateaux of the Classical period. The interiors in the style of Louis XVI were preserved. In Soviet times, the building was used as Wedding Palace. Today it is the Museum of European Art (department of Lviv Art Gallery). The paintings of the 14th-18th centuries from different European countries are presented here. The park of miniature castles is open in the courtyard of Potocki palace. Address: Lviv, Copernicus Str., 15. Opening hours: 10:00-16:50, day off - Monday.
Lviv city scenery
King Danilo monument
Lviv city monument
Carmelite Church. Catholic church of the Order of Discalced Carmelites was first mentioned in 1634 and had a long history of building. As one of the defensive structures of Lviv the church was repeatedly attacked. In 1991 it was re-consecrated as a church of Archangel Michael. Address: Lviv, Vinnichenko Str., 22.
Church of Poor Clares (Pinzel Museum). Modest church of the Franciscan Order of Poor Clares was built in 1607. The tower was completed during the restoration of 1938-1939. Austrian and later Polish authorities used the monastery as a warehouse, then a hospital. In Soviet times, it became the part of Lviv Art Gallery. Today the building houses the showroom of works of outstanding sculptor I. Pinzel, called the “Ukrainian Michelangelo”. Address: Lviv, Mytnaya Str., 2. Opening hours: 11:00-18:00 (10:00-17:00 in winter), day off - Monday.
Pharmacy-Museum. The first pharmacy in Lviv was opened in 1735 by military pharmacist F. Natorp. Old interior of the sales hall, paintings on the ceiling made by Viennese masters, antique cash registers and scales are preserved. In other rooms you can see various pharmaceutical devices, reconstructed house of the pharmacist, underground alchemical laboratory. The museum of history of pharmacy was opened here in 1966. More than three thousand exhibits are presented. Address: Lviv, Drukarskaya Str., 2. Opening hours: 9:00-19:00 (Saturday, Sunday - 10:00-18:00).
Black Kamenitsa (Museum of the liberation movement). An impressive example of residential Renaissance architecture, one of the sightseeings of the city. “Black Kamenitsa” is a house built in the end of the 16th century. Initially, the building was not black, but because of the precipitation the sandstone darkened. Today the house is specially painted black. The museum located here has an exhibition devoted to the history of the liberation movement of Ukrainian people. Address: Lviv, Market Square, 4. Opening hours: 10:00-18:00, day off - Wednesday.
Jesuit Church. The church of St. Peter and St. Paul is one of the largest religious buildings of Lviv, the first striking example of the Baroque style in the city. The construction began in 1610 led by a Jesuit monk S. Lyanhius, author of the original project. Italian architect J. Briano finished the construction in 1618-1621. Address: Lviv, Teatralnaya (Theater) Str., 11.
Lviv University. Lviv National University named after I. Franko is one of the leading universities of Ukraine, one of the oldest universities in Europe. It was founded in 1661 by decree of the Polish king Yan Casimir. The main building of the university was built in 1877-1881. A museum of history of Lviv University is open. Address: Lviv, Universitetskaya (University) Str., 1.
Benedictine Monastery. The monastery has a distinct defensive form. The complex is surrounded by walls with Baroque gates of the 17th century. Today it is the Holy Virgin Protection convent of the Sisters of Studion Charter.Address: Lviv, Vechevaya Str., 2.
The Powder Tower. The tower is a fully preserved fragment of defense system of Lviv; one of the 17 towers that were the part of the city’s fortifications. The tower is a monument of the military-defense architecture of the Renaissance. The Powder Tower was located behind the second line of fortifications, and was used to protect the approaches to the city from the east and to store gunpowder and ammunition. In time of peace the tower was a granary. The wall thickness is about 2.5 meters. For more than four centuries after the construction the rising ground level hid two meters of the lower part of the tower. Address: Lviv, Podvalnaya Str., 4.
Stryi Park. One of the oldest and most beautiful parks of Lviv, a monument of landscape art of national importance. Before the Second World War, it was one of the most beautiful parks in Poland. The park was founded in 1879 on the site of the cemetery. Today it occupies an area of 56 hectares. Lviv Children’s Railway is located here. The park also has a decorative pond and picturesque alleys. The entrance to the park is free. Address: Lviv, Stryiskaya Str., 15.
Lviv Art Gallery. The gallery is the largest Art Museum of Ukraine (about 50 thousand exhibits). The exposition introduces the main areas of European art of the 19th-20th centuries. About 400 works by French, Austrian, German, Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian artists are presented in 24 halls. The pearl of the collection is the only in Ukraine painting of Georges de La Tour “The moneylender”, one of the most expensive and valuable paintings of world importance in the country. Address: Lviv, Stefanik Str., 3. Opening hours: 11:00-18:00, day off - Monday.
Beer Museum. The museum of brewery was opened in Lviv in 2005 on the territory of “Lviv Brewery”, which is considered the oldest brewery in Ukraine. The first written mention of Lviv beer dates back to 1384. The official opening date of “Lviv Brewery” is 1715. The museum displays interesting collection of beer tuns and bottles, beer glasses, ads, technology book and other unique documents. A special exhibit is a legendary 10-liter beer glass of the brewery shareholder Robert Doms.
At the end of the tour you can taste the best varieties of unpasteurized “Lviv” beer in restaurant “Drinking house of Robert Doms” located in the former beer cellars. There is also souvenir shop in the museum. Address: Street, Lviv. Kleparovskaya, 18. Open: 10:30-18:00, Closed. – Tue
Water Park “Beach”. One of the largest in Ukraine indoor water recreation complexes. On the area of 14 thousand square meters you can find the 50-meter pool, entertainment area with nine water slides of varying lengths and difficulty levels, children’s area with a small pool and small slide. The recreation area also has Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and two bars. The complex also offers the services of solarium, fitness center, bistro, internet cafe. Address: Lviv, Princess Olga Str., 114. Opening hours: 7:00-22:00 (slides from 10:00 am, Monday - 14:00).
Church of St. John the Baptist. A very ancient church of St. John the Baptist is one of the few buildings that survived in Lviv from the princely times. The church is located in the area of Old Market at the foot of the High Castle. The first written mention of the Church of St. John the Baptist in Lviv dates back to 1371. The building was reconstructed in the 19th century in pseudo-Romanesque style, but several fragments of the original architecture survived. Today it is the museum of the oldest monuments of Lviv. The exhibition tells about the culture, crafts and life at the time of the foundation of the city. Address: Lviv, Uzhgorod Str., 1. Opening hours: 11:00-18:00 (winter - 10:00-17:00), day off - Monday.
Holodomor victims memorial
Lviv Ivan Franko university
Lviv Glinyanskiye Gate
Lubomirski Palace (Museum of furniture and porcelain). This elegant Renaissance building was built for Count Sapieha, but later it was rebuilt for Lubomirski family. Today it is a museum of antique European furniture and porcelain (680 exhibits). Address: Lviv, Market Square, 10. Opening hours: 10:00-18:00, day off - Monday.
Monastery of St. Mary Magdalene. The church of St. Mary Magdalene was founded by Dominican monks in place of the old wooden church outside the walls of the city in 1600. Dominican monastery and seminary were opened after a while. The elements of Baroque and Renaissance are combined in the architecture of the buildings. The church has the largest in Ukraine organ, made by Czech company Rieger-Kloss in 1932. Since Soviet times, the church is used as House of Organ and Chamber Music. Address: Lviv, Bandera Str., 10.
National Museum. National Museum named after A. Sheptytsky was founded by Metropolitan Sheptytsky as the “Church Museum” in 1905. The works of Ukrainian medieval sacred art (icons), graphics, sculpture and folk art are presented. Address: Lviv, Liberty Ave., 20. Opening hours: 10:00 -18:00, day off - Monday.
Synagogue “House of Aaron in Israel”. The synagogue is located near the railway station. The building was constructed in 1897. In 1923-1925 it was rebuilt to house a synagogue. During the Second World War the building was not damaged - it was a warehouse. Worship services were resumed in 1989. The restoration work was carried out in 2007. Address: Lviv, Mikhnovsky Brothers Str., 4.
Stadium Arena Lviv. The stadium was opened in 2011 in preparation for the European Football Championship Euro-2012. It is one of the newest stadiums in Europe built according to all the requirements of UEFA. The capacity of the stadium is about 35,000. Address: Lviv, Stryiska Str.
Church of St. Nicholas. The church is the oldest monument of the monumental architecture of the city first mentioned in 1292. The wall thickness also indicates on the defensive role of the building. Address: Lviv, B. Khmelnitsky Str., 28.
Church of St. Olga and Elizabeth. The highest church in Lviv (85 meters) was built in the early 20th century with elements of French and North German Gothic architecture. During the Second World War the church was damaged and closed. Since 1991, it belongs to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Address: Lviv, Kropivnitsky Square, 1.
The Citadel. This complex of Austrian times fortifications constructed in the 19th century remained almost unchanged. It was built on the south-western outskirts of Lviv to control the city and Stryi road. Fortification works were started here by the Poles in 1635. Austrians reconstructed and expanded the fortification in 1852-1854. The complex did not play a significant role during the world wars and perfectly preserved. Address: Lviv, Grabowski Str.
Ethnographic Museum. The Museum of Ethnography and Crafts occupies renaissance building in the main street of Lviv. At the base of the dome a group of sculptures representing the economic prosperity of Galicia is placed. It is known as the world’s only seated statue of Liberty. The exhibition of the museum includes a rich collection of pottery, porcelain, earthenware, and products of art glass. The collection of clocks of the 16th-20th centuries has about 350 exhibits. Address: Lviv, Liberty Ave., 15. Opening hours: 11:00-17:00, day off - Monday.
Lviv opera house
Lviv Potocki palace
Church of St. Olga and Elizabeth
Dominican church
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