About
Lviv
Lviv with a
population of 830,000 people is an important political and
cultural centre in the Western Ukraine. Lviv, the city of Lions,
is the perhaps the most picturesque and European of all
Ukrainian cities. The city has long been the seat of Ukrainian
nationalism, and the locals pride themselves as being the
drivers of Ukraine's European aspirations.
The central city of Lviv has long been admired for its
architectural beauty and in 1998, its historical town centre was
included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. The city
celebrated its 750th Anniversary in 2006.
History
Recent archaeological excavations show that the area of Lviv has
been populated since at least the 5th century. The city itself
was founded in the 13th century by King Danylo of the Ruthenian
duchy of Halych-Volynia, and named in honour of his son, Lev and
in October 2006 celebrated its 750th birthday. Over the
centuries the city's population grew rapidly and Lviv became a
multi-ethnic and multi-religious city and an important centre of
culture, science and trade.
Lviv was fortunate enough to avoid any serious damage during the
Second World War, and as such the city abounds in architectural
delights reflecting its history from the Ornate Opera House,
Churches and Civic Buildings built in the baroque style
reflecting the taste of the Austrian Hungarian Empire, the
amazing opulence of the Art Nouveau buildings surrounding Rynok
Square and the mediaeval remnants of the old city walls.
At the end of the First World War, Lviv was proclaimed capital
of the independent republic of West Ukraine, but with the advent
of the Second World War, Western Ukraine was incorporated into
the Soviet Union. Due to its late inclusion into the Communist
Empire, Lviv remained the centre of Ukrainian revolutionary
thought against Russian dictatorship. It was in Lviv that the
people's 'Ruch' movement took form and spearheaded Ukraine's
drive of independence from the Soviet Union.
Gateway to the Mountains
Lviv is a convenient gateway to the Carpathian Mountains where
you'll be able to breathe clean air and to feel the beneficial
qualities of mineral waters while enjoying a stay at one of the
world-renowned spas or medical centres. In winter the
Carpathians become a focus for ski lovers, with their
unforgettable landscapes and challenging ski runs. Combined with
the fresh and invigorating mountain climate, the atmosphere and
ambience are hard to match anywhere in the world. Local customs
and traditions retain an ancient feel, with amazing wooden
churches and mountainous homesteads complimenting the natural
beauty of the region.
Here is a brief description of some of our Top-10
attractions in Lviv and its environs.
1 - Rynok Square
The Old City is centered on the Old Market Square called Rynok
Square, established in the 14th century. The narrow cobbled
streets around Rynok Square once housed the workshops of Lviv
shoemakers, printers, chemists and numerous other tradesmen.
Some of today's street names, for instance Virmen'ska
(Armenian), Yevreyska (Jewish) or Serbska (Serbian) still remind
visitors of the multicultural history of the city.
2 - The Opera Theatre
The former Grand Opera House was erected between 1897 and 1900
and can seat over 1,000 patrons. The theatre was built in
classical style following the traditional lines of what was then
known in Europe as the Viennese Pseudo-Renaissance of the 19th
century. Both the exterior and the interior, enhanced with many
original works of art, project magnificence and splendour.
3 - The Maria Zankovetska Drama
Theatre
It is the oldest national theatre in Ukraine with a purely
national repertoire. It's a theatre with a high reputation and
is renowned for its own traditions, forming part of Ukraine's
history and culture. Address: 1, Lesya Ukrainka Street.
4 - St George Cathedral
Perhaps the most impressive Baroque Cathedral in all of Ukraine,
St George Cathedral is currently the headquarters of the
Ukrainian Catholic Church. Its exterior is matched in beauty
with its decorative interior. Wander down to the catacombs and
visit the tombs of some of Ukraine's modern martyrs, such as
that of Metropolitan Josyf Slipiy, who was exiled to Siberia by
the Soviet Government after the Second World War due to his
religious and nationalist beliefs.
5 - The Museum of Folk
Architecture and Rural Life
It includes a number of miniature villages containing 15-20
architectural examples. It is a fascinating insight into the
real life of Ukrainian people in 18-20th century. 1, Address:
Chernecha Hora Street.
6 - The Museum of Ethnography
and Crafts
A permanent exhibition covers the subjects of material and
spiritual culture of Ukrainian people: household occupations,
folk artistic trades, interiors of folk dwelling of Ukraine.
Address: 15, Svobody Avenue.
7 - The Lviv Historic Museum
The museum includes more than 270,000 exhibits covering the
history of Western Ukraine and its inhabitants from prehistoric
times to the present. Address: 4, 6, 24, Rynok Square.
8 - Lviv Art Gallery
It is the biggest Art Museum in Ukraine. Includes works from the
Middle Ages to the present. The total collection numbers over
fifty thousand. 3, Stephanyka Street.
9 - Castle Hill Park
The High Castle - this is the name of the highest hill, which
rises above Lviv. This site was chosen by Halychyna princes to
build a fortress and today at the summit there is an observation
terrace from which one can get a panoramic view of the whole
city.
10 - Lychakiv Cemetery
The cemetery covers 40 hectares (about 110 acres) and since 1991
it has formed a state-sanctioned historical-artistic reserve. It
is one of the oldest graves in Europe, dating back to the
1500's, and has been described more as a sculpture garden than a
cemetery due to the ornate monuments, tombs and sarcophagi
within its grounds. Many graves contain the remains of famous
Ukrainians such as the poet Ivan Franko, eminent Poles such as
the authors G.Zapolska and M.Konopnicka) and Austrians. A large
number of Ukrainians prominent in the fields of academia,
politics and art have also found their final resting place here.
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