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LVIV - THE PEARL OF EUROPE

Lviv is the biggest cultural and industrial center of Western Ukraine. For its quick development Lviv thanks its profitable geographic location on the Roztochya area (Baltic-Black Sea line). The population of Lviv is 830,000. The city is located on the cross of the most important transport ways, which connect Ukraine with the other European countries. This makes Lviv favorable for both tourism and business.

The king of Halychyna (Galicia) Danylo founded a castle town in the middle of the 13th century, in the hills, on the Poltva River, at the place of the ancient settlement, and named it in honour of his son, Lev.

Lviv was first mentioned in the chronicles of 1256. Due to its geographical position at the crossing of the old trade routes - from Kyiv to the West and from Byzantium to the Northern seas and because of the constant care of Galician princes, Lviv quickly turned into a highly-developed city. In 1272 it became the capital of Galician-Volyn State.

Having conquered Galicia in the 14th century, Kazimerzh III, the King of Poland, introduced Magdeburg Law in Lviv (1356). Since Princes' times, Armenians, Jews, and Germans lived in Lviv. In the 14th century Poles, Italians Greeks come to the city.

In regards to the quantity and significance of historical architectural monuments, Lviv is one of the richest cities in Ukraine. All together there are more than 2,000 objects of historical property.
The oldest preserved architectural monuments are concentrated at the foot of Zamkova (Castle) Hill. St. Mykolai's (Nicholas) Church (13th century) was built for Constance, the wife of Galician King Lev, the daughter of Hungarian King Bela.
Rynok Square (or Market Square), the heart of trade, administrative and social life of those times was located in the centre of this "city within the walls'. In the medieval times this square was a place of a lively trade. Stone scales, pillory and a pool with fish for selling were also on the square. The middle of the square has always been a site for a house of the city government, the City Hall. On its perimeter the square was densely built up with three-window stone buildings. Every house had its own, unique history. The oldest ones that have preserved their original design are in the style of Renaissance: "the Black House", Korniakt's Palace with wonderful Italian Yard inside it.

Katedralna (Cathedral) Square with a magnificent building of Latin Cathedral is adjacent to the south west corner of Rynok Square. The construction of the cathedral began in 14th century and lasted more than 100 years. The interior of Latin Cathedral amazes by its lancet Gothic arches, narrow stained-glass windows, lavish carvings of its altars and wall frescoes.

House-building of the city centre reached its prime in the 16th - early 17th centuries. At that time a beautiful Renaissance ensemble consisting of Uspenska Church (the Church of Assumption), the Chapel of Three Prelates and a bell tower, was built in Ruska Street.

They are the example of combination of Western European Renaissance and Ukrainian architectural traditions. Korniakt's bell tower named after the person, who financed its construction, is the most beautiful church tower in Lviv.

In the 18th century baroque style prevailed in Lviv architecture. The best example of this style is an incredible ensemble of St. Yuri's (George) the Dragonfighter Cathedral (1744-1770, arch. B. Meretyn), that was built on St. Yuri's Hill. The cathedral was lavishly ornated by J. Pinzel, a famous artist whose works embellished many churches in Galicia. The cathedral belfry has the oldest masterpiece of Ukrainian foundry, i.e. the bell that was cast in 1341 by the craftsman Yakiv Skora. Dominican Church (1745-1798, arch. Jan de Witte) was built simultaneously with St. Yuri's Cathedral. It is a late baroque construction with a richly ornate facade.

"Austrian Period" (since 1772) in Lviv architecture was marked by extension of city borders outside the city fortifications, formation of new residential districts along ancient trade roads. Medieval ramparts were demolished and replaced by parks and boulevards. The Opera House built in 1897-1900 by Z. Gorgolewski is a vivid example of that period.

Lviv architectural ensemble is an example of the perfect combinations of different ages and styles, building and artistic influences of different cultures and peoples. Lviv has preserved its historical planning structure, its landscape, masterpieces of architecture, fine and applied arts. All together it makes a unique city as today's Lviv is. The city is inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Cities.

Welcome to the museum city of Lviv, the unique pearl of Europe!