Lviv – attractions worth visiting!
Lviv is one of the most important industrial, cultural and tourist centres in Ukraine. Its name comes from the name Lev, which was borne by the son of the settlement’s founder. Over the centuries, the city belonged to various monarchies – including the Kingdom of Poland, the Kingdom of Hungary and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until their collapse in 1918. Since 1991, it has belonged to independent Ukraine, but the influence of many cultures can still be seen here. The architectural traditions of central and eastern, western and southern Europe meet in Lviv. The city’s complicated history is still reflected today in its unusual appearance and character. This unique atmosphere is just one of the reasons to visit Lviv!
Among the city’s highlights is the Latin Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is one of the oldest churches in the city, located right on the main square. The windows feature intricate stained glass windows made in the 19th century according to designs by many famous artists – including Jan Matejko. The interior of the cathedral is at least worth a look – especially the beautiful 18th century Baroque altarpiece, decorated with marble columns and Baroque statues of saints. Other sacred architecture includes the Greek Catholic Church of St Andrew with the Bernardine Monastery, the Church of the Holy Eucharist, the Uspensky Cathedral in the Armenian Quarter, the imposing St George’s Cathedral and the Renaissance Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God with its distinctive tower.
Trip to Lviv? Check the must-see attractions!
On a trip to Lviv, you should definitely stroll around the market square. In addition to the Latin Cathedral, there are many other noteworthy buildings here. These include the Baroque Lubomirski Palace, which now houses the Museum of Ethnography and Artistic Industry. You can also admire many beautiful Renaissance townhouses – such as the Królewska, Czarna and Bandinelli townhouses. The Lviv City Hall, built in the classicist style, is also an eye-catcher and looks beautiful in photographs.
When walking around Lviv, it’s worth directing your steps to the former royal arsenal and the nearby city arsenal. These buildings are radically different, showing the architectural diversity of the city. Other highlights of Lviv include the beautiful, elaborately decorated City Theatre – a true pearl of eclectic architecture, as well as sculpture and painting. Check also the Ossolineum building and the Art Nouveau-style Main Train Station. Among many Lviv palaces these three should be mentioned as they are the most impressive: Potocki palace, the Latin archbishops’ palace and the art palace located in Stryisky Park.
Lviv’s cemeteries are also worth a visit: Lychakiv Cemetery and the Cemetery of the Defenders of Lviv. Lychakiv Cemetery, picturesquely located, has many beautiful tombstones of distinguished Polish and Ukrainian artists, scientists and politicians. In its separate part, we can find the Cemetery of the Defenders of Lviv (Lvov cemetery of the Eaglets)- participants in the battles for Lviv in 1918-1919 and the Polish-Bolshevik war in 1920. Some of the fallen were very young people, secondary school and university students, hence its name.
Free walking tour – Lviv with an experienced guide
If you want to visit these and other attractions of Lviv, join a free walking tour with Walkative! Our experienced local guide will lead you through the charming streets and wide avenues of Lviv, telling you about the fascinating history of the city. Tours like this do not have a pre-set price – you decide how much you will reward the hard work and commitment of your guide! To join, simply book a place on our website. Free walking tour of Lviv with Walkative! is an ideal option for small groups of friends, families, couples or individual tourists who want to visit the city with a guide. In addition to walking tours in Lviv, on the Walkative! website you can find free walking tours in other beautiful European cities such as Kraków, Vienna or Berlin!