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Lviv Sights and Landmarks Guide, Ukraine

Lviv may have recently edge out top Ukrainian cities like Kiev and Kharkov to be named ‘the best Ukrainian city to live in’, but the city’s rich history and its cultural-connection have always made it a great outing for vacationing crowds. Talking of Lviv sights, the first that comes to mind is certainly the historic Old Town (that was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998) but Lviv has much more for you… hosts of churches, museums, opera-halls and other landmarks built in different architectural styles (Art Nouveau, Baroque, Classic, Renaissance or other styles) that are no less than works of art. If you are one with a penchant for viewing nicely built historic buildings and ruins, guide your steps to Lviv and it will definitely mean an awarding-experience. You will fall in love with the un-Sovietness of Lviv.

Lviv Sights – Churches & Cathedrals

Lviv has more than 100 churches. Most of Lviv’s churches, especially the ones in the historic city-center, are centuries-old; they appear unique in their green domes and varied architecture. The first one to be named is certainly the Armenian Cathedral; this 14th century church (that has undergone reconstructions and renovations several times) is a must-see for its highly decorated interior. The blackstone-made Chapel of the Boim Family has a finely carved façade. The Kryvka Church is a timber-made church. Other must-see Lviv-churches include names like the Bernadine Church, Dominican Church, Dormition Church, Jesuit Church, Latin Cathedral and St. George Cathedral.

Lviv Sights – Museums

Lviv has so many museums that it could be named ‘the city of Museums’. You simply cannot afford to miss the key city-museums – Lviv National Museum and Lviv Historical Museum. The Open Air Museum of Folk Architecture has wooden buildings/structures brought from different parts of Ukraine on display. The exhibits of the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Metrology will interest only informed minds but the Museum of Ethnography and Crafts will appeal one and all across age-groups. Other important Lviv museums are the Museum of Religion, Pharmacy Museum, Panchyshyn Museum of the History of Medicine and the History of Printing Museum. The Arsenal Museum Weapons is quite interesting as its exhibits include armory from the medieval times to that of 20th century. Visits to the Brewery Museum and the Museum of Embroidered Icons will also impress you.

Lviv Sights – Miscellaneous Attractions

Art and architecture have lent Lviv a special appeal. You just have to look around to know why Lviv has been monikered ‘the Florence of the East’. Be it the Art Nouveau Railway Station or the Market Square (Ploshcha Rynok) at the center of the Old Town, the city’s many sculptures, monuments or even the universities, you will always witness the mélange of art and architecture. Lychakivskiy Cemetery is one of Lviv’s greatest attractions and it attracts as many tourists as the Lviv Art Gallery. Lviv’s historic opera theater, Lviv Opera House, is yet another example of architectural opulence.

Much as you are bound to like the various Lviv sights, you will also like the fact that Lviv is not unduly costly and so you can always include it in your budget.

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