Cities

Lvov is situated not far from the West boarder of Ukraine at the foothill of Carpathians. It’s population is almost 830 thousand people. The highest point of the city is the hill of Vysokyi Zamok (413 m above sea level). Primarily Lvov had been built at the banks of Poltva River, but than the river was directed by pipes through sewerage. So, there is Shevchenko Avenue above it now.

There are 50% of all architectural monuments of Ukraine in Lvov. That is why the centre of the city is considered to be historic and architect reservation. Variety and mixture of different styles of all epochs beginning from 13 century, find their reflection in grey stone buildings of Lvov. Gothic and baroque, renaissance and Roman style, rococo and Empire, modern eclectic and constructivism are combined in it architecture.

During its many centuries history the ancient Lvov undergone many wars and floods, but each time the city came back to life. Those who was there once, come back here more and more to feel it magic force and to receive unforgettable impression. Lvov is a city-museum at the open air where each street has its legend and history full of different peripeteia from politics to love.

The name of the city sounded in different way during different times: Lvov, Leopolis, Leontopolis, Levenburg, Lvuv. But the root in all names is one and the same “lev” (lion), symbolizing the king of animals. Lion is also on the emblem of the city. The city was called by Prince Danilo Galytskyi in honor of his son.

From the very beginning the city attracts traders and craftsmen from the whole Europe. Charmed with it beauty they stayed here forever. In medieval times sounds of any language of the world could be heard in Lvov. People from different countries of the world put new creative ideas into construction and art. Collisions of different cultures were the main reason of unique architecture ensembles appeared. Representatives of different nationalities left the part of their people: German order, Italian cheerfulness, English way of thinking and Polish humor. Each tourist in Lvov can find something unique to remember about his motherland.

In 1998, Lvov was put in the List of world architectural monuments under UNESCO protection.