Lviv holds a position as one of the major cities in Ukraine with a culture and monuments largely untouched during World War II. The city is a melting pot of the fine arts, music and theatre and provides the seasoned traveler a number of things to do in order to keep themselves occupied. For anyone hoping to experience core Galician culture, Lviv is the place to go.
By InVideo
Some of the top 20 Lviv attractions are:
1) Rynok Square
Probably one of the foremost spots in Lviv consisting of a cobbled market square surrounded on all sides by well preserved palaces, mansions, fountains, statues, eateries and thronged with bustling crowds. Watch out for the statues of four Greek Deities, namely Neptune, Diana, Amphitrite and Adonis which serve as meeting points people. The square is dominated by the Town Hall and there 44 tenement “houses” ; historical structures around the square, each with their own story to tell.
2) St. George’s Cathedral
One of the most prominent churches in Ukraine and the mother church of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, this lofty structure is placed on a hill overlooking the city. Art lovers can oggle at the many icons of Catholic Saints placed in the structure including an impressive one of St. George the Dragon Slayer.
3) Boim Chapel
The Boim Chapel is a building of comparatively short stature that once served as the burial ground of the wealthy mercantile Boim family. It features some exquisite carvings dating to the late Renaissance era.
4) Prison at Łąckiego
The former prison now serves as a museum-memorial of victims of World War II during the Polish, Soviet and Nazi occupations. The prison has seen gruesome executions numbering upto a 1000, under Josef Stalin’s NKVD during the Great Purge.
5) Armenian Cathedral
The Armenian Cathedral is a beautiful edifice with colorful interiors that forms the centre of the Armenian Catholic and Apostolic Church. Located in the Old Armenian Quarter, it has seen a revival of Armenian culture in recent years and Virmenska Street is a perfect place to get an insight into Armenian culture and cuisine combined with East European influences.
6) Zalizna Voda Park
An ethereal park reminiscent of East European woodlands, the Zalizna Voda Park is a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park gets its name from wells in the park precincts that have water with high iron content. Pine and Oak trees are the main species found here apart from coarse shrubbery.
7) Lviv Arsenal
The now defunct 16th century arsenal serves as a museum for antique armory and also has an early torture chamber.
8) Union of Lubin Mound
The Union of Lubin Mound is reminiscent of early Brythonic mounds found in the U.K. However it is not of ancient Celtic origin but rather of recent construct, dating back to the 19th Century. The large hillock provide a vantage point over all Lviv. A great place to do some panaromic photography.
9) Glass Museum
Located in the boundaries of Rynok Square is the Glass museum; an undertaking that brings to light Ukraine’s history and traditions of glass making. The collection also features glass work done by artists from neighboring East European nations. Glass making is one of the most important products of East European nations and this museum projects the finest in the field.
10) Stryisky Park
For those seeking some quality quiet time, Stryisky Park is the place to go. The park was the brainchild of park inspector Arnold Röhring who planted more than 40,000 trees of diverse species on a scrubby wasteland. The park has a beautiful gate and is good for long thoughtful walks in nature’s lap. The park also features a pond with live swans that adds a touch to its beauty.
11) Saints Peter and Paul Garrison Church (Lviv)
This Jesuit Church once functioned as the millitary church of Lviv. It is a beautiful edifice and was reopened recently in 2011.
12) Kriyivka
If you are in search of something unique to do in Lviv, then head over to Kriyivka, a pub located at Rynok Square. The restaurant is special in that it is manned by a guard standing in front of an unmarked entrance. The only way in is to chant the password “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) and then be let in. The restaurant has good energetic vibes and also offers you a chance to shoot pellets at images of the Russian President! Sounds Interesting?
13) The Yard of Lost Toys
Ukraine is full of quirky wonders if you know the right places to look for them. One such place is the Yard of Lost Toys where you can find a collection of assorted stuffed toys kept out in the open. You can donate too in cash or toys!
14) Palace of Counts Potockis
Unique amongst all the Palaces found in Ukraine and for very obvious reasons. The palace is built in French Neo-Renaissance style and the gilding in the interiors as well as the build of the furniture, etc., is in the elegant Louis XIV style.
15) Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet
The Solomiya Krushelnytska Lviv State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet is a century old Theatre of repute in Lviv built in the Viennese style of architecture. It is the main cultural centre of Lviv and one of Ukraines most important Opera houses. The Theatre itself is a work of art with fine sculptures, paintings an embellishments throughout its grandiose edifice. Weekends are best times to catch hold of a good performance.
16) Lviv Cat Cafe
Cat lovers must head to this place. Located off the Stepana Bandery Street, a little way outside the city centre, the cat cafe offers a variety of deserts, eatables and drinks, not to mention the much cherished Ukrainian coffee and finally, cats. Cats everywhere you see, they bring lounging to a whole new level. Some of them even jump on to your table and play with you as you dine.
17) House of Legends
A nondescript pub save for the spectacular view it has to offer from its rooftop, the House of Legends is steeped in quirky stories. For one, they are known to hire dwarves as waiters. They also have a burnished statue of a chimney sweep on their rooftop who has his hat extended out. A coin dropped into the hat is said to make wishes come true!
18) Lychakiv Cemetery
It may sound pretty odd to go on a random visit to a cemetery but Lychakiv Cemetery is different. What sets it apart is the well maintained lawns, beautiful headstones, scuptures and airy promenades amidst open surroundings. The Lychakiv Cemetery has to be one of the prettiest places in Lviv and serves as a burial ground for more than 400,000 people.
19) High Castle Hill
High Castle Hill is the tallest point of Lviv and is located right at the centre of the city at a commanding vantage point. The Hill provides spectacular views of the entire city and its foundations date back to the earliest ages of the founding of Lviv city. The castle itself does not exist anymore save for a few dilapidated walls that can be seen during the upwards climb.
20) Museum of Ethnography of Arts and Crafts
What sets this museum apart is that it is the oldest museum in Ukraine and possible in Central Europe. If houses a fine a collection of folk arts, craft, materials, textiles and the likes that relate to European culture. It als has a humongous collection of clocks, porcelain and furniture. This museum is an ideal place of visit for collectors having an interest in any particular area of collection.
21) Museum Lvivarnya
You don’t have to be a history enthusiast to show an interest in this museum. The Museum Lvivarnya is solely dedicated to Lviv’s Beer traditions. You can also have the opportunity to watch the brewing process and brew your own variety of beer.
