Lviv Ukraine

Found in the western region of Ukraine is a city called Lviv. Today, approximately 830,000 people live there. As the capital city of the Lviv Oblast province, there you will discover a number of industries, universities, and both fine and performing arts to include the Lviv Opera and Ballet Theatre and a philharmonic orchestra. This area of Ukraine is known for many wonderful things, one of great importance being the magnificent castle.

Lviv, Ukraine is on the edge of the Roztocze Upland, which is not far from Poland. Because of its geographical location, Lviv has a number of green, rolling hills. As a historical site, the Peltew River borders the city but in the 19th century, this river was transformed into the city’s main sewer system. When visiting Lviv, you probably want to go in the summer months when the warmest temperatures only reach around 65 degrees, although the sun shines about 300 days each year.

Historians tell us that Lviv has been populated since the 5th century, becoming incorporated into the Empire of the Great Moravia. After that time, Lviv became an area of controversy when both the Kyivan Rus and Poland believed they controlled the area. However, in 981, Lviv fell under control of Volodymyr the Great, who was the Kyivan Rus’ ruler. Then the actual city of Lviv was founded in the 13th century by King Danylo, in honor of his beloved son, Lev.

Even though the city had been around for some time, it was not chronicled until 1256. Shortly after, Lviv displaced Halych as the capital. Then in 1323, the entire Romanovich Dynasty declined, inheriting the city by the heir of this dynasty. Unfortunately, this heir, Boleslaus of Masovia took the name of Yurly, converting the city to Eastern Orthodoxy, which made the local nobles angry, who chose to poison him to death.

After Boleslaus’ death in 1340, his cousin, Casimir III of Poland claimed all rights to the city of Lviv. After a successful invasion, he took occupancy in 1349 and just six years later, provided the city with the Magdeburg rights, meaning all issues within the city from that time forward would be resolved by the city council. With this, development took off whereby a number of famous structures were created to include the Latin Cathedral and then in 1363, the Armenian Cathedral.

Today, Lviv is a wonderful city where you can visit the University of Lviv, which was at one time, the Galician Parliament. In addition, there are a number of beautiful, Art Nouveau architecture, many fine museums and art galleries, specifically the National Gallery well worth seeing, and lots of sports to include football. Lviv is one of the main Ukrainian centers when it comes to culture, as well as a great place to learn about history while staying in a nice hotel and enjoying some of the finest food! While there, try to make time to visit the Lychakivskiy Cemetery, the Old Town Market called Rynok Square, the Greek, Latin, and Armenian Cathedrals and the Dominican Abbey, all sites worth the trip.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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