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Lviv |
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Lviv - the “city of lions” with population of 830,000 and with
area of 155 sq. miles, the heart and soul of Western Ukraine,
is the largest city in the Western Ukraine and one of Ukraine`s
most important cultural, academic and economic centers.
Lviv was founded as a fort in the middle of the 13th century
by prince Danylo Galitskyy, who named the city in honor of his
son Lev (meaning lion). Lviv was laid on the crossroads of historically
important trade routes, which led to its rapid economic development
and prosperity. Due to its geographic position and rich natural
resources Lviv was under constant threat from Tatars, Turks,
Germans, Hungarians, Poles, Lithuanians, Austrians and Russians.
The centuries of Lviv occupation by neighboring powers (Poland
- 1387-1772 and 1923-1939, the Hapsburgs Empire within 1772-1918,
Soviet rule 1939-1991) only added to its diversity. Throughout
the centuries many ethnic communities settled in Lviv and their
presence is strongly reflected in Lviv`s architectural monuments
and its cultural heritage. This blend of architectural beauty
has earned Lviv a place in UNESCO`s World Heritage List.
Despite the years of foreign occupation Lviv has been and continues
to be the center of Ukrainian culture and national consciousness.
Lviv boasts of 9 theatres, 20 museums, Philharmonic Hall and
Gallery of Arts rich in East and West European Art dating from
Gothic and Renaissance to the present. The architectural symbol
of Lviv is Opera House (1897-1900), considered to be one of
the best theaters in Europe.
The National Museum, Museum of Ethnography and Crafts present
Western Ukraine`s rich folklore heritage while the antique Armory
(City Arsenal) offers interesting collection of old weapons.
Pharmaceutical Museum exhibits the development of pharmaceutical
trade in Ukraine. The local open-air Museum of Folk Architecture
(Skansen) invites you to explore an impressive collection of
ethnic crafts from Western regions of Ukraine.
The Lychakiv Cemetery, known for its beautiful tombstone sculptures,
is among main city sightseeing attractions. The High Castle
Hill with remnants of the 17th century castle offers a breathtaking
panoramic view. Any visitor can notice the prevalent lion adornments
throughout the city’s 15-16th centuries Renaissance architecture.
Gunpowder Tower, St. George Cathedral, Latin Cathedral, Ratusha
(City Hall) – those are the highlights of Lviv.
Onore de Balzac, Ferenz List, Sara Bernard, Nikolo Paganini,
Enrico Caruso, Polish kings, Austrian Emperors and many other
famous people visited Lviv and admired it. The time has passed
by both locals and city guests keep admiring the City of Lions.
Welcome!
You can explore Lviv in the marks of Lviv-Inturtrans tours:
The city is included in most of our Classic Group Itineraries:
“Grand Tour of Ukraine”, “Two
Capitals”, “Star Cities of Ukraine”,
“Ukraine’s Best”, “Carpathian
Golden Ring”, “Folklore and Leisure”
Lviv is also included into a number of Lviv-Inturtrans Special
Interest Tours: Pilgrimage Tour, Castles and Fortresses of the
Western Ukraine, Jewish Heritage Tour, German Roots in Ukraine,
Austrian Traces.
To get a detailed description of Lviv click on General
Information - Lviv
For more sightseeing itineraries and options see also Lviv--Inturtrans
Sightseeing & Excursions in/from Lviv.
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Kolorove Nebo