CHURCHES & CATHEDRALS
ST. GEORGE CATHEDRAL �SOBOR SVIATOHO YURA� ST. GEORGE CATHEDRAL �SOBOR SVIATOHO YURA�
This
This Greek Greek CatholCatholic ic cathedracathedral, l, constconstructed ructed in in 117744-144-1767611, , isis a remarkable example of Rococo architecture. Located at a remarkable example of Rococo architecture. Located at the height of St. George Mount, the cathedral dominates the height of St. George Mount, the cathedral dominates the surrounding area, but doesn’t clash with the landscape. the surrounding area, but doesn’t clash with the landscape. The main
The main façade is façade is set-off by a set-off by a portal watched over portal watched over by St.by St. Athanasius and St. Leo (works by renowned sculptor Johann Athanasius and St. Leo (works by renowned sculptor Johann Georg Pinzel). In the cathedral itself, there lies a crypt where Georg Pinzel). In the cathedral itself, there lies a crypt where celebrated figures of the Ukrainian church are entombed. A celebrated figures of the Ukrainian church are entombed. A park is nestled behind the palace and features a distinctive park is nestled behind the palace and features a distinctive bell tower, which houses a remarkable bell. Cast in 1341, it bell tower, which houses a remarkable bell. Cast in 1341, it is the oldest bell in Ukraine. The cathedral grounds are ex- is the oldest bell in Ukraine. The cathedral grounds are ex- tremely calming and it’s hard to imagine that hard times tremely calming and it’s hard to imagine that hard times once prevailed. Following the death of metropolitan Andrei once prevailed. Following the death of metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky in March 1946, Soviet authorities coerced church Sheptytsky in March 1946, Soviet authorities coerced church leaders to denounce Rome and join the Russian Orthodox leaders to denounce Rome and join the Russian Orthodox Church. Justice prevailed in 1989 as the Greek Catholic Church. Justice prevailed in 1989 as the Greek Catholic Church re-established itself and resumed operation of the Church re-established itself and resumed operation of the cathedral. The last major event to take place at St. George cathedral. The last major event to take place at St. George happened 2001. While visiting Lviv
happened 2001. While visiting Lviv, Pope John Paul II lived , Pope John Paul II lived inin the Metropolitan’s Palace.
the Metropolitan’s Palace.QQG-3, Svyatoho Yura pl. 5.G-3, Svyatoho Yura pl. 5.
THE ARMENIAN CA
THE ARMENIAN CATHEDRAL �VIRMENSKTHEDRAL �VIRMENSKYI SOBOR�YI SOBOR�
The
The history history of Lviv of Lviv is a is a tapestrtapestr y woven y woven by more by more than 100than 100 nationalities. Armenians began inhabiting the city in the nationalities. Armenians began inhabiting the city in the 14th century and quickly established their own quarter 14th century and quickly established their own quarter complete with a small cathedral completed in 1370. This complete with a small cathedral completed in 1370. This original building perished in the fire of 1527. The struc- original building perished in the fire of 1527. The struc- ture that stands today blends a few architectural styles ture that stands today blends a few architectural styles including Old Russian, Gothic and Armenian. The original including Old Russian, Gothic and Armenian. The original bell tower was erected in 1571, but was later toppled by bell tower was erected in 1571, but was later toppled by the Turks during a siege. The 19th century version of the the Turks during a siege. The 19th century version of the bell tower is a restoration of the original. The courtyard bell tower is a restoration of the original. The courtyard provides a tranquil setting for the decorative column and provides a tranquil setting for the decorative column and figure of St. Christopher. The neighbouring buildings are figure of St. Christopher. The neighbouring buildings are those of a former Armenian bank, established in the 17th those of a former Armenian bank, established in the 17th century, and Lviv’s oldest pawnshop.
century, and Lviv’s oldest pawnshop.QQC-3, Virmens’ka 7.C-3, Virmens’ka 7.
THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH �USPENSKA TSERK THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH �USPENSKA TSERKVA�VA� This
This vibrant vibrant example example of of RenaissanRenaissance ce architecture architecture has has servedserved as the centre of the Orthodox Christian faith for centuries. as the centre of the Orthodox Christian faith for centuries. In the middle of the 16th century, the Assumption Broth- In the middle of the 16th century, the Assumption Broth- erhood was founded here along with a printing press and erhood was founded here along with a printing press and a school. The church has experienced many episodes of a school. The church has experienced many episodes of ruin and reconstruction. The first Assumption Church was ruin and reconstruction. The first Assumption Church was constructed of wood in 1344, but was destroyed by fire constructed of wood in 1344, but was destroyed by fire during an attack on Lviv by Polish feudal lords in 1350. The during an attack on Lviv by Polish feudal lords in 1350. The second church was built of stone in 1421 and experienced second church was built of stone in 1421 and experienced a relatively peaceful existence until it too was levelled by a relatively peaceful existence until it too was levelled by the great fire of 1527. (With the exception of City Hall and the great fire of 1527. (With the exception of City Hall and one other structure, the fire of 1527 devoured the entire one other structure, the fire of 1527 devoured the entire city.) The replacement was completed in 1559 and, you city.) The replacement was completed in 1559 and, you guessed it, was completely destroyed by fire in 1571. The guessed it, was completely destroyed by fire in 1571. The danger posed by fire was apparently driven home and the danger posed by fire was apparently driven home and the cathedral constructed in 1591 has survived until the present. cathedral constructed in 1591 has survived until the present. Also located on the premises are Kornjakt’s Tower and the Also located on the premises are Kornjakt’s Tower and the Chapel of Three Prelates.
Chapel of Three Prelates.QQB-3, Ruska 7.B-3, Ruska 7.
THE BERNARDINE CATHEDRAL AND MONASTERY THE BERNARDINE CATHEDRAL AND MONASTERY This
This is is one one of of the the most most inspiring inspiring sites sites in in LvivLviv. The . The area area aroundaround which the monastery stands has evolved over the years, but which the monastery stands has evolved over the years, but the monastery itself remains as architect Pavlo Rimlyanin the monastery itself remains as architect Pavlo Rimlyanin envisioned. Constructed in the 17th century, the cathedral’s envisioned. Constructed in the 17th century, the cathedral’s façade is protected by statues of the sacred order of Ber- façade is protected by statues of the sacred order of Ber- nardine and the niches of the second tier hold images of nardine and the niches of the second tier hold images of Mary, Jesus and apostles Peter and Andrew. Be respectful, Mary, Jesus and apostles Peter and Andrew. Be respectful, of course, but don’t be afraid to drop in on a prayer session. of course, but don’t be afraid to drop in on a prayer session. The
The cathedral’s cathedral’s magnificenmagnificent t interior interior is is stirring. stirring. OriginallyOriginally located outside the city walls, the monastery had its own located outside the city walls, the monastery had its own defences. A section of the original protective wall remains defences. A section of the original protective wall remains and can be viewed from Pidvalna street. The impressive col- and can be viewed from Pidvalna street. The impressive col- umn that stands before the cathedral supports a sculpture umn that stands before the cathedral supports a sculpture of St. Jan and was constructed in 1736. Much speculation of St. Jan and was constructed in 1736. Much speculation exists concerning controversial events that have taken place exists concerning controversial events that have taken place within the monastery and its cells. One of the more famous within the monastery and its cells. One of the more famous cases concerns a letter missive (sanction of trade) addressed cases concerns a letter missive (sanction of trade) addressed to Dracula.
What to see
What to see
THE CHAPEL OF THE BOIMS �KAPLYTSIA BOIMIV� THE CHAPEL OF THE BOIMS �KAPLYTSIA BOIMIV�
Constructed in the early 17th century on the grounds Constructed in the early 17th century on the grounds of what was a city cemetery; this quaint structure was of what was a city cemetery; this quaint structure was originally intended for use as a crypt by the Boim family. originally intended for use as a crypt by the Boim family. George Boim, a Lviv merchant and moneylender of Hun- George Boim, a Lviv merchant and moneylender of Hun- garian origin, started the project and his son, Paul-George, garian origin, started the project and his son, Paul-George, put the finishing touches on what would become a per- put the finishing touches on what would become a per- manent feature in Lviv’s stunning centre. The side of the manent feature in Lviv’s stunning centre. The side of the chapel is decorated with fretwork that gives the impres- chapel is decorated with fretwork that gives the impres- sion that the entire structure has been turned inside-out. sion that the entire structure has been turned inside-out. Fresco portraits of George Boim and his wife Jadwiga can Fresco portraits of George Boim and his wife Jadwiga can be viewed from Halyts’ka vul. The site has been protected be viewed from Halyts’ka vul. The site has been protected by UNESCO since the 1970s.
by UNESCO since the 1970s.QQC-4, Katedral’na pl. 1, tel.C-4, Katedral’na pl. 1, tel. (+380) 32 274 40 47. Open 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. (+380) 32 274 40 47. Open 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. Admission 10Hr, children
Admission 10Hr, children 5Hr.5Hr.
THE DOMINICAN CATHEDRAL THE DOMINICAN CATHEDRAL �DOMINICANSKYI SOBOR� �DOMINICANSKYI SOBOR�
The foundation of the Dominican Monastery dates back to The foundation of the Dominican Monastery dates back to the second half of the 13th century when Constance, the the second half of the 13th century when Constance, the wife of Lev I of Galicia, commissioned the construction of wife of Lev I of Galicia, commissioned the construction of a small wooden church in gratitude for the generosity of a small wooden church in gratitude for the generosity of the local Dominican monks. Eventually destroyed by fire the local Dominican monks. Eventually destroyed by fire in 1408, a Gothic-era stone church was constructed in its in 1408, a Gothic-era stone church was constructed in its place. The monastery, which could accommodate more place. The monastery, which could accommodate more than 100 monks, experienced its heyday beginning in than 100 monks, experienced its heyday beginning in 16
1612 when it become the central monaster12 when it become the central monastery of the Easterny of the Eastern European Dominican Order. In 1742 cracks were detected European Dominican Order. In 1742 cracks were detected in the cathedral’s arch. An emergency meeting was con- in the cathedral’s arch. An emergency meeting was con- vened and all rescue options were exhausted. Demolition vened and all rescue options were exhausted. Demolition commenced in 1749. Construction on the new cathedral, commenced in 1749. Construction on the new cathedral, designed by architect Jan de Witte, began shortly after. designed by architect Jan de Witte, began shortly after.
The bell tower was construc
The bell tower was construc ted in 1865. During the Sovietted in 1865. During the Soviet era the site was used as a regional archive and as a school era the site was used as a regional archive and as a school for would be printing workers. Af
for would be printing workers. After restoration in 1972 theter restoration in 1972 the Dominican Monastery opened as a museum dedicated to Dominican Monastery opened as a museum dedicated to the history of religion and atheism; the atheists have since the history of religion and atheism; the atheists have since left the building. Religious services have also resumed. left the building. Religious services have also resumed.
Q
QD-3, Museina pl. D-3, Museina pl. 1.1.
THE LATIN CATHEDRAL �LATYNSKYI SOBOR� THE LATIN CATHEDRAL �LATYNSKYI SOBOR� This is a spectacular example of ancient Lviv’s Gothic influ- This is a spectacular example of ancient Lviv’s Gothic influ- ence. Officially known as the Archcathedral Basilica of the ence. Officially known as the Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it’s understand- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it’s understand- able why most just call it the Latin. Constructed in 1360, able why most just call it the Latin. Constructed in 1360, a relic was incorporated into the first foundation stone by a relic was incorporated into the first foundation stone by King Kazimir the Great. Both the interior and exterior have King Kazimir the Great. Both the interior and exterior have evolved throughout the centuries, but the sanctuary and evolved throughout the centuries, but the sanctuary and altar have remained unchanged. The cathedral was se- altar have remained unchanged. The cathedral was se- verely damaged in the fire of 1527. During its restoration verely damaged in the fire of 1527. During its restoration in the 18th century, Baroque forms replace those of the in the 18th century, Baroque forms replace those of the Gothic era. The marvellous stained glass windows were Gothic era. The marvellous stained glass windows were incorporated at the end of the 19th century. A cemetery incorporated at the end of the 19th century. A cemetery once existed on and around what is now Katedral’na plos- once existed on and around what is now Katedral’na plos- cha (Cathedral Square). In 1765 all burials were relocated cha (Cathedral Square). In 1765 all burials were relocated and further burials forbidden. The cemetery’s chapel, the and further burials forbidden. The cemetery’s chapel, the Chapel of the Boim Family, remains on the site and is a pro- Chapel of the Boim Family, remains on the site and is a pro- tected historical monument. Pope John Paul II attended tected historical monument. Pope John Paul II attended mass here on June 26th, 2001.
mass here on June 26th, 2001.QQCC-4, Kate-4, Katedral’na pl. dral’na pl. 1.1.
THE ST. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH OF THE THE ST. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH OF THE JESUIT ORDER �KOSTIOL JEZUITIV�
JESUIT ORDER �KOSTIOL JEZUITIV�
Located with its back turned to Svobody prosp. and the Located with its back turned to Svobody prosp. and the monument of Тaras Shevchenko, this is considered one monument of Тaras Shevchenko, this is considered one of the more mystical places in Lviv. Much like the Jesuits of the more mystical places in Lviv. Much like the Jesuits themselves, the structure is meant to be kept an enigma themselves, the structure is meant to be kept an enigma and random tourists will find it difficult to gain full access. and random tourists will find it difficult to gain full access. The
The church was church was constructed in constructed in the the beginning of beginning of the the 117th7th century and is modelled after the classic Church of the Gesù century and is modelled after the classic Church of the Gesù in Rome. The size of the church is impre
in Rome. The size of the church is impressive: 41ssive: 41metres long,metres long, 26 metres high and 22.5 metres wide. Lviv’s founding Jesuits 26 metres high and 22.5 metres wide. Lviv’s founding Jesuits are historically characterized as aggressive missionaries who are historically characterized as aggressive missionaries who quickly established a devout following. The sect was also quickly established a devout following. The sect was also known for its savvy in the area of property development. known for its savvy in the area of property development. When they first settled in Lviv in the 16th century they pos- When they first settled in Lviv in the 16th century they pos- sessed absolutely no property. When Austria ordered the sessed absolutely no property. When Austria ordered the abolition of the Jesuits 1848, the Lviv brotherhood owned abolition of the Jesuits 1848, the Lviv brotherhood owned property worth up to one million thalers (big bucks for property worth up to one million thalers (big bucks for that time). A section of the premises is currently occupied that time). A section of the premises is currently occupied
What to see
What to see
by the Lviv Scientific Library and is used as an archive. by the Lviv Scientific Library and is used as an archive.QQB-B- 4, Teatral’na 11. Excursion starts every hour from 13:00 4, Teatral’na 11. Excursion starts every hour from 13:00 until 18:00 and can be ordered in Ravlyk Salon (Svobody until 18:00 and can be ordered in Ravlyk Salon (Svobody prosp. 15, tel. 0 32 298 25 95). Exhibition admission 3Hr, prosp. 15, tel. 0 32 298 25 95). Exhibition admission 3Hr, student 2Hr. Underground excursion 9Hr, student 7Hr. student 2Hr. Underground excursion 9Hr, student 7Hr.
MUSEUMS
MUSEUMS
BREWING MUSEUM BREWING MUSEUM
In recognition of the 290th anniversary of one of Europe’s In recognition of the 290th anniversary of one of Europe’s oldest breweries, the Brewing Museum was opened to the oldest breweries, the Brewing Museum was opened to the public in 2005. Six-hundred square metres of the brewery’s public in 2005. Six-hundred square metres of the brewery’s historic premises were specially renovated in order to host historic premises were specially renovated in order to host this unique museum. The collection contains a plethora of this unique museum. The collection contains a plethora of exceptional beer utensils and brewing hardware that repre- exceptional beer utensils and brewing hardware that repre- sent various epochs. Admission includes a trip to the tasting sent various epochs. Admission includes a trip to the tasting hall: a titillating bonus for all fans of Lvivs’ke (Львiвське) beer. hall: a titillating bonus for all fans of Lvivs’ke (Львiвське) beer. Excursions are available in Polish, Russian and Ukrainian, and Excursions are available in Polish, Russian and Ukrainian, and descriptions in English under each exhibit make it enjoyable descriptions in English under each exhibit make it enjoyable for the rest.
for the rest.QQG-1, Kleparivs’ka 18, tel. (+380) 32 294 80 65.G-1, Kleparivs’ka 18, tel. (+380) 32 294 80 65. Open 10:30 - 17:30. Closed Tue. Admission: with sampling Open 10:30 - 17:30. Closed Tue. Admission: with sampling 20Hr, without sampling - 10Hr, children - 5Hr.
20Hr, without sampling - 10Hr, children - 5Hr.
JOHANN PINZEL MUSEUM JOHANN PINZEL MUSEUM
This museum presents 32 sculptures of t
This museum presents 32 sculptures of the world-renownhe world-renown 18th century Lvivian sculptor Johann Georg Pinzel. Often 18th century Lvivian sculptor Johann Georg Pinzel. Often referred to as Ukrainian’s Michelangelo the beauty and referred to as Ukrainian’s Michelangelo the beauty and mastery of his work justifies this distinction. Little is known mastery of his work justifies this distinction. Little is known about the sculptor’s life and controversy continues to hov- about the sculptor’s life and controversy continues to hov- er around his identity, but doesn’t that make his art all the