About Lviv

	Lviv is one of the most beautiful cities of Europe and the world. Magnificent architectural monuments reflect the multinational character of the city. It was caused by the great importance of medieval Lviv in the international trade of those times. Besides the indigenous Ukrainian people the city was populated also with Armenians, Germans, Polish, Jews, Italians etc.        Lviv was founded by King Danylo Halytskiy of the Ruthenian principality of Halych-Volhynia, and named in honor of his son, Lev. When Danylo died Lev made Lviv the capital of Halich-Volhynia. The city is first mentioned in Halych-Volhynian Chronicle from 1256 and became the capital of Halych-Volhynia. It was captured by Poland in 1349. In 1356, Casimir III of Poland brought in German burghers and granted the Magdeburg rights which implied that all city issues were to be solved by a city council, elected by the wealthy citizens.
	As the city prospered, Lviv became religiously and ethnically diverse. The 17th century brought invading armies of Swedes and Cossacks to the city's gates. In 1772, following the First Partition of Poland, the city known as Lemberg became the capital of the Austrian Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria. During World War I, the city was captured by the Russian army in September of 1914, but was retaken in June of the following year by Austria-Hungary.            The old walled city was located at the foothills of the High Castle along the banks of the river Poltva. In the 13th century, the river was full of water, and used for commerce and transportation of goods. In the early 20th century, as the river became polluted, it was covered in areas where it flows through the city. The central street of Lviv, the Freedom Avenue (Prospect Svobody) runs right above the river, as well as the famous Opera House.

Lviv's historic churches, buildings and relics date back to the 13th century. Over the last few centuries, the city was spared some of the invasions and wars that destroyed many Ukrainian cities. Its architecture reflects various European styles and directions from different historical periods. After the fires of 1527 and 1556, Lviv lost most of its gothic-style buildings. It however retains a rich representation of structures built in the renaissance, baroque, and classic styles. Also represented are works by artists of the Vienna Secession, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. The best-known building in Lviv is the Opera House, built in 1900, the miraculous building of the Renaissance and Baroque styles is one of the finest in Europe.

When you are in Lviv, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the castles, that are located not far from the city.

  See you in Lviv!