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L'viv

L'viv
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L'viv - the Ensemble of the Historic Centre represents a crossing point of cultures and architectural traditions. The trade routes in the Middle Ages attracted a number of etnic groups with different traditions:
Ukrainian, Armenian, German, Jewish, Polish, Italian and Austrian.
These groups lived in separate communities, and left their own religious and artistic marks on the city.

In comparison to other central and eastern European towns of medieval origin, L'viv survived very well (comparable to Cracow, but with a different road in history).

Year Decision Comments
1998 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
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Reviews

Assif Am-David (Israel):
Lviv (Lvov, Lemberg) is beautiful Central European city, but you shouldn't expect a grand majestic city like Prague, Budapest or Cracow. It is much more intimate in chracter. Its historic centre portrays medievil and Renaissance architechture, while its surroundings is mainly made of Neoclassical boulevards (prospects in Ukrainian) and churches (like the prominent St. George Cathedral). Some art nouvau architecture is present too (as for instance, the railway station) whereas Stalinist style buildings are surprisingly sparse.
In the centre there are numerous churches, the most special of which are, in my opinion, the Boim Chappel and the Armenian church. The Boim Chappel is an amazing family church, built in the 17th Century entirely of black stone. It is artistically very impressive.
The Armenian church is hidden in one of the smaller streets of the old town. Its entrance is hidden behind a barbershop. It has beautiful medievil frescoes and an atmospheric courtyard.
Look for the impressive sculptures of Pinsel, a local German artist of the 18th Century. His works are found in several churches and there is even a museum entirely dedicated to his oevre.
An important museum for art lovers is the National Museum where you can admire the history of Ukrainian art. Most significant is its collection of historical icons.
 
Christer Sundberg (Sweden):
If you want to relax, eat good food and take long walks in a beautiful town with brilliant architecture, Lviv is the place for you. Though still quite expensive to reach, it’s financially rewarding once you get there. A three-course meal in the best restaurant in town did not cost me more than 14 euros and the average price was far below that.

The Rynok Square is the centre point of the town and is in the old town and it is here you will find the true historic atmosphere. As a trading point between the east and the west, the rich town of Leopolis developed here already back in the 13th century. My personal prediction is that within 10 years from now, Lviv will be a serious destination on the tourist map of Europe. Just wait until Lviv has transformed from its current state of faded beauty and it will be a place well worth discovering for those looking for the absolute best pearls in Eastern Europe.
Date posted: November 2005


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