Lviv Travel Guide
Ukrainetravelnews presents Ultimate Lviv travel guide.
Lviv is often compared to the best European capitals. It is home to astonishing architectural landmarks, preserving the romantic spirit and tranquility of old Europe. Once you set foot in Lviv, you fall in love with it forever; it remarkably combines the finest European achievements from various epochs with the unique and distinctive Ukrainian culture.
Main Landmarks of Lviv
Exploring the major points of interest in Lviv requires a considerable amount of time and effort, so without a guide, you’re unlikely to navigate the main attractions of Lviv. Of course, the journey through the city should begin with the Old Town. Let’s take a look at the best tourist places in Lviv that are worth visiting.
Rynok Square
Rynok Square in Lviv is an open-air museum and the heart of the Old Town, showcasing architectural buildings from the Middle Ages. Many guided tours start from here. So, if you’re wondering where a tourist should go in Lviv when visiting for the first time, the answer is simple – “Rynok Square.”
Italian Courtyard
This is a quiet and cozy space inside the Korniakt Palace. Designed in the Renaissance style, the Italian Courtyard in Lviv is considered one of the most romantic places in the city.
Address: Rynok Square, 6
Dominican Cathedral
This magnificent Baroque-style building captivates visitors with its mystical facade and an abundance of decorative embellishments. The Dominican Cathedral and Monastery in Lviv were constructed in the 18th century and still preserve opulent interiors, featuring towering wooden sculptures of Dominicans.
Address: Museum Square, 1
Potocki Palace
Originally designed for ceremonial events, the Potocki Palace now serves as an art gallery showcasing European masterpieces. The front facade of the Potocki Castle in Lviv is adorned with wrought-iron gates, while the rear of the building features a picturesque terrace.
Address: Kopernika st, 15
Lviv City Hall
Lviv City Hall is the building of the city administration. You can enjoy beautiful views of the city from the observation deck. The height of the building is 65 meters. You can reach the top by stairs or elevator up to the 4th floor, then continue on foot following the signs.
Address: Rynok Square, 1
Lviv Citadel
The Citadel in Lviv is a complex of structures fortifying the fortress. It consists of four towers and barracks. Constructed in the 19th century, the building has retained its appearance to this day. One of the towers now houses a beautiful hotel and a restaurant.
Address: Hrabovskogo st, 16
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Olesko Castle
Olesko Castle is the oldest castle in Western Ukraine. Together with Podgoretsky and Zolochiv Castles, it forms the Golden Horseshoe of Lviv Region. It is also one of the most elegant, well-maintained, and compact castles in the Lviv region. Despite its size, its historical significance is immense – King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Jan III Sobieski, was born here. Currently, there is a restaurant located in the castle’s basement.
Zolochiv Castle
Zolochiv Castle has served various purposes throughout the centuries, functioning as a fortress, royal residence, estate, prison, and educational institution. Today, it stands as a museum-preserve and a branch of the Lviv Art Gallery. Constructed in 1634 with funds from Jakub Sobieski, the castle was designed by an unknown Italian architect as a defensive stronghold. However, the castle has a darker history; from 1939 to 1941, it served as an NKVD prison.
Podgoretsky Castle
Podgoretsky Castle seamlessly combining palace and defensive functions. First mentioned in the 16th century, it began as simple ancient fortifications. The Podgoretsky Park is now a monument of national importance. Built as one of the best examples of Italian parks, it stands out as the best and almost the only park of its kind in Ukraine. Surrounding the castle on all sides, the local park showcases artistic integrity between terrain, architecture, sculpture, and vegetation.
Svirzh Castle
Svirzh Castle is a compact castle built in the early 15th century and owned by the Polish noble family of Svirzky. Originally constructed as a fortress, it underwent reconstruction in the 17th century. The castle park still houses a 15th century church. In 1978, scenes for the “The Three Musketeers” were filmed at Svirzh Castle, portraying different roles such as the estate of D’Artagnan’s father in Gascony, the Bethune Monastery, and the bastion of St. Gervais in the La Rochelle fortress.
