The reason is soon given: Lviv from the first great world conflict until the 1990s experienced a turbulent succession of conquerors. First Russians, then Austrians, and then Poles until reaching, in 1991, the long-awaited independence, together with the entire Ukrainian state. This lively past has certainly given it an international aspect, starting from the different architectural styles that Lviv offers. Its cosmopolitan character is, moreover, strengthened by the large number of cities with which it has established sister city relations: Corning (United States), Whitstable (United Kingdom), Winnipeg (Canada), Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and other closer cities.
Upon arriving in Lviv, one cannot help but visit the Old Town, located east of the modern center. Here you can admire what once was the heart of Lviv, that is the Ploshcha Rynok with its fantastic mix of architectural styles: the central town hall dates back to the 19th century while the surrounding buildings to the 16th century, baroque art, and renaissance art. Also present is the gothic style with the Roman Catholic Cathedral, situated to the southwest of the square, in whose Boyim Chapel you find the most fascinating stone engravings of Lviv.
Further west there are neighborhoods in neoclassical, eclectic and modern styles built in the 19th and 20th centuries. And it does not end here: the city is also adorned with Art Déco, Art Nouveau and Wiener Secession. At this point, Lviv cannot but be defined as a museum city? Certainly, especially considering that the Ukrainian city hosts various art galleries, such as the Ukrainian art museum, the national museum, the history museum, the pharmaceutical museum, and the Museum of Architecture and Folk Life (about 2 kilometers east of the Old Town).
The city of Lviv is also scattered here and there with many sculptures dedicated to important personalities, both Ukrainian and international. Once the tour of the city’s architectural beauties is finished, it is recommended to relax mind and body at the enchanting Opera and Ballet Theater.
In 2012 Lviv was the venue for some matches of the European Football Championship.
