The reason is quickly given: Lviv from the first great world conflict until the 1990s had a troubled succession of conquerors. First Russians, then Austrians and then Poles until, in 1991, the much-awaited independence was reached, 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 also strengthened by the large number of cities with which it has established a twinning relationship: Corning (United States), Whitstable (United Kingdom), Winnipeg (Canada), Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and other closer cities.
Arriving in Lviv you certainly cannot avoid a visit to the Old Town, located east of the modern center. Here you can admire what was once the core 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, to Baroque art and Renaissance art. Gothic style is also present with the Roman Catholic Cathedral, located southwest of the square, in whose Boyim Chapel there are the most fascinating stone engravings of Lviv.
Further west there are neighborhoods in neoclassical, eclectic and modern style that arose in the 19th and 20th centuries. And it doesn’t end here: the city is also adorned with Art Déco, Art Nouveau and Wiener Secession. At this point Lviv cannot be defined as a museum-city? Certainly, especially if one considers 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 architectural beauties of the city is finished, it is recommended to relax mind and body in the fascinating Opera and Ballet Theater.
In 2012 Lviv hosted some matches of the European Football Championship.
