Lviv is the official cultural capital of Ukraine. It is a special city with a long history which is tightly connected with different nationalities and their cultural inheritance. It has been inhabited and influenced by the Polish, Austrian, German, Italian, Armenian, Jewish, Russian populations who used to live there.
As a result, everyone can feel this melting pot with the energy accumulated here for long time. Furthermore, this city has always been the soul of Ukraine, the source of spirituality and the national identity. All the processes forming the whole state have been started there. That also makes Lviv special and does not resemble any other Ukrainian city. At the same time, despite its difficult history, Lviv remains hospitable to other nations inhabiting here. Such diverse contribution is reflected in the architecture of Lviv as well as in the people′s lifestyle and openness.
Old names of the city also remind about the past times and indicate the states which kept Lviv under their control for a long time. These are Львів (in Ukrainian), Lwów (in Polish), Leopolis (in Latin), Lemberg (in German), Львов (in Russian). Beside these names, local citizens title their city as the Royal City, the City of lions, the City-museum, a little Paris, a little Vienna, «Bandershtadt», «Ukraine′s Piedmont», the capital of Galicia and many others. At the same time, they are not occasional ones because definitely reflect the diversity of the city in relation to the cultural life of the various nationalities.
Additionally, it needs the particular consideration to tell more about the Polish cultural contribution and impact on the development of Lviv. Galicia was taken over by Poland in the 14th century. Following the First Partition of Poland in 1772 Lviv became part of the Hapsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire but remained dominated by Poles. Then, with the collapse of the Hapsburg Empire at the end of World War I Lviv returned to Polish rule until the Red Army took control in September 1939.
In addition, the City of Lviv was famous important intellectual centre during the period of the Polish and Austrian rule there. And what is also interesting about Lviv is that many of its streets are still named after famous Polish figures, such as Adam Mickiewicz square, the Copernic street, the Kosciuszki street, the Aleksander Fredro street as well as the Krakowska street.
Likewise, there are some monuments and architecture elements dedicated to notable Polish persons. For instance, the Adam Mickiewicz monument here is located in the main street in the centre of the city. Although this famous Polish poet had never visited Lviv, his life activity was connected with different countries and with Ukraine too. And besides that, it′s also worth noting that in the beginning of 18th century the first monument built in Lviv was dedicated to Polish hetman Stanislaw Jablonski, who was the defender of the city against the Tatars attacks in 1695. Additionally, one significant building decorated in French architectural style can also be observed there. It is the Potocki Palace, the residence of Polish Potocki family, which now is reminiscent of French Renaissance castles.
This City of Lions and its culture has been influenced by the other ethnic groups too. It is also pleasant to visit Italian Yard of kamienicy Korniakta, and many historical buildings which remind about the Austrian, Armenian or Jewish cultural contribution and their centres for national life. Present-day Lviv has mainly preserved its appearance from the times of the Austrian rule there.
In conclusion, one can say that sometimes it is not necessary to visit many countries to find some distinct signs, as you may observe them right here in one place. This diversity and a variety of cultures make the City of Lviv so special and hospitable, just like the official motto of Lviv – Open to the world.
Thus, if this article about Lviv encourages you to visit Lviv it is not difficult to go there. What is more, there are many direct connections between Polish cities and Lviv. For instance, the easiest way from Lublin to Lviv is to go by bus. A one-way ticket costs approximately 45 złotych and the way takes about 6 hours to get there. However, it depends on the time spent at the border crossing. Additionally, there are two train routes started from Warsaw or Wroclaw running through Cracow to Lviv. Definitely, there are also other options to get there: by car or to cross the border line on foot. Medyka-Shehyni border is the only pedestrian crossing point connecting Poland and Ukraine. Hence, to reach it you need to go to Przemysl by bus or by train to take minibuses going from Przemysl to Medyka and from Shegyni to Lviv.