The spirit of old Europe: locations to visit in Lviv in a day

The City of Lion is often compared to famous European tourist destinations. For most travelers who have been abroad, it is somewhat similar to Prague. For some, it reminds them of Warsaw, and for others, Budapest. And each of them is right.

This weekend we suggest exploring the ancient locations of the popular tourist city.

Rynok Square

There is probably no Ukrainian who hasn't been here or at least heard of this place. But even so, it's worth checking out again, because you can't get bored with such beauty, even if you visit it every day. We are sure that Lviv residents will definitely confirm our words. Don't you think?

Rynok Square is the heart of the city. The main streets stretch from it like arteries, and they are always noisy and crowded. Probably, there was never a day when peace and quiet reigned here. Even now, during the full-scale invasion, Lviv resembles an anthill. And no wonder, because it is relatively safe here. That is why many of our countrymen have moved here to live. And, of course, many travelers choose this particular destination for their trips.

The square is surrounded by Renaissance buildings, some of which have pronounced Gothic elements. Previously, it was home to a variety of retail outlets where you could buy almost anything. Nowadays, there are a few shops here, but it doesn't look like a big market.

High Castle

This is another historical location that every tourist should visit. It is a monument of garden and park art, which, unfortunately, has hardly survived to this day. However, it has not lost its charm. The surviving walls exude a royal flair. Perhaps that is why travelers are so eager to visit it.

Ukrainians are also attracted to two observation decks that offer incredible views of the Old and New Town. From here, you can see Lviv as if in the palm of your hand. To get to the location, you need to overcome more than one hundred ancient steps. It's not easy, but it's worth it.

Lviv National Opera

The Solomiia Krushelnytska Academic Theater was built in just 3 years. You may think that this is too long. But don't be too harsh and picky, keep in mind that it was built more than 100 years ago. Back then, technology was not as advanced as it is now.

The building combines two styles - Renaissance and Baroque. Both inside and out, it is decorated with various figures, stucco moldings, and gilding.

The famous architect Zygmunt Gorgolewskii put all his soul and talent into the project. Inside are works by prominent artists: Popiel, Dembicki, Herasymovych, Rozvadovskyi, Rybkovskyi, and Reyhan. There are also sculptures by Voitovych, Markowski, Pech, and Baronch.

The Lviv Opera House is worth a visit at least to admire its beauty. If you wish, you can attend one of the performances, a ballet, a play or other concerts.

Museum-pharmacy

In 1735, a place where one could buy medicines appeared in Lviv for the first time. Back then, the wooden shelves housed a variety of bottles with extracts, dried plants, ointments, and even medicinal wines.

Since then, almost nothing has changed here. The only thing that has changed is the restoration of the shelves. It is quite logical that the material has aged over this time. In addition to all kinds of potions, you can see cabinets decorated with artistic carvings, porcelain and earthenware dishes, antique scales, label printing machines, equipment for making pills, stone mortars for making creams, and more. You can also go down into the dungeon. Do not neglect this opportunity.

Palace Potocki

The most famous and richest family of Polish nobles left behind many architectural achievements. And this Lviv beauty is proof of that. It was commissioned by Count Alfred II Józef. Julian Cybulskii and Ludwig de Verney worked on the project.

The complex is considered a landmark of nineteenth-century architecture. And no wonder. After all, it impresses not only with its appearance but also with its interior. Everything inside is thought out to the smallest detail: from the arrangement of rooms to balustrades. Every decorated element is in its place.

Lviv is the pride of our country. It is unusual, colorful, and atmospheric. If you have not been here yet, be sure to do it!