Three dates are essential to understand the rather puzzling, but truly remarkable architectural aspect which this city preserves today. The introduction to Lvov of the law of Magdeburg in 1356, facilitates its economic boom and numerous foreigners settle down there. In 1573, the first printing office is created in Lvov by Ivan Fedorovytch. This date marks the beginning of the activities of publishing in the Eastern Europe. The city becomes an important centre of development of literature, architecture and fine arts. In the XVIth century, the construction of the city is affected by the existence of important Italian, Greek and Armenian merchant communities. In 1772, incorporated into the Austro-Hungarian empire, Lvov sees growing its importance as trading and industrial centre. The literature, the music, the architecture and the fine arts become influenced by cultural contributions peculiar to the various peoples established in Lvov. In the XVIIth century, the Italian renaissance style is supplanted by the baroque. In the XVIIIth century, the Polish rococo style dominates and in the XIXth century, it is the turn of the German classic style to make its contribution. Luckily, the city escaped the Soviet architectural monstrousness which prevails in big cities in eastern Ukraine.

According to your destination and the duration of your stay in Ukraine, try to plan two or three days for the indispensable visit of this remarkable city. Rarely the discovery of a city, and yet not so distant, will provide you a pleasant change of scenery. The strolls in its medieval alleys, the visit of its architectural jewels, its museums redrawing the history of this community of fate, will bring you strong emotions and memories. Sitting on the table at the terrace of one of its charming café, you will realize that the time misses you and you will make yourself the promise to come back to visit this city with such a fascinating atmosphere.