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History of Lviv

Lviv is one of the oldest cities in Ukraine, dating officially back to the 13th Century (although with settlements found dating back to the 6th century). Its history is very varied having been occupied by various empires and the architectural style of the city does reflect this.

The various names of Lviv:

Lwow: Polish occupancy
Lvov: Ukrainian/English
Lviv: Ukrainian
Lemburg: Austro-Hungarian

The formation of Lviv City

Founded in the 13th Century by Prince Danylo Halitski of Galicia, it became the capital city of the Galician Empire. Although it is widely believed that Lviv was officially built in 1256 (due to mentions in Chronicles, archeological digs in 1993 revealed settlements dating back to the 6th Century).

Due to the location of Lviv, it flourished as a trade centre and it economy thrived. As a result, Lviv city was the envy of its neighbours (particularly Poland) who took over Galicia and Lviv in the 14th Century. Polish was eventually adopted as the main language and the official state religion became Roman Catholic. However; most inhabitants practiced Ukrainian Orthodox (and later Greek Catholic when the two sects merged).

Up until this time, Lviv had been ruled by a King but as 1356, a council was elected and had the right to self govern. All city issues and new laws were passed by this council who were elected by the people.

During the Polish occupancy, some of Lviv’s most beautiful churches were built, namely the Dominican, the Carmelite, Jesuit, Benedictine and Bernadine.

By the early 17th Century, Lviv city had a population of 30, 000 people and as well as being an important trade centre, arts and crafts flourished within Lviv city. 30 craft guilds in Lviv were in operation with over 130 different specialties. It is estimated that a good amount of fine furniture, dinnerware, jewelry etc came from craft masters in Lviv.

Austro-Hungarian Empire Occupancy in Lviv

 In 1772, Lviv became part of the Hapsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire and was renamed as Lemburg. New Lviv property and Lviv apartments were built at this time reflecting the popular Viennese styles seen in Germany and Austria.

In 1784, the first university in Lviv was opened. Lectures were held in Latin, German, Polish and Ukrainian. Further universities in Lviv were to be built and now, the city is regarded as very much a student town with a student population of over 200, 000.

The famous Opera and Ballet theatre on Svobody Square, along with parks and Lviv’s iconic cobbled streets were constructed during the Hapsburg occupation.

The late 1800’s saw a boom in Lviv property construction, trade, transport systems and industry and this growth did continue rapidly until the First World War. It also became the most important cultural centre in Ukraine with famous writers, actors, politicians, artists etc Lviv (Ivano Franko, Mykhailo Hrushevsky etc). As well as Ukrainian culture, Polish and Jewish Culture also flourished and if you walk through the cobbled stone streets of Lviv today, you will see this influence in the architecture, street names etc.

With the collapse of the Hapsburg Empire at the end of Word War I, Lviv was proclaimed capital of the independent Republic of Western Ukraine. However; its independence was short lived as Poland yet again seized the Capital and it was returned to Polish rule.

Soviet and Nazi Occupancy of Lviv

Then the Soviet Red Army took control of Lviv in September 1939 but any chance of peace was short lived as the Germans captured the city from 1941 until 1944. Almost the entire Jewish population of Lviv either escaped from the city or were placed in concentration camps.

After the defeat of Germany in 1944, Lviv was once again returned to Ukraine after the borders of Poland were pushed back to where they were in medieval times. Even after this, there were still turmoil’s for the city during Communism as many farms were placed under the collective farm policy. Considering the after effects of the Second World War in Lviv and the famine that ensued by the poor management of the collective farms, over 1, 000, 000 perished in Western Ukraine.

In 1948, a widespread persecution of Ukrainian writers, artists, intellectuals happened under Soviet Rule. As Lviv was an important cultural centre, this policy badly affected the town as it had a large population of artists, intellectuals etc.

From the late 1980’s onwards, Lviv was one of the most important cities in Ukraine and it strived for Ukraine to regain independence. From August 24th 1991 onwards, Lviv was able to start afresh and start to regain what was lost under Communism.

As with many Eastern European states, rebuilding their economies and industries was incredibly difficult, especially for Ukraine. However; Lviv city was able to grow more rapidly than the majority of Ukrainian cities.

Lviv Today

Lviv is yet again a flourishing city that has shaken off the Soviet shadow and is starting to promote itself as a tourist destination to other Europeans. Industry is starting to boom as many companies relocate to Western Ukraine due to its strategic position, low taxes and wages.

A property boom is starting in Lviv but properties in prime locations can still be bought relatively cheaply. Apartments are currently most popular and many are situated in historic ornate buildings dating back to the Austro-Hungarian occupancy. Similar property in more recognized cities such as Prague or Krakow would be incredibly expensive but in Lviv, you can still buy a spacious apartment in a central location for under half the price.

Lvov city is just a 3 hour flight from most major European cities (although those flying from the UK will have to take an indirect flight) and fares are dropping each year. As such, it is a feasible weekend break destination and if you walk through the cities or sit in its many cafes, you will no doubt hear many foreign voices.

Extracts from text by Jessica Landfried.