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Lviv Old Town: A Private Tour Exploring the Best Sights of the Historic City

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5 Ratings

Lviv

Embark on a private walking tour of Lviv Old Town and explore its historic streets, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. Discover the rich history, legends, and secrets of Lviv with a knowledgeable local guide.

Duration: 3 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Only the Lviv National Opera amongst Ukrainian theatres holds a seat in the European Opera Association. Not only is the Lviv Opera House itself a marvel, but it comes with a rich backdrop of intriguing lore. You are welcome to delve into what lies behind the ‘curtains’ of the Opera House and discover the enchanting tales linked to this architectural wonder in Lviv, the city of Leo.
Nestled within the ancient portion of Lviv stands the Armenian Cathedral, a structure rich with history, architectural significance, and cultural heritage, already boasting a lifespan of 650 years.
In the 1960s, a museum in Lviv was built upon the base of an ancient pharmacy which remarkably still operates to this day. Visitors can explore the more than 3000 exhibits distributed among 16 rooms, learning about the intricacies of pharmacy-related hardware, scales truly used in the pharmacy practice, and storage vessels. A perfect replica of a historical pharmacy lab, based on ancient engravings and books, can be seen within these halls.
The Dominican Church is a shining gem in Lviv’s architectural landscape and is cherished as a major Baroque monument. The cathedral is colloquially referred to as Soli Deo, derived from the inscription on it. It is a staple gathering place for locals and holds the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s hard to miss the spectacular Renaissance testament - the Dormition Church, amongst Lviv’s rich architectural highlights. Comprising three magnificent buildings, the church accentuates the city’s vintage charm. Interestingly, the Dormition Church was originally wooden and was only overhauled into a stone structure in the 15th century, a project spearheaded by renowned Italian master Pavel Rimlyanin over an impressive 40-year stint.
The city centre of Lviv is home to a monument dedicated to the controversial Austrian author Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, who was born in Lviv. His name inspired the term ‘masochism’. Until 1918, Lviv was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This monument, which commemorates the author’s unique literary atmosphere, sits adjacent to the Masoch Cafe.
The Bernardine Monastery is a distinguished historical and architectural landmark in Lviv. Today, the monastery is occupied by the Lviv State Historical Archive, and the Greek Catholic Church possesses the church itself.
Constructed during the 17th century atop the Boim family crypt, the monastery was also close to a city graveyard. However, due to the banning of in-city burials, the graveyard was relocated, and the Lychakiv cemetery came into existence.
The Latin Cathedral is unique in the sense that, having been built over a span of a century, it encapsulates a multitude of architectural styles (classicism, baroque, renaissance, gothic) and stages of construction. Pope John Paul II graced the cathedral with his presence on July 25, 2001. To commemorate this event, a memorial plaque in Latin, Polish and Ukrainian now adorns the cathedral’s western wall since 2003.
When it was operational, the church could accommodate up to 5,000 worshipers. The Jesuit Church, the first Baroque structure in Lviv is located on Teatralnaya Street. Its construction commenced in 1610 and completed in 1630 under the supervision of architect Jacopo Briano. However, the original design remains a mystery. After a prolonged restoration, the temple was finally reopened for the public in 1740.
The medieval part of Lviv can be explored in a compact vicinity. Each building and sculpture here echoes its own unique legend and mystery. This real-life historical depiction is known as the Market Square.
The very heart of Lviv, marked as a State Historic-Architectural Sanctuary since 1975, is valued as a significant part of ‘World Heritage’ by UNESCO since 1998.

What's Included

Hotel pick up from centrally located accommodations
Private guide service

What's Not Included

Drop off

Additional Information

Join a private stroll through Lviv’s ancient city center with a knowledgeable local guide, wandering the slim, brick-lined avenues and learning about each spectacular site’s fascinating history. Regarded as a gem of Eastern Europe, Lviv has a history spanning more than 800 years and has belonged to six distinct nations. The melding of Eastern and Western cultures is still palpable in the ancient city’s ambiance, where houses harbor countless fables and mysteries. On this expedition, you’ll traverse the City Market Square, Lviv’s beating heart, and explore Jewish, Armenian, and Ruthenian districts. You’ll discover the city’s oldest pharmacy, learn about the city’s lengthiest construction project, and the laws governing life in this medieval city. You’ll encounter Masoch, the eponym of masochism, and ascend the city hall for a breathtaking view over all of Lviv.

Location

Lviv National Opera

28 Svobody Avenue,

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

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Mariosv888

Oct 30, 2021

Totally recommended - Very well informed and pleasant guide made the travel experience even better, i totally recommend a guide like this for all the travellers