Coat of arms of Lviv region - on a blue field on the rock climbing golden lion. Choosing the emblem is not surprising. Gold lion on a blue field, became the emblem of Lviv still in the Middle Ages. Lviv militia raised flags with the image of a lion, climbing up the rock during the Battle of Grunwald (1410) in the joint Polish-Lithuanian forces. The same lion was the emblem of Russian province (with the center in Lviv), part of Poland.

Date of adoption: 2003

Its administrative center - the city of Lvov.

The administrative area is divided into 20 districts, 43 cities, including 7 towns of regional subordination (Kiev, Borislav, Drogobych, Sambor, Stry, Truskavets Chervonograd), 34 urban-type settlements and 1854 rural settlements.

Lion city was founded in 1256, currently residing in the town of 790.1 inhabitants.
The region is located within the Volyn and Podolia hills, it crosses three natural zones: forest, forest-steppe zone and altitudinal zonation Carpathians.

Among the useful resources are the most important energy resources.
This gas fields, oil, coal, developed in part Lvov-Volyn coal basin in the north area. The region has deposits of oil shale, potash and rock salt, sulfur, gypsum, construction and refractory clay, marl, limestone.

The territory of Lviv region constantly in the zone of geopolitical interests of various states. Fought for it many countries. Thus, in X-XII centuries, these lands belonged to the Kievan Rus, from 1199 belonged to the Galicia-Volyn principality. In 1349 they seized the Polish nobles.
On the first partition of Poland in 1772 in the Lvov region of Galicia went to Austria, and since 1867 - to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Agriculture area specializes in the production of grain, sugar beet, flax, potatoes, vegetables and fruit crops.
Main attractions: the State Museum-Reserve "Olessky Castle in Busskom area, the Gothic cathedral ye the Lviv, Lviv brotherhood complex structures and others.

Invitation from Lviv - for lunch, a beer or tea - sounds the same: "requested for kava.
Sightseeing of the capital of western Ukraine, we are happy to rest in the local "kav'yarnyah. They - this is also a visiting card of the city.

"Golden Ducat"
Coffee House "Golden Ducat" opens in Lviv in 2004 and immediately became the favorite holiday destination and meetings. The design and atmosphere of coffee houses sustained in the long Galician traditions. Coffee has become popular not only among the people of Lviv, but also with tourists from different corners of the world. In some ways, this cafe has become a compulsory item on the itinerary of the sights of the city. In addition to the standard of excellent taste of coffee drinks and coffee will offer you brand: "Fresh-kava," "Chokolyaka, martsepany," Char-зілля, special desserts.
Address coffee: street. Fedorov, 20 (near Market Square). Phone to book tables: +38 (032) 298 62 33

"Princely kelih"
Coffee House is located near the monument to Shevchenko and the Opera House. During holidays, Liberty becomes a pedestrian avenue, and if located on the "kelyhom" "Lviv" of beer on the porch, convenient to observe gadabout tourists. For the weekend of the center just a majority - mostly Poles, Russians and Ukrainians from other cities. Feature institutions - a hookah. It will make a right on the porch and fill the selected smoking blends - enjoy.
Address coffee: Prospect Svobody, 16

"Віденська kava"
The history of this institution goes into the distant 1829, when a tradesman Carol Hartmann lucrative contract with the city authorities, who needed a guardhouse, and the means to it in the treasury were not available. Having asked permission, enterprising Carol built a guardhouse at the same time and a cafe. Gained popularity in the century before, this institution is talking about it to this day. In 1998, there are now good coffee room. Now "Віденська kava" has several rooms (cafe, restaurant, billiard room) and two outdoor terraces - the upper and lower. Outside visitors are greeted by the good soldier Svejk. The atmosphere corresponds to the name - the furniture designed in a classical style of old Vienna. Among the visitors a lot of foreigners. From the taste dishes like "Cava zhovtkom r", "Baked apple with almonds", "pear with caramel and almond cream."
Address coffee: Liberty Ave, 12

"Pid sinoyu plyashkoyu"
This institution is not easy to find. Literally "combed" the whole neighborhood around the Market Square, we alone have not been able to detect it. Helped local guy, kindly accompanied us straight to the most common gateway. Coffee House is located in a house built in 1501 Halych Vartan Armenian. Dumb sign hung so that the uninitiated will not pay any attention. Passing through a narrow stone corridor of the patio, you find yourself in another era. Brick walls, antique furniture and chronicles the walls - everything is permeated with the spirit of the Middle Ages. In the twilight lit candles and spirit-fondyushnits. In "Plyashke" - good choice of strong original tinctures. Worth to try mead.
Address coffee: street. Russian, 4. Phone: +38 (032) 294-91-52

"Dziga"
Art Cafe at Armenian their walls in contact with the ancient Catholic church. For the people of Lviv is more "club мистецької знаті" than ordinary coffee. The first thing to wander through art galleries, go to an antique shop, and only then - to order "філіжанку Kawi. In a coffee card - several dozen types of coffee, honey wine and desserts. Fine kanapki - elegant appetizer for each drink.
Address: ul. Armenian, 35.

Amelia
A small café-bar in the French style in the Arcade, next to boutiques. Viewed from the rear yard of the street, where there are cafes, you see a tidy yard with shops. If you are sitting in a cafe facing the street, stumbles on a classic look neglected Lviv yard. And it does not irritate the contrary - puts in a special atmosphere, which is only in Lviv.

Castle Svirzh located in the same village, Lviv region, 40 km from Lvov in the area Peremyshliany. The castle was built in 1482, then the settlement had the status of the city, now Svirzh - just a big village, through which the river spreads wide pond Svirzh. Many remember Svirzhsky lock the frames of the famous film "The Three Musketeers", is where were shooting this film.

The neighborhood here is very picturesque - the landscape resembles the Carpathians in a nutshell: steep cliffs, lush green forests, lakes and ponds pleasing to the eye, but if you are traveling by car, prepare for off-road. And in general for this area is ideal cycling.

Castle has a checkered history. Despite its good defensive location - the castle was surrounded by marshes, ponds, at the foot of the walls - moats and drawbridges, his palatial style architecture is hardly conceived as a defensive structure. Do not just lock suffered from numerous conquests. It is known that during the Ukrainian-Polish war in 1648-1654 years. lock permanently conquered Cossack units, and in 1648 - burned the Tartars. But in 1672 and in 1675, he withstood a Turkish siege and hid in the walls of their nobles, who fled Pomoryanskogo castle, located nearby.

The first mention of the castle Svirzh connected with the noble born Svirzzhskih, which belonged to the city in the XV century., And is dated 1530. In the middle of XVII century the castle became the property of G. Tsetnera. That's when he bought it the form which has retained to this day: the graph significantly restructured and strengthened the castle, which served as the family nest Tsetnerov actually until the XIX century. A more hectic XX century brought anxiety and Svirzh. The castle changed owners, suffered losses during the First and Second World Wars, it burned and renewed, destroyed, and again renewed its caring owners.

On the wall of the castle you will see a bas-relief of a griffin at the entrance, which is part of the destroyed emblem Svirzzhskih. Inside the castle consists of two courtyards - the upper (main, main entrance) and lower - economic. In the courtyard a deep well in the center. Legend of a girl who drowned as a traitor in this well and whose ghost still lives in the castle.

If you are lucky enough to get inside the castle (unfortunately, this is not always possible) you will see the old wooden bridges and caves, fireplaces and loopholes. Around the castle is preserved church dating from XV century. Now this is a Renaissance building, built on the site of the old wooden church. To the right of the castle, among the bushes and trees, you can come across the ruins of an old watchtower.

In recent years, the castle was restored, and not damaging the pristine character and architecture. Some works are now. And from July 31 to August 2, 2009 in Svirzh planned unprecedented in Ukraine Festival of World Cultures, money from which also go to the restoration of the castle.

At the festival will feature music and literature, dance and crafts, performing arts and cuisine of peoples almost all corners of the world. After the festival we will try to make a special article from preserved specimens, dedicated to this event.

Proud and majestic at the same time beautiful and hospitable city in Ukraine - Lviv it. Everyone should at least once in their lives to come here. Wander through the narrow streets with old stone blocks, ride on the yellow and red tram in the center and drink filizhanochku Lviv coffee in a quiet cafe in Europe, visited countless ancient temples and Catholic churches, to hear the unforgettable voices of these Galicia, a dip in the era of the medieval city.

Centre of Lviv - the pearl of culture, history and architecture of Ukraine. In 1998 this part of the city was included in the list of world cultural heritage by UNESCO. That is about 2 thousand buildings and monuments.

Lviv - a symbiosis of styles, stories and eras. On the lampposts hung pots of flowers, brought up the drivers stop at pedestrian crossings, at 6 am opening a bakery with fresh pastries. At the same time there often can be seen from the soda machine and a glass on a chain, many shop windows are decorated with Soviet figures, and the shops are still preserved wooden abacus. More interesting combination of European style and spirit of the Soviet hard to imagine.

Living in Lviv often rely on their "London" weather and advised tourists to come to him in the spring, when the whole city is in bloom, or a cool summer or early autumn. At this time of year is especially nice and came here for the first time, will be surprised at every turn, recognizing that in Lviv Krakow, then Budapest, then to Florence.

Lviv so rich monuments of history, culture and architecture, what to see everything very seriously. It is best to start with the old part of town. At the weekend the center will not let cars, the streets are free and only a tram can knock your wheels to break the unusual silence.

Lvov. Market Square RynokPloschad surprise tourists with its colorful houses. Stay here and echoes of Gothic Lviv with cross bracing, which barely survived a fire in 1527, when Kiev was burned almost completely.

Center Square - Lviv city hall, administration building. Building was erected in 1835 in the style of Viennese classicism. A square building with a courtyard in its history has witnessed many historic events, has repeatedly burned and shattered. In 1852, Hall was renovated and now houses the city council of the city. Above the building rises the clock tower and observation platform, which offers stunning views of the city.

Walking around the Market Square, you must go into the courtyard of number 6. Looking here, you find yourself into Italy of the Renaissance. Local residents believe that the yard with open loggias, arches landmark of the city. Between the columns are arranged tables, brew good coffee and delicious baked cheese cakes.

At the Market Square be sure to visit the main pharmacy of the city. It is called "Pharmacy Museum", which survived an alchemist's workshop, as well as stained glass Viennese artists. It was discovered in 1775 and works smoothly today. If you become interested in what were once the drugs, as they are produced, where and how they ate - should definitely look into the "Pharmacy Museum.

After a few steps from Market Square to the Opera, you will find вул. Virmensku (st. Armenian). Armenians living in the medieval Lviv played a major role, so in the heart of the city was the Armenian schools and printing presses. They are located on the territory of the Armenian Cathedral of the XIV century. A beautiful fairy yard, perhaps a bit grim for the modern eye again make tourists wonder the beauty of the city.

Here, again, a few steps away, is a Gothic cathedral with a belfry in the Baroque style. Having stood on this spot six centuries, a handsome cathedral burned several times and each reconstructed left on it prints a certain period. The Cathedral is decorated with elements of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism.

Tour of Old Lviv impossible without visiting the local book flea market at the Museum Square. Here, a monument to pioneer Ivan Fyodorov, near which is always present Ukrainian Shchukar in embroidery and luxurious mustache Taras Bulba. He was pleased with your cellphone and tell many interesting stories of bearded.

There are in Lviv and its Khreshchatyk. After a walk to Market Square, a minute later you find yourself on the prospect of Liberty. Indeed, once here, you feel the spirit Ukrainianism, filled with inner freedom and a sense of this flight. This prospect can see many extraordinary. The Cossacks "oseledtsyami" on their heads, singing under bandura rebel songs, well-groomed couples grandmothers and grandfather walking arm in arm, and calling themselves "Galitskiy інтелігенцією" - this is something that he will not forget that we are in Lviv. However, the harmony of Ukrainian nationalism is often violated by students who came to the avenue to dance hip-hop or concerts of popular singers and folk ensembles.

Lviv Opera teatrNachinaetsya Prospect Freedom Academic Opera behalf Solomiya Krushelnitska, the pearl of the city. The theater was built and opened to visitors on Oct. 4, 1900 The construction project - the brainchild of architect Gorgolevskogo Sigmund, who at one time was the author of many monumental structures in Poland and Germany. On the centenary of the birth of the poet Ivan Franko in 1956 ode Lviv Opera House named after him. In 2000 the theater was renamed in honor of world-famous opera singer Solomiya Krushelnitska. Lviv Opera in beauty and grandeur is comparable to the theater in Odessa and is one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe.

Nearby is the National Academic Drama Theatre named after Maria Zankovetskoy - the largest by area in Europe. The building architecture is limited to the strict symmetry of late classicism Vienna School and is a contrast of standing next to Opera House. In recent decades, the theater building Mary Zankovetskoy in great need of repair.

In the center of Liberty Avenue statue of TG Shevchenko. It opened recently, August 24, 1992, and four years later was presented to the admiration of residents and guests of Lviv 12-foot bronze monument of an element - the Wave of National Revival.

Ends Prospect Liberty statue of the Virgin Mary and the monument of Adam Mickiewicz. The idea of building such a monument voiced immediately after the death of the poet, was brought to life much later, when the identity of Adam Mickiewicz reached the level of the national genius of Polish people, a hundred years from the date of his birth.

High Tower and the Powder VezhaNeobychayny view of the city opens from the observation deck of the High Castle. This is the highest point of Lviv, the hill on which is a beautiful old park with old trees. Here you will find the ruins of the castle of the XIV century, and modern television tower and a striking example of the military-defense heritage of the Renaissance Powder Tower (Powder Tower) built in 1556. In those days, the tower was used for storage of ammunition and gunpowder, as well as for the city's defense of the approaches from the north. The thickness of its walls - about 2,5 meters, semi-oval shape of the building for four centuries almost unchanged. Only the soil around the tower during this period increased by five feet, which concealed its lower part. Today Porokhova Tower put under house architect of the city.

One of the main attractions of Lviv is Lychakiv cemetery. Opened in 1786. Here are buried Vladimir Ivasyuk, Ivan Franko, Solomiya Krushelnytska and many other famous figures of culture, history, politics, science not only in Ukraine and the USSR. A little farther from the main entrance of his mysticism affects a large crypts, family tombs with columns and inscriptions in German, Polish, Austrian, Hungarian, Armenian, Russian and Ukrainian languages. There is so impressive and vzbudorazhivayuschaya atmosphere that you need to carefully follow the signs and not get lost in the "цвинтарі" area of 40 hectares. Everyone who went deep into the cemetery, I agree that there simply can be removed mystical paintings horror. But do not worry, multiple indexes and lead you to the Polish cemetery with identical white crosses and obelisks to fame, and returned back to the exit.

Lychakiv cemetery - is a key understanding of the city. Here you can see how intertwined the history of many peoples, and it becomes clear why Lviv so different, containing in itself and European sophistication and Ukrainian folk flavor.

Lviv - the city of churches, monasteries, cathedrals and temples.
One of the most famous - is the Holy Virgin Protection, which is located on the street Grushevskiy 5. The architect of the Italian call Franz Placidi. Lovers of Baroque architecture and sculpture will be very interesting to visit this place. Until 1990, the temple was called the church of St. Nicholas.

St. George Cathedral in LvoveOdin of the most striking examples of Baroque architecture in Lviv - Dominican Church and Monastery. Today this temple is called the Temple of the Holy Eucharist. The stone church, a cross with an oval central part. Terminate the track great dome supported by sixteen powerful dual columns. Speakers and expression of Doda touching sculpture, made from different angles and spaced around the perimeter of the pediment.

At the St. George area, 5 main sanctuary rises the Greek Catholic Church, as well as the pearl of Ukrainian late baroque architecture - the Cathedral of St. George.

One of the oldest representatives of the architectural heritage of Lviv, which is also worth a visit is the church of John the Baptist. The temple was built in 1250 or in 1270. In the church today is the Museum of ancient monuments in Lviv, in the collections of which are archaeological findings, samples of different arts, religious relics and important historical documents. The most valuable exhibit of the museum - an icon of the Lviv Virgin "middle of the XIV century.

In the old town almost every second house - the representative of the architectural heritage. One of these is the House "Enlightenment" in 1763. This is one of the most striking buildings of the Baroque. Since the mid-nineteenth century, this house placed a lot of different cultural and educational institutions, and in 1940 proclaimed the independence of Ukraine here.

Museum of Weapons Arsenal, 1554-56 years. Construction is also necessary to see the tourist. This majestic monument of defensive architecture of the Renaissance. In the XVIII century in the basement of the Arsenal tortured prisoners Ukrainian Cossacks and Gaydamak. There was a torture chamber, as well as housing the city executioner.

On the narrow streets of Copernicus, 15, whose width is calculated only on one machine, located Potocki palace. The building was constructed in 1880 on order of Count Jan Potocki style of French classicism. The first floor was cast into the staterooms, decorated with gilding, marble, details of expensive wood and decorated with paintings.

At one time, in 1972, Potocki palace was remodeled under the Wedding Palace. And the first of the third millennium was handed the Lviv Art Gallery.

Stryisky park. VhodEsli weather plays in your favor - sure to go to the Stryisky Park, the oldest park of the city. Here you can join with the extraordinary nature and drown in her beauty. Small streams and lakes where you can feed the swans, swing, forged original benches - all this, will quickly forget the bustle of the city.

Lviv - an extraordinary city. It should be noted that people living there very friendly, not like what they depict arsonists ethnic conflicts. It is easy to go there yourself and see this. Activities in this beautiful city will long be remembered as a wonderful journey into the Middle Ages.

Not only in Lviv, but also in other areas of Western Ukraine, there are many interesting castles. For example, fans of an old castle fortifications, castles, built on all the medieval rules - a dungeon, ditches, etc., can call in Nevytske castle situated in the village Kamyanitsa. This is the Transcarpathian region, but still lock can be attributed to the castle as a monument of Lviv collective geographical concepts.

Chateau 12 km from Uzhgorod, built on a hill above the river Oh. First, there was a wooden fortress, destroyed in the XIII century, the Mongol-Tatars, and then, at the turn of the XIII - XIV centuries, the river went up a real stone dungeon.

Tourists now can see this three-tier square tower of gray stone, under a black tent ceiling (with preservation of the castle, such overlap was built over all the surviving towers). Unfortunately, the dungeon, as the castle is a ruin. Since the middle of XVII century, when after a series of internecine wars, the castle passed to György Rákóczi, Transylvanian voivod, he was not rebuilt, not restored and updated.

Donjon compared to other towers are well preserved. But from the barbican were poluosypavshiesya wall failures. Nevertheless, the view of the castle and the ruins - the surrounding scenery, wonderful.

Romance of the Middle Ages will welcome you in the Lviv region and does not want to let go of many long days when you will remember his impressive journey to the castles and fortress ruins of the western Ukraine.

Examining locks Lviv, stands to get to town Svirzh. Svirzh Castle in Lviv region was built in the XV - XVI century, reconstructed in the XVII century. This is an interesting monument of defensive architecture, the fortress in Svirzh, belonged to the gentry Svirzhsky.

For the first time, the castle is mentioned in 1530, but was built, probably, sooner. In the XVII century it becomes the property of Count Tsetnera, the man whose name has a botanical garden and Lviv region Tsetnerovka. Graf told to rebuild the castle, to strengthen, for which, according to some sources, it ordered the case famous fortification General Paul Grodzitskomu. As a result of reconstruction Svirzhsky castle began to look differently than the previous owners.

Nevertheless, serious fortification castle did not, as his palace did not provide the type of serious defense. More than once the castle was taken Zaporozhye Cossacks, and once burnt Tartar army. But against the Turks in 1672, the castle survived and even defended the inhabitants of the neighboring, Pomoryanskogo castle.

Unfortunately, to this day unchanged reached only the castle walls, the internal layout of rooms has been changed, some premises rebuilt. Nevertheless, tourists enjoy visiting Svirzhsky castle to admire the little rickety, but the romantic architecture of the XV - XVII centuries.
Besides the actual castle, it is proposed to examine and castle park, where there stands a church XV century in the Renaissance style. Front of the church is crowned with the remnants of the ancient coat of arms. From the fortress moat can see part of a secret underground passage that once led from the castle to the church and, perhaps, once allowed to escape during the siege or raid.

The city is Zholkove Zholkovsky CASTLE, founded in 1594 by Stanislav Zholkovsky. (Typically, the name of the city, the castle and the name of the owner is usually the same). Up until 1606 were building, so that the castle is a late period, medieval it is not so much with traditional fortifications already adjoin the palace arches and columns in the Renaissance style, the details in the style of Mannerism.

Unfortunately, columns and arches are not preserved, disappeared and sculptures owners Zhovkva from the facade of the castle. There is already a wide moat and the castle sank six feet - seven in the soil. Nevertheless, there is something to see: a quadrangular castle is decorated with four pentagonal three-tiered tower, which previously were reflected in the waters of the moat. (Castle, you will notice as Zolochivskyi, created by the Dutch system - pentagonal towers at the corners of a quadrilateral). The towers are connected by tubes, the entrance to the castle dominates manneristic portal with a tower over him. From the north and east to the castle wall adjoined the city - Zholkovsky castle was part of a citywide fortifications.

In addition to the main courtyard at the castle there are two small courtyard. Interesting premise - "tatarnya": a prison for prisoners of the Tatars. Well, how in each castle: arsenal, konbshnya, barns, bakeries, kitchens, workshops, ... And of course, formal living room and master, treasury, archives, chapel ... Until the end of XVII century the castle was Zholkovsky park-zoo with bison, gazelles and deer - though it was not preserved.

Lovers of history will certainly be interesting to hear about the owners of the castle. History in Zholkovsky castle rich and noble: in the second half of XVII century the castle became the residence of the King! It was here that Jan III Sobieski received congratulations in honor of the victory at Vienna over the Ottoman Turks. King did a lot for the castle: the building was decorated, filled his war trophies, collectible weapons, expanded library.

After the sale of the castle at auction in the late XVIII century, life here is morose: first occupied by different agencies, then the castle was burned down during the First World War and restored only partially, because the beginning of World War II ... And again, destruction, and then - the restoration. Unfortunately, the restoration of the 70-ies was not for the restoration of the cultural significance of the castle, and to transfer it to the housing.

Even now in the castle, in addition to the museum - a set of offices, offices of political parties, public toilet ...
All this, of course, ugly, and one can only hope that the authorities will find a way to make Zholkovsky castle more attractive to tourists. While tourists have to be satisfied by inspection and stories guide to the past grandeur of the castle ...

No less interesting Pidhirtsi Castle in the village Podgortsy Lviv region. Episodes for The Three Musketeers "were filmed here, so that the lock that we have seen everything - but who thought, where in fact he is? It turns out, not in France and in Western Ukraine.

Podgoretsiky castle form a square, surrounded by a moat, ramparts, and other defensive fortifications. The castle was built on the site of an older building, in the castle after the purchase of crown hetman Stanislaw Konetspolsky rebuilt in the Renaissance spirit with elements of baroque. So lock and come down to us - with the fortifications of the XVII century, who created the Frenchman Guillaume Levasseur de Boplan, with a two-story palace and the three-storey pavilions, which raised the Italian Andoea del Acqua.

Some of the electrical characteristic of the architecture of the castle, but it is a combination of fortifications and elegant terraces, arches, balustrades and portal with columns at the entrance to the castle create an atmospheric Renaissance composition. Castle periodically suffered from enemy raids, restored, rebuilt. In the XVIII century it was collected valuable collection of paintings, operated the theater and printing.

In the XIX century castle suffered the fate of all the castles of the Western Ukraine - it will gradually weaken, since Aristocratic history goes back to the past ... But Podgoret castle was lucky: since 1833 the new owners seem concerned about his recovery, and the transfer of the castle was inherited conditions regarding his restoration. Prior to 1939 there has a private museum of princes Sangushko. At the luck of the castle over: although it was not destroyed during the war, but was sacked, and in 50 years of fire broke out. Then, in the castle housed tuberculosis center.

Only since 1997, the castle, as Olesky, was transferred to the Lviv Art Gallery, which started the restoration. In the castle will be transferred to and exhibits gallery, which previously owned Pidhirtsi castle.
In the restored palace will be located is also a museum interiors, because the castle owned by lush, striking contemporary interiors. China, gold, Mosaic, Mirror, Knight, gets lazy halls were decorated with expensive paintings.

In the meantime, tourists have to see the look of the castle - however, this architectural ensemble is to see it. The castle from all sides, in harmony with the topography and architecture, surrounded by magnificent park, which belongs to the monuments of landscape art gosznacheniya. Similar parks in the Italian style in Ukraine is not.

Must be inspected and the castle church of the Exaltation and St. Joseph, built in the middle of the XVIII century. This is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture luxurious, with columns and statues of saints. Trehsotmetrovaya linden alley leads to the church, meet with appropriate figure of Our Lady and St. Joseph at the entrance to the temple.

In addition to the locks Golden Horseshoe, the Lviv region there are many ancient castles. We will tell you about the most noteworthy.

Olesky Castle is annually visited by many tourists, but most interestingly, many of his likely seen before coming to the village Olesky Busko district of Lviv region. This is the oldest castle in Western Ukraine are not just appearing in the frames of the Soviet and Polish films: "The shepherd Janka", "Queen Bona", "Wild Hunt of King Stach", "Fire and Sword". Cast here and episodes of "The Three Musketeers.

Olesky castle stands on a fifty-hill. The form of the castle - oval. As a result of reconstruction in the 70-ies he returned to the historical appearance of the XVII century, and the more ancient interior ground floor recreated exactly with the period of their creation.

Castle, as we have said - the oldest among the castles Lvoschiny. The first settlement on this place still existed for fifteen hundred years before our era. The castle was built almost a thousand years ago at the crossroads of trade routes from Hungary, and Wallachia in Volhynia, and control them. Strong wall thickness of two and a half meters for centuries held back the onslaught of enemies, while in 1646 Olesky was not taken troops Bogdan Khmelnitsky. The town and castle were destroyed by the Allies Hetman - the Crimean Tatars.

The castle was rebuilt by King Jan Sobieski, but in the XIX century, fell into decay after two fires and severe earthquakes. Since 1898 there has acted agricultural school for girls, after the Second World War the castle was restored under the auspices of the Art Gallery of Lviv.

Since 1975, the castle is located branch of the Lviv Art Gallery and a museum. Tourists, in addition to the inspection of the Olesky Castle, there is something to see: magnificent battle paintings, commissioned by hetmans and kings, icons, sculptures. Here is the largest in the country of collection of wooden sculpture XIV - XIX centuries, including the famous sculpture of the Lviv school.

In addition to the inspection of the castle and museum collections, visitors are invited to walk around Olesky castle. There once was divided wonderful park with citrus trees, oleanders and cypresses - they are very difficult to be grown in this climate, but gardeners have succeeded. Park decorated with fountains and sculptures.
Now, you can admire the remains of its former magnificence, the old paths. However, actively carried out the restoration of the park, the orchard has been restored, and one of the terraces, an exhibition of stone sculptures.

Tourists waiting for interesting stories about the history of the castle, which is associated with the names of many historical figures. In Olesky castle served, for example, the father of Bogdan Khmelnitsky Michael Hops. Here, in the castle, were born two Polish king - Jan Sobieski and Michael Koribut Vishnevetskii.

Zolochiv Castle was built by Jakub Sobieski in the first half of XVII century, construction was completed in 1634, in accordance with the principles of the Dutch system of fortifications. Under this system, a huge earthen wall ball fortified walls and huge boulders, but inside the shaft could pass communication, corridors, dungeons. Sami castles built on this system, have a rectangular shape with pentagonal towers at the corners. It built many castles in western Ukraine, including Zolochevsky.

Zolochesky castle situated on a hilltop. More than once he broke the invasion of enemies. Did Zolochevsky castle and lush times - when the Polish king stayed here with my family. Incidentally, the stay in the castle, in comparison with many others was very comfortable: there was even carried sewage, and six toilets were equipped with flush toilets. For those times it was unbelievable comfort!

The castle is big enough - 1000 square meters. Next to the Great Palace is located the Chinese Palace. In China Palace tourists can get acquainted with the exposition of works of oriental art. In the castle there are business premises, under lock and key - the cellars and caves. In the case Overgate in XVII - XVIII centuries housed the garrison of the castle.

Lock up in 1737 belonged to the genus Sobieski, then - Tarle, then - Radziwill. If you love history, you say a lot of these names!

With the arrival of the Austrians after the partition of Poland castle fell into decay. From 1872 it was turned into a prison. The jail remained in the castle and the NKVD, which appeared in the city in 1939, after the Molotov - Ribbentrop Pact. In general, for Zolochinskliy Castle came the dark times ...

In 1953, the castle became a vocational school, and only in 1986, authorities have recognized its historical and cultural significance. Lviv Art Gallery started the restoration of the monument (by the way, now she owns all three locks, the Golden Horseshoe).