Lviv, Regional capital in western Ukraine
Lviv is a city in western Ukraine that spans several districts, including Halych, Shevchenko, Lychakiv, Zaliznytsia, Franko, and Sykhiv. Set at an elevation just under 300 meters, it combines lowland terrain with gentle hills that open up views over the city and its outskirts.
The city was founded in the year 1256 by Daniel of Galicia as the capital of Galicia-Volhynia. Later it belonged to the Polish-Lithuanian union, then to the Habsburg empire, before becoming part of Soviet and then independent Ukraine.
In the center, residents gather in coffeehouses that recall Viennese traditions, while street musicians and impromptu performances on cobbled squares reflect the city's artistic liveliness. On weekends, families fill the parks and old town lanes, often with books or newspapers in hand.
A network of trams and buses connects all districts, allowing visitors to move easily from the center to outlying areas. The main railway station lies southwest of the center and offers direct links to destinations across Europe.
In recent years, artist groups have converted several vacant factory buildings into lively studios, galleries, and performance spaces. These improvised cultural sites often lie hidden in quiet courtyards and are accessed through narrow passages between residential buildings.
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