Zhovkva, Historical city in Lviv Oblast, Ukraine
Zhovkva is a city with medieval roots that features a central market square ringed by arcaded buildings and fortified stone walls. The architecture displays Italian Renaissance influences with balanced proportions and refined details throughout the town layout.
The city was founded in 1597 by Polish military commander Stanisław Żółkiewski and received town privileges in 1603 through a royal grant by King Sigismund III Vasa. These early privileges helped it develop into an important trading hub.
The city was home to a Jewish printing press starting in 1690 that produced religious texts and became the only one of its kind across the region for many years. Visitors can still trace this community's presence in the streets and buildings today.
The town center is easy to navigate on foot since the main sights are clustered closely together. Visitors should know that the city lies in western Ukraine and experiences cold winters.
A synagogue from the late 17th century stands in the center and was built with royal support, reflecting the religious diversity of that era. Today this building serves as a reminder of the complex history of the different communities who lived here.
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