Boim Chapel, Renaissance chapel near Latin Cathedral, Lviv, Ukraine.
The Boim Chapel is a Renaissance structure next to the Latin Cathedral in Lviv and stands out for its elaborate stone carvings on the western facade. The facade divides into three tiers with detailed reliefs depicting biblical scenes and religious figures.
The chapel was built between 1609 and 1615 by architect Andrzej Bemer and served the wealthy Boim merchant family from Transylvania as a burial site. Its construction came during a period when such private chapels signaled power and influence in the city.
The chapel displays on its altar Renaissance carvings depicting the Passion of Christ, alongside portraits of George Boim and his wife Jadwiga. These artworks reflect the family's piety and wealth, as they preserved their memory through such elaborate religious decoration.
The chapel sits on Cathedral Square and is reached via steps from the main square, which involve a steep climb. It makes sense to wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the nearby art gallery.
The exterior walls contain fourteen carved religious scenes arranged within an octagonal dome structure topped by a Christ sculpture. This unusual geometric arrangement gives the building a distinctive silhouette that sets it apart from other chapels of its time.
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