Lviv sketches
Recently, it has often come to mind to visit Kyiv in the spring, to see its famous Khreshchatyk, buried in flowering chestnut trees. Fate decreed otherwise. Instead of Kyiv, May Lvov lay on my way with its no less beautiful and already blossoming chestnut trees, which I was incredibly happy about. Chestnuts, like giants, stand along the streets and squares, creating majestic natural arches with tree crowns.
To say that I fell in love with this city from the first time? I will not say. In the first minutes of acquaintance, or rather kilometers, I caught my eye "Khrushchev" and gray panels - those that are in every city in the post-Soviet space, inherited from the great architects of the former Union. You can fall in love with any city, country or place at first sight, but if this did not happen, you will only leave a tick for yourself, no longer having the desire to return again. With the city, which "live" 4.500 lions, everything happened differently.
I love him. Moreover, everything happened gradually, with its prelude, dates in a cafe, dinner in a restaurant, walks under the evening sky and Flamenco dances.
Retaining its intrigue, the city introduced me to itself, telling about itself numerous stories and legends, of which it has a great abundance. The final touch of acquaintance - he revealed himself, showing his dungeons and ascending to the roofs
Involuntarily, I began to compare with other cities, looking for commonalities in them and trying to highlight the special. Lviv was first mentioned in 1256, founded by King Daniel. Accordingly, considering that the Germans are the best builders, and the Italians are excellent architects, then it was built with all the rules of European development. On the square is the City Hall and the city government, and around it are residential and craft quarters. If we compare it with the cities of the former Soviet republics, then we can see such a building principle in the capitals of the Baltic republics. Minsk can also boast of such urban planning. The difference is only in scale. Lviv has experienced quite a lot in its history, and has retained its appearance to the maximum. During World War II, only its outskirts were bombed. This fact allows us to consider it the most European city among the above republics, including Ukraine
Lvov seemed to me a kind old man whom everyone loves, appreciates, respects, comes to visit, but care about his appearance lies only with him. The city is shrouded in narrow streets, like an intertwining network of wrinkles. Facades of buildings create their charm with peeling plaster. Entrances and courtyards of houses bring a special flavor to the look of the city
Having survived the rule of six empires, it has become multinational. Residents of different confessions and nationalities lived and worked side by side. In the old city, the Polish, Jewish, Armenian quarters adjoin each other.
The building of the city is located on seven hills. A fortress once stood on one of them, now this place is called the “High Castle”. 261 steps lead to it, the height of the hill is 471 meters above sea level. For people who are not accustomed to physical activity, lifting is difficult. But the views from above will compensate for your efforts.
Time in the city flows slowly and frailly. Lviv wakes up late and with sweats. Even the statues of Liberty and Jesus Christ are sitting here, looking at you from above. ="height: 533px; width: 800px" />
"Passer-by, stop and consider whether your suffering is greater than mine"
On holidays and weekends, residents (800 thousand, with tourists up to 2 million) spend their leisure time watching street concerts, participating in various competitions, visiting parks, walking along shady alleys.
The spiritual communion with God is of great importance for the townspeople. Ancient and worshiped churches are always open to parishioners. People go to them as for a holiday, with families and with a smile on their faces. You can often meet them in clothes with elements of national symbols, the so-called "vyshyvanka".
Near the churches, performances of song and dance groups are held. Ukrainian songs cheer you up, and you willy-nilly sing along and dance along with the performers.
The visiting card of Lviv, apart from beer and liqueurs, can be called coffee. It is “mined” here, or rather “digged” in the dungeons. But this is a completely different story and a different album. 600px; width: 400px" />
Old Lviv is a fairy tale, having been here once, you will definitely come back again.
