Although I was born here, I never realized how much the city had to offer until now- so many art galleries, coffee shops, cathedrals, monuments, bazaars, museums and more.
Lviv has a very rich and diverse blending of cultures (as seen by all the different names for the city) that is reflected though the arts and architecture throughout the city. Some churches and buildings have been around since the 13th century and as you walk through the city you can see all the different styles (gothic, renaissance, baroque, traditional). Even though the city has been rules by various nations-- Lviv was under the Austrian Hapsburg empire, then was a major Polish and Jewish cultural center before World War II, then was under German occupation, then was under Soviet control, and finally part of independent Ukraine-- much of its diversity is still preserved throughout the city.
There is also a huge cafe culture throughout the city. I've visited a few cafes, and they range from small quaint coffee shops, to fire-breathing dragons and lions, to rooftop terraces.
My favorite was the chocolate truffle factory. Sooo much chocolate being made in front of your eyes, molded into all shapes and sizes of different colors, flavors, and ingredients. Aaaand oh so delicious!
Sipping on "kvass" is also a Ukranian tradition. Kvass is a fermented drink made from rye. It's sold almost on every street corner, and yet they all have different flavors and tones, so its always different.
Last week was the 20 year Indeprendence Day celebration in Ukraine. Lviv had a series of concerts and performances throughout the city. My favorite part was that everybody was wearing their "vyshyvanki," a traditional Ukranain embroidered clothing. It was so pleasing to see all the national pride as everyone on the street was singing and celebrating.
Cheers to 20 years! And cheers to Lviv!
 |
| Chocolate Factory in Lviv. Mmm... |
 |
| Bishivanki (traditional Ukranian clothing) |
 |
| Cafe |
No comments:
Post a Comment