MARKET PLACE (ПЛОЩА РИНОК)

Thanks to its superbly preserved historic centre, Lviv was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The Market Square is the heart of Lviv and an outstanding example of the different styles that characterize the city's architecture. In the middle of the square stands the Ratousha, the town hall dating from the early 19th century. For the past ten years, it has been possible to climb on the tower of the town hall (in Soviet times, this was prohibited). Climb the 408 steps that separate you from the summit and you will have a magnificent view of the city (open every day from 9am to 6pm - 15 UAH). Every day at noon, the tower clock plays the city anthem. Made in Austria and installed here in 1852, this mechanical clock is authentic. At the four corners of the square are fountains representing Greek gods that serve as landmarks for meetings.

The square is surrounded by 45 buildings on three or four floors, all different, but which give a great impression of harmony. As early as the 14th century, it was forbidden to have more than three windows overlooking the square and none of the residences deviated from the rule, which ensured its variety. Until 1871, the houses in Lviv were not numbered, so they were named after their owners. The most remarkable house in this complex is the "black house", at number 4. Built in the 1580s by Italian architects, its façade features statues of saints, among which the statue of Saint Martin on horseback dominates. At number 2 is the Bandinelli Palace (16th-17th century) which, from 1630 onwards, belonged to the Italian Roberto Bandinelli. Bandinelli had created a postal link system between Lviv and Western European cities. Here is now a section of the historical museum. The Kornyakt house, at number 6, takes its name from its former owner, a Greek merchant. Inside, there is a delightful courtyard, the "Italian garden", where the original statue of the lion (1591), symbol of the city, which was once in front of the town hall, is preserved. The entrance to the "Venetian" house, at number 14, shows the statue of a lion reading, symbol of Venice. Its first owner was in fact the Consul of the Venetian Republic in Lviv. At number 24, the Massari house now houses the Lviv Historical Museum. At No. 28, the Geppner House is an important example of the Renaissance period. The windows of this building are decorated with Latin inscriptions of a moralizing nature.