Lwow Lemberg Old
Even the most seasoned traveler might ask-where on earth is Lviv? Known to the Polish as "Lwow" and as "Lemberg" to the Germans, Lviv is the largest city in Western Ukraine (population 830,000) and it's cultural capital.
I know Lviv intimately and love it dearly. Often, I encourage people to visit me there. But their reactions are often those of disbelief including stereotypic remarks ranging from how dangerous it must be with its reputation for bandits to how it must still be mired in Soviet style and attitude. I can recall, not so long ago, when Lviv was a dark and lonely place, characterized by an intimidating street scape with its boarded up store fronts and dilapidated infrastructure- vestiges of the Iron Curtain era. The following are my notes to you about Lviv's current cultural renaissance...
First, a little bit of history. In 1991, Lviv gained its independence from Imperial Russia thereby ending a long period of repression and architectural ruin. Since that epochal event, Lviv has witnessed massive reconstruction and restoration bringing it back to the palatial gem that it was during the Austria-Hungarian Empire. Yet what keeps Lviv real, fascinating and steeped in history are the remaining glimpses of patina and fragments of "opulent ruin" of this "diamond in the rough".
In this UNESCO protected World Heritage Site, one finds oneself walking in a time capsule, a living museum. In this compact and easily accessible center, the ancient city boasts a wide variety of impressive architectural styles ranging from massive medieval fortresses to spectacular renaissance palaces and breathtaking baroque cathedrals. Most intriguing is how these western elements are juxtaposed with Eastern features like the onion domed temples and the Stalinesque buildings. As a border city, Lviv is at a strategic geographical crossroad and is a melting pot of Austrian,Polish and Armenian traditions making for a very divers and tolerant society.
Most tourist destinations fall into the trap of wanting to offer only the comforts that one would find back home. Everywhere around the world, one finds the ubiquitous chain stores, fast food outlets, mundane malls and streets overcrowded with camera toting tourists. I am here to assure you that Lviv offers an exotic and unique adventure that has not yet been "Westernized".
Expect the unexpected in terms of a visual and sensual delight! At one moment you will be serenaded by fine musicians, and then tempted by the works of a "pleine-air" artist. Suddenly, you come across a street concert as you delight in the cafe culture on a terrace with a classical fountain watching the world go by. Then, it's off in your romantic horse drawn carriage.
Be prepared for a "one-of-a-kind" shopping extravaganza. Picture, farmers' bazaars bustling with the energy of weathered farm women selling local delicacies such as pickled herring, home-made cabbage rolls and organic cheese. The fabric of life offered by the old city includes encounters with artisans displaying exquisitely crafted folk art such as hand painted eggs or hand embroidered garments. Antique treasures abound, but keep in mind that items over 100 years old are not allowed out of the country.
Whether your experience includes five star dining. tickets to an Opera house that rivals the Palais Garnier in Paris, or a chauffeured day tour to surrounding castles, you will be amazed how affordable Lviv is. Cases in point: a cafe-cognac in an elite terrace costs a mere $1.50 and your loge at the opera only $10 U.S...
If I haven't persuaded you by now, let me warn you that the year 2012 will drastically change the face of this up and coming tourist destination. Lviv will be a major host of the 2012 Euro Football Championship. Come and be a part of the magic that is Lviv now-you are guaranteed the experience of a life time!
For more information about Lviv please vist- http://www.rentlviv.com
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