Historical Capitals of the World

Lviv

Country: Ukraine

Region: Europe

Period: 13th-14th c.CE, 1772–1919

Location: 49.8425°N, 24.032222°E

Description

Lviv is a historic city in western Ukraine that was the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia from 1272 to 1340. In 1772 it became the capital of the the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria. This lasted until 1918. From 1918 to 1919 it was capital of the short-lived West Ukrainian People's Republic (ZUNR). This republic was established amidst the chaos following the end of World War I and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it sought to assert Ukrainian independence in the face of competing powers.

Modern Remains

Today, Lviv is a vibrant cultural and historical city in Ukraine, known for its well-preserved architecture and deep historical roots. The remnants of the West Ukrainian People's Republic are commemorated through monuments, museums, and cultural events that celebrate the city's role in the early 20th-century struggle for Ukrainian independence. Lviv's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in historical landmarks, including churches, palaces, and squares, which continue to attract tourists and historians alike.

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