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History
Selected timelines
Main milestones
Foundation of Lviv
1256
Lviv was founded by Prince Daniel Romanovich of Galicia, who named it after his son Leo (Lev in Ukrainian). This marked the beginning of Lviv as a strategic and cultural hub in the region of Galicia.
Capital of the Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia
1272-1349
Lviv served as the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia, a period during which it emerged as a central city in the historical regions of Red Ruthenia and Galicia, superseding other cities like Halych and Chełm.
Conquest by King Casimir III of Poland
1349
King Casimir III the Great of Poland conquered Lviv, marking the beginning of Polish rule. Casimir III invited German builders and craftsmen to develop the city, leading to a significant German influence in its architecture and population.
Granting of Magdeburg Rights
1356
Casimir III granted Lviv the rights of Magdeburg law, which allowed German and Polish merchants to control the municipal government. This period saw a rapid influx of German merchants and tradesmen, contributing to the city's economic and cultural growth.
Cossack Sieges
1648 and 1655
Bohdan Khmelnytsky’s Cossack army besieged Lviv twice, first capturing the Vysokyi Zamok fortress in 1648 and again in 1655. These sieges were part of the broader Polish-Ukrainian conflicts that affected the city's development.
Austrian and Austro-Hungarian Rule
1772-1914
Following the First Partition of Poland, Lviv became part of the Habsburg Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria. During this period, the city underwent significant urban development, including the removal of fortification walls and the construction of new infrastructure such as railroads and the citadel.
Capital of the West Ukrainian People's Republic
1918
For a short period, Lviv served as the capital of the West Ukrainian People's Republic, reflecting the city's role in the tumultuous political landscape of the early 20th century.
Annexation by the Soviet Union
1939
Following the German-Soviet invasion of Poland, Lviv was annexed by the Soviet Union, marking another significant shift in the city's governance and cultural identity.
Independence of Ukraine
1991-Present
With Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Lviv has continued to grow as a major cultural, economic, and educational center, preserving its rich historical heritage while embracing modern development. Today, it is home to over 717,500 people and remains a vital part of Ukraine's identity.
17th and 18th Centuries: Wars and Cultural Development
Siege by Cossacks
1648
Lviv was besieged by Cossacks, marking one of the first times the High Castle was taken by storm.
Founding of the Jesuit Lviv University
1661
The Jesuit collegium in Lviv was elevated to the status of an academy, later becoming the first university in Ukraine.
Siege by Turks
1672
Lviv faced a siege by Turkish forces, another significant military challenge for the city.
Austrian and Austro-Hungarian Rule
1772-1914
Lviv came under Austrian and later Austro-Hungarian rule following the First Partition of Poland. This period saw the city become the capital of the Habsburg Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria.
Medieval and Renaissance Period
Rebuilding of the High Castle
1362
The High Castle was rebuilt, reflecting the city's ongoing importance as a defensive and administrative center.
Construction of the Armenian Church
1363
The Armenian church was built, highlighting the diverse religious and cultural influences in Lviv.
Establishment of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lwów
1365
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lwów was established, marking a significant religious milestone for the city.
Completion of the Latin Cathedral
1480
The construction of the Latin Cathedral was completed, a major architectural achievement of the period.
Construction of the Korniakt Palace
1580
The Korniakt Palace was built on Market Square, one of the many architectural landmarks of Lviv's Renaissance period.
Selected days from chronicle
16 August, 1945
A border agreement was signed in Moscow between the Soviet Union and Poland, formalizing the Polish-Soviet border along the Curzon Line.
31 October, 1918
The Western Ukrainian People's Republic was proclaimed with Lviv as its capital.
22 June, 1941
Nazi Germany and its allies invaded the USSR, and Lviv was taken by the Germans during Operation Barbarossa.
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