Lviv
Lviv
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Overview

Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine and the sixth-largest in the country, has a rich and diverse history spanning over seven centuries. Founded in 1256 by Prince Daniel Romanovich of Galicia, Lviv has been a significant cultural, political, and economic center, influenced by various rulers and empires. Here is a timeline highlighting some of the most significant events and periods in the history of Lviv.
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.