Many years ago in Lviv I came across what looked like a metal door matt. I had no idea what it was until I saw similar panels in Edinburgh and Tallinn and turned to the Internet for help. Turns out it is a vault light to illuminate the basement. It […]

During a visit to Kraków the week before Christmas, I attended a small gathering at an acquaintance’s apartment. While they sang Polish Christmas carols, one particular melody stood out to me — it was remarkably similar to a Ukrainian Christmas carol, with lyrics that resembled those of its Ukrainian counterpart. […]

In 1880, the then 50-year-old Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph I, undertook a journey during which he visited the area of two crown lands: Galicia (including the Grand Duchy of Kraków) and Bukovina. The emperor traveled by train, mainly on the lines of the Karl Ludwig Railway and the Galician […]

The old Ukrainian diaspora, primarily originating from Galicia, has been instrumental in preserving linguistic elements predating the 1933 orthography, which marked the onset of russification in Ukrainian orthographic tradition. Alongside, this community has safeguarded distinctive Galician linguistic and orthographic customs, which have gradually faded within Galicia itself. This article has […]

Ferrum-Lwów Machine Factory and Iron and Metal Foundry was part of a large company that had factories in several cities including Łódź, Poznań, Kraków, and Sosnowiec near Katowice. In Lviv, the factory was located in the Pidzamche neighborhood and in addition to various iron and metal works such as manhole covers and […]

Before World War II, companies that installed plumbing and sewers in Lviv (Lwów/Lemberg) attached plates on building where such services were provided. A few of these plates, which state in Polish that “wodociąg w tym domu” (water supply in this house) was installed by such and such company, can still […]

Food & Drink in Lviv In the years leading up to the full-scale invasion, Lviv witnessed a surge in its restaurant, cafe, and bar industry. New establishments seemed to pop up every few days, making it a challenge to keep track of them all. Despite the initial disruptions caused by […]

An Alternative Shopping Guide to Lviv’s City Center A list of the best places to find all things made in Ukraine, clothing, local artwork, infused vodka and craft beer, as well as antiques. Clothing & Accessories & Home Decor Ukraine’s craft industry has really taken off in the last few […]

This version of Michael Aylward’s article “Shund on Shellac or Gimpel’s Theatre, Lemberg” is based on a much longer version with various appendices. The complete version is posted in PDF format at the bottom of this article and may be downloaded. If you wish to quote from either of these […]

The beautiful Lychakiv Cemetery greets visitors with its winding paths adorned by exquisite artistic statues and grave vaults, evoking a nostalgic journey through time. However, amidst its splendor, one can’t help but notice the destroyed headstones and vaults. This made me wonder why so much damage can be found in […]