Boim Chapel, Lviv (must see)

The Boim Chapel in Lviv stands as one of the city’s most distinctive architectural landmarks, offering a striking example of early 17th-century funerary art. Commissioned by the wealthy merchant family of Hungarian origin, the Boims, the chapel was built between 1609 and 1615 as a private mausoleum beside the Latin Cathedral. Its creation coincided with a period when Lviv was a thriving multicultural hub within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and its design reflects the artistic influences circulating through the region at the time. Today, the chapel is admired not only for its craftsmanship but also for its role in illustrating the city’s layered past.

The exterior immediately captures attention with its dark, almost sculptural façade, richly decorated with biblical reliefs, ornamental motifs, and expressive figures. This elaborate stonework, carved by masters believed to be associated with the workshop of Andrzej Bemer, blends Renaissance principles with Mannerist detail. The dominant image of Christ above the entrance, framed by dense iconography, gives the façade its memorable, almost theatrical character. Over the centuries, the stone has darkened naturally, making its intricate carvings even more visually dramatic.

Inside, visitors encounter a more intimate setting, where vibrant frescoes and carved altarpieces illuminate the Boim family’s religious devotion. The interior dome, decorated with detailed scenes and ornamental patterns, draws the eye upward, offering a contrast to the darker tones of the exterior. Many of the interior elements have undergone careful restoration to preserve their original colour and clarity, allowing today’s visitors to appreciate the chapel’s artistic richness.

The chapel’s central figure is George Boim, whose effigy appears in a kneeling position before the altar. His presence reinforces the building’s purpose as both a family mausoleum and a statement of status, typical of the era’s affluent merchant class. As Lviv developed around it, the chapel retained its intimate scale and solemn atmosphere, becoming a familiar landmark for generations.

Today, the Boim Chapel stands as a compact yet powerful testament to Lviv’s Renaissance heritage. Its extraordinary façade and carefully preserved interior make it a highlight for visitors exploring the city’s historic centre, offering a glimpse into the artistic traditions and social history that shaped early modern Lviv.