Church of Sts. Olha and Elizabeth, Lviv

The Church of Saints Olha and Elizabeth is one of Lviv’s most striking Neo-Gothic landmarks, standing prominently in the western part of the historic centre. Built between 1903 and 1911 for the growing Roman Catholic community of the city, it was designed by architect Teodor Talowski, whose work is known for its expressive Gothic forms and dramatic silhouettes. The church was dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and Saint Olga of Kyiv, symbolically linking the city’s multicultural heritage to both Central European and Eastern Christian traditions.

Its construction answered the needs of a rapidly expanding city at the turn of the 20th century. As Lviv grew under Austro-Hungarian rule, this part of the city became a key transport hub, and the new church was intended to serve travellers arriving at the nearby railway station. Talowski’s design echoed the Gothic Revival style popular across Europe, with pointed arches, slender spires, and stone ornamentation that gave the building a sense of upward movement and solemnity.

Inside, visitors encounter a more restrained interior than its dramatic exterior might suggest. The nave is illuminated by tall stained-glass windows that add colour and atmosphere, while the carved altars and decorative details reflect the craftsmanship of early 20th-century Lviv artisans. Though the interior has undergone changes due to periods of neglect and restoration, it still preserves a sense of historical continuity and spiritual calm.

After World War II, the church was closed and later repurposed, reflecting the city’s shifting political landscape. In the 1990s, it was returned to religious use and now serves the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church under the name Church of Saints Olha and Elizabeth. Today, its tall spires remain a distinctive feature of Lviv’s skyline, making it a notable point of orientation and an appealing stop for visitors exploring the city’s architectural heritage.