St. George's Cathedral, Lviv (must see)

Saint George’s Cathedral in Lviv stands as one of the city’s most important religious and cultural landmarks, representing the spiritual heart of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The current Baroque-Rococo ensemble, completed in the 1760s, occupies a site long associated with Christian worship; earlier monasteries and wooden churches stood here before the present complex took shape. Its hilltop location gives the cathedral a commanding presence over the surrounding district, marking it as a historic symbol of Lviv’s ecclesiastical life.

Designed by architect Bernard Meretyn, the cathedral displays a confident blend of late Baroque curves and ornate decoration. The sculptural program by Johann Georg Pinsel, one of the leading figures of the Lviv Baroque school, adds expressive dynamism to the building. His dramatic statue of Saint George slaying the dragon crowns the façade, while additional figures animate the terraces and portals, creating a sense of movement that contrasts with the monumental walls. Together, Meretyn and Pinsel shaped a structure that combines architectural clarity with powerful artistic detail.

Inside, the cathedral maintains this visual richness. Soft light filters across gilded iconostasis elements, carved ornament, and a series of icons reflecting the traditions of the Greek Catholic faith. The interior also preserves objects connected to the Sheptytsky family, whose leadership played a central role in the development of the church in Galicia. These features lend the space both artistic significance and a sense of continuity with the region’s religious heritage.

The cathedral complex extends beyond the main sanctuary. Its courtyards, terraces, and auxiliary buildings form a carefully planned ensemble, allowing visitors to appreciate the full scale of the 18th-century design. From the steps leading up to the entrance, the city unfolds below, reinforcing the prominence the site has held for generations.

Today, Saint George’s Cathedral remains an active place of worship and a key stop for those exploring Lviv’s historical layers. Its architecture, sculpture, and long-standing spiritual role offer visitors a concise yet compelling look into the cultural identity of western Ukraine.