St. George's Cathedral is the metropolitan cathedral of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, set on St. George's Hill on the west side of Lviv. Its baroque-rococo building was completed in 1760, and its sculptures stand out both above the portal and inside. The altar is framed by figures of four Church Fathers, and silver reliquaries hold the relics of saints. From the hill, the views reach across the city. Walk the whole compound, since the building looks different from each side.
History of the site
A wooden church was founded on this site in the 1270s by Danylo Halytskyi. Later, a Byzantine-style basilica stood here until the end of the 18th century.
The present cathedral was built between 1744 and 1760 in the baroque-rococo style. Since then it has served as the mother church of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, a role it held through the 19th and 20th centuries and still holds today as the metropolitan cathedral.
Inside the cathedral
The interior walls are painted white and the space is decorated with icons and statues. The altar is adorned with four figures of Church Fathers, St. Augustine, St. George, St. Ambrose and St. Jerome, the work of Maciej Polejowski.
In the middle of the altar sit two silver reliquaries from the 18th century, holding relics of several saints. Above the tabernacle is a silver reliquary with the remains of blessed Jakub Strzemię, patron of the Lviv archdiocese.
The cathedral is also home to several crypts of well-known Ukrainian figures. Pope John Paul II stayed on the site during his 2001 visit to Lviv.
The facade, bell tower and grounds
The sculptures by Johann Georg Pinsel are among the church's main attractions. Two of the most prominent figures above the portal show St. Leo and St. Athanasius.
Behind the cathedral stands a bell tower that houses the oldest bell in Ukraine, cast in 1341. Take time to photograph it from the grounds.
The complex also includes the metropolitan's palace, chapter houses, terraces with stairs, gardens and walls. Walking around the whole site shows the cathedral from several angles. The view from Horodotska Street is partly blocked by a circus building from the 1960s, so it is better to look from the hill itself.
FAQ
Is St. George's Cathedral a Catholic church?
It is a Greek Catholic church, part of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Services are held in Ukrainian and in Polish, according to the schedule.
How do I get to St. George's Cathedral from the old town?
It is a walk of about 10 to 20 minutes, uphill, from the old town. It sits on St. George's Hill on the west side of the city.
When is the best time to visit?
Mornings and weekday daytime are quieter. Weekends, holidays and evenings bring more people.
Is the cathedral open every day?
Opening hours are listed for every day of the week, but one visitor noted that the doors are not always open outside weekends and service times. Check ahead before you go.
