St. George's Cathedral, Lviv Church

St. George’s Cathedral in Lviv is a major Ukrainian Baroque cathedral and the historic seat of the Greek Catholic metropolitan in western Ukraine. The present building dates to the mid-18th century and is a noted example of regional Baroque architecture.

The cathedral is noted for its richly decorated Baroque exterior and interior, ornate iconography and sculptural work. Its elevated site gives it a prominent silhouette in Lviv’s historic centre and it remains a focal point for religious ceremonies and public events.

The current cathedral was constructed from 1744 to 1760 under architect Bernard Meretyn with sculptural contributions commonly attributed to Johann Georg Pinsel. The cathedral was the metropolitan seat of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, was suppressed during the Soviet period after 1946 and returned to Greek Catholic use following Ukrainian independence.

The cathedral sits on a hill in Lviv’s historic centre in Lviv Oblast, overlooking parts of the old city and within walking distance of other major civic and historic sites.

• Construction and style: Built between 1744 and 1760 by architect Bernard Meretyn with sculptural work attributed to Johann Georg Pinsel, representing a high point of Ukrainian Baroque architecture.
• Religious significance and 20th-century history: Served as the seat of the Greek Catholic Metropolitan; it was suppressed under Soviet rule after 1946 and returned to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church after 1991.

St. George’s Cathedral in Lviv stands on St. George’s Hill just to the west of the old town. From Rynok (Market) Square it is an uphill walk of about 15-20 minutes; alternatively take a short taxi or local bus from the city centre. The cathedral is within Lviv city limits, so travel times from elsewhere in the city are short.

• Check the cathedral's opening hours and service schedule before you go-the cathedral is an active religious site and parts may be closed during liturgies, so mornings outside major service times are usually best for sightseeing.
• Approach the complex on foot from the city centre to appreciate the Baroque exterior set on St. George's Hill, and pause outside to view the ornate western façade and its staircase before entering.