AROUND LVIV. A START AT SVOBODY

28th Jul 2023

Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet. North end of Prospect Svobody.

The City Centre. Very basic map. 

I began with a wander around town up Prospect Svobody, the main pedestrian boulevard in the city centre, starting at the statue of Taras Shevchenko (left) at the southern end. He, poet, writer, artist and political figure is considered the founder of the modern Ukraine language and culture (I think). The thing behind him symbolises the 'Wave of National Revival'. Children were frequently trying, and failing, to climb up it.

There was a lot of 'entertainment' on the boulevard including musicians and folk out having a good time. Right: There were horses and carts to take punters for a tow around town. Probably rather bumpy over all those cobbles.

Left: I presume this is a Ukrainian 'eco-friendly' electric buggy.

Right: I was persuaded to have go at an impromptu rifle range set up on the street. OK, the AK 47 was adapted to be an air rifle and the target was only about 10 yards away. They greeted my efforts most enthusiastically.

Left: The target. I was firing a bit low (punctured his nose a few times). There was no charge for this, but I donated a few Kryvnia. All done with great good humour. I suspect if anyone tried this in UK it would attract an armed police response!

Right: One of several singers/band playing.

Below: A jolly group performing plus a few enthusiastic dancers.

Left: Mr Lion-head. I think he was on his way to scare the children.

Right: A headless pink donkey/dinosaur? having a breather.

Left: On the pavements there were people playing backgammon, draughts and chess. They attracted many interested observers giving 'advice and encouragement'! 

Right: In front of the theatre was a clever fountain arrangement which kept changing its 'display'. This was very popular with the children who enjoyed getting wet in it and were given the occasional rude 'surprise', by unexpected jets of water with varying power and direction. 

Left: A skate park nearby at which youngsters performed the most elaborate tricks on skate-boards, scooters and bicycles. My photography was not up to catching the most daring and acrobatic feats.

Right: The centre of the city is dominated by the 'Ratusha' (Old City Hall) in the large main Rynok (market) Square. This has a tall clock tower which you can climb up. Of course I couldn't resist it. You buy (£1) a ticket on the 4th floor (102 steps up a wide marbled staircase) then a further 305 steps up a very narrow wooden spiral staircase. Good exercise and it got you right up to the top, just beneath the flagpole. I was sweating a bit.

Left: A view of some of the city from the top. Looking south-west, I think.

Right: .....and down to the Square below.

Left: Halfway up/down the workings of the main clock are displayed through a window. The clock did actually tell the correct time.

Right: Transport for a city tour was stationed at the bottom. I walked.

Left: A cheerful lady in the Square selling 'Ukrainian' flowers.

Right: Again in the Square, someone trying to sell balloons. I didn't see him sell any. I can't think why anyone would want one.....but not my problem.

Left: Standing next to the statue of someone called Nikifor Krynicki, near the Dominican Cathedral on the eastern side of the Square. He was a 'famous' Ukrainian painter.

That is just an eye-opener to the many sights to be seen in this proud ancient city. My next walking trip will take me around much more of the place which is overloaded with churches, monuments, cafés, bars, restaurants and other places of interest.