The church houses a reliquary containing the purported remains of Saint Valentine, which were transferred from the Roman catacombs in 1759.
The relics of Saint Valentine were officially recognized by the Vatican and authenticated for the Sambir parish in the 18th century.
The building was constructed between 1738 and 1740, replacing an earlier wooden structure destroyed by fire.
A portion of the relics of Saint Valentine is kept in a specialized glass reliquary on the side altar of the church.
The interior contains an 18th-century iconostasis that remains largely preserved from the church's original dedication.
The Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God in Sambir is a historic religious site that serves as the primary sanctuary housing the relics of Saint Valentine. Built in the early 18th century, the church features a distinct architectural style reflective of the regional Ukrainian religious tradition. The interior is decorated with ornate icons and wood carvings central to the local liturgical experience. It remains an active parish church under the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The building layout follows a traditional cruciform structure with a central dome. Pilgrims frequently visit to venerate the documented remains of Saint Valentine, which were brought to the site from Rome in the mid-18th century. It stands as a significant cultural and spiritual landmark within the Lviv Oblast.
The exterior facade from the square provides the best perspective of the church's architectural proportions.
Visit during the lead-up to Valentine's Day if you wish to see the site during its period of highest liturgical activity.
Respect the ongoing religious services by maintaining silence and standing toward the back if a mass is in progress.
Check local parish announcements, as the church may host specific prayer sessions dedicated to the relics of Saint Valentine.
Do not attempt to photograph the interior during active religious services as it is considered disruptive.
Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered. Women should cover their heads, and men should remove hats.
