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Temples #3 in Lviv

St. George's Cathedral

4.8 · 12,187 reviews
Solemn and historically resonant
St. George's Cathedral, Ploshcha Svyatoho Yura, 5, Lviv, L'vivs'ka oblast, Ukraine, 79000
Interesting facts
1

The statue of St. George on the main facade is one of the few surviving works by the prominent 18th-century sculptor Johann Georg Pinsel.

2

The cathedral's architecture is considered a masterpiece of the 'Lviv School' of Rococo, blending Western European design with local Eastern traditions.

3

The crypt contains the remains of significant Ukrainian religious leaders, including Cardinal Josyf Slipyj.

4

The complex was the seat of the Metropolitans of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church for centuries.

5

The interior icons, notably the Hodegetria icon of the Virgin Mary, date back to the 17th century and were brought from Terebovlya.

Overview

St. George's Cathedral is the primary Greek Catholic cathedral in Lviv, constructed between 1744 and 1760. Designed by architect Bernard Meretyn in the Rococo style, it serves as the mother church of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The building is situated on St. George's Hill, overlooking the city center. Its facade features a prominent statue of Saint George the Dragon-slayer, sculpted by Johann Georg Pinsel. The interior houses an 18th-century iconostasis and copies of the Shroud of Turin. The cathedral complex includes a 19th-century bell tower and the Metropolitan Palace. It serves as a significant site for both religious pilgrimages and architectural history. The crypts contain the tombs of notable religious figures, including Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky.

Photo spot

The central plaza at the foot of the cathedral steps for a full-frontal symmetrical shot of the facade.

Insider tips

Visit the small courtyard behind the cathedral to view the Metropolitan Palace and enjoy the quiet garden atmosphere.

Respect ongoing religious services by maintaining silence and avoiding photography inside during prayer.

Walk the perimeter of the hill to find vantage points that offer elevated views of Lviv's historic skyline.

What to avoid

Avoid taking photographs of worshippers during liturgy or private prayer.

Etiquette

Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees should be covered. Remove headwear upon entering.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45 minutes to 1 hour
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds and to capture the evening light on the facade.
Address
St. George's Cathedral, Ploshcha Svyatoho Yura, 5, Lviv, L'vivs'ka oblast, Ukraine, 79000
49.839, 24.013
Get directions
Details
Architectural styleRococo
DenominationUkrainian Greek Catholic Church

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds and to capture the evening light on the facade..

The central plaza at the foot of the cathedral steps for a full-frontal symmetrical shot of the facade.

Close by you'll find Lviv National Opera, Ivan Franko Park, Stryiskyi Park.