Dominican Cathedral (Church of the Holy Eucharist)

Dominican Cathedral is a grand building that captivates at first sight and arouses the interest of passers-by. The cathedral’s monumentality and its powerful architectural volumes make the building stand out among the surrounding development. Dominican Cathedral is a mandatory part of many guided tours and is on one of the tourist routes in Lviv. The history of the cathedral began in the 16th century, when the mass construction of Dominican churches and monasteries was taking place across Europe. The stone cathedral served them as a defensive structure that played a major role in various military disturbances.

Photo from the website via-regia.org.ua

Dominican Cathedral impresses not only with its facades, decorated with stucco in the Baroque style, but also with the beauty of the interior design. The huge elliptical space is framed around the perimeter by columns topped with exquisite capitals. The lavish stucco is set off by gold, which gives the interior a pompous feel.

Interesting facts:

• Originally, the cathedral building was made of wood, but the fire of 1407 completely destroyed it.
• The cathedral bell tower was built to a design by the Polish architect Julian Zachariyovych.
• In Soviet times, the cathedral was used as the Museum of Religion and Atheism.
• The inscription on the central portal translates as “Honor and praise to the One God.”
• In the middle of the cathedral, 18 sculptures covered with gold have been installed.