Lviv is an ancient city where people of various nationalities and diverse cultures have lived. Naturally, Lviv has been spoken in many languages. Latin, in particular, holds a special place among them. It is the language of business, diplomacy, and science, as well as the language of Lviv's buildings. Universities, churches, residential houses... Latin inscriptions in Lviv can be found at every turn.
Where to Look for Latin Inscriptions on Buildings in Lviv?
Inscriptions on Sacred Objects
It's impossible to talk about Lviv without mentioning its churches and sacred objects. There are plenty of them, especially in the central part of the city, adorned with numerous Latin inscriptions. Take, for example, the Boim Chapel. It features Latin quotes from the Bible, such as "O vos omnes qui transitis per viam attendite et videte si est dolor sicut dolor meus" ("All you who pass by the way, attend and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow") beneath its dome. By the chapel's entrance, you can find statues of the apostles Peter and Paul. Above Peter, there is the phrase "Morte turpissima condemnemus" ("Let us condemn him to the most shameful death"). The chapel's facade bears expressions depicting the suffering of Jesus Christ, while inside, you'll find fragments from the "Symbol of Faith" and liturgy. Additionally, you cannot overlook the portraits of Georg Boim and his wife Jadwiga, which are displayed on the eastern wall of the chapel. Latin phrases on these portraits provide information about who we are seeing in these artistic works.
Many Latin inscriptions can be found in the interior and exterior of the Latin Cathedral, including the Campian Chapel. There's also an opportunity to practice Latin in the Church of St. Andrew and the Garrison Church of St. Peter and Paul. One of the most famous inscriptions in the central part of Lviv is "Soli Deo honor et gloria" ("To God alone be honor and glory"), which stands above the former Dominican church. Latin biblical quotes are present on the tiles of St. Lazarus Hospital, complementing the relief images next to which they are located. In general, most of Lviv's ancient churches feature Latin inscriptions.
Latin and the Everyday Life of Lviv Residents
House No. 28 on Market Square, also known as the 'Doctor's House' or the Hepner House, was built in the 16th century. It was the residence of the doctor and city councilor Dominik Hepner. The building is adorned with so many Latin expressions that it could be called a quote repository: 'Probus invidet nemini' ('The virtuous person envies no one'), 'Domat omnia virtus' ('Virtue conquers all'), 'Ubi Charitas ibi Deus' ('Where there is charity, there is God'), 'Ubi uber ibi tuber' ('Where there is abundance, there is a hump'), 'Ubi opes ibi amici' ('Where there is wealth, there are friends'). Above the main portal, the phrase 'Deus meus et omnia' ('My God and my everything') can be seen.
Among the most recognizable townhouses on Market Square is the Venetian House, which belonged to the Venetian consul Antonio Massari (No. 14). Its facade features a typical Venetian winged lion holding an open book. On the book, we read: 'Pax tibi Marcus evangelista meus dixit' ('Peace be with you - my evangelist Mark said'). The 'Black House' provides a short biography of one of its owners, the physician and apothecary Martin Anchevsky. There are Latin sayings on the Scholz-Wolfowicz House on Market Square as well. For instance, 'Time Dominum et recede a malo' ('Fear the Lord and turn away from evil').
On residential buildings, we often come across inscriptions like "Salve" ("Welcome") or "A. D." ("Anno Domini"). However, the facade of the house at 14 Parkova Street stands out more. Here, there is a relief by Zygmunt Kurchinski with an image of a man. Below it, a Latin phrase reads "Inimice preafteri hanc domum" ("Enemy, pass by my house")
If it's science (art), then in Latin
A separate topic is inscriptions on educational institutions and related locations. For example, "Litteris et artibus," which translates to "For learning and the arts," can be found on the facade of the main building of Lviv Polytechnic. There's also "Here the dead live, and the mute speak," located on the Lviv Polytechnic Library. On the main building of Ivan Franko Lviv National University, you can see "Patriae decori civibus educandis," which means "Educating citizens for the glory of the homeland."
The "Four Seasons" building in Lviv can be considered a true quote repository. Gabriel Krasutsky was responsible for the decoration of this building. The facade features reliefs representing the four seasons, zodiac signs, and Latin phrases. The latter are quotes from Virgil's "Georgics." Medical specialties are named on the Medical University building: "Physiology," "Anatomy," "Histology"...
Latin inscriptions can also be found in Lviv on cultural and artistic institutions, such as the Lviv Palace of Arts, which bears the inscription: "Ars longa vita brevis" ("Art is long, life is short").
*Most of the translations are provided by Andriy Sodomora and Markiyan Dombrovsky
