Lviv is a city where history speaks from every corner — and its monuments are far more than stone and bronze. They are storytellers, guardians of memory, and symbols of identity. Discover the most remarkable and meaningful monuments that reflect the soul of Lviv.
Taras Shevchenko Monument and “The Wave of National Revival”
Location: Svobody Avenue (city center)
Opened: Main figure — August 24, 1992; “Wave of National Revival” — 1996
This isn’t just a monument to the great Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko — it’s an entire memorial complex with deep symbolic meaning. The 4.45-meter statue of Shevchenko is complemented by a 12-meter sculptural stele, The Wave of National Revival, adorned with reliefs depicting Ukraine’s history from Kyivan Rus to the 20th century. The site has become not only an artistic symbol but also a civic one — a place for public gatherings, celebrations, and national events.
Adam Mickiewicz Monument
Location: Mickiewicz Square
Opened: October 30, 1904
One of the most beautiful monuments to the Polish poet in the world, this 21-meter column is made of pink Italian granite from near Milan. At its top stands Mickiewicz himself, while above him rises a winged Genius holding a lyre — symbolizing divine inspiration. The monument’s unveiling was a moment of great cultural pride for Lviv’s Polish community, and today it remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Ivan Fedorov Monument
Location: Pidvalna Street (next to the Dominican Cathedral and the Powder Tower)
Opened: 1977
Dedicated to Ivan Fedorov — the first Ukrainian printer — this monument celebrates the birth of book printing in Lviv. Fedorov is depicted in a monk’s robe, holding a book in one hand while scattering “seeds of knowledge” with the other — a metaphor for spreading education. Fittingly, the square around the monument has become Lviv’s open-air book market, where locals and visitors browse for rare and vintage editions.
The Good Soldier Švejk Monument
Location: 8 Hnatyuka Street (by the Viennese Café)
Opened: 2002
One of Lviv’s most humorous and beloved “small monuments,” this life-sized figure depicts Josef Švejk, the main character of Jaroslav Hašek’s satirical novel.
Sitting casually on a bench, Švejk has become a local favorite and a must-visit photo spot.
Interestingly, this is the second monument to Švejk in the city — the first stood near a local pub — but this one has achieved iconic status among both locals and tourists.
Leopold von Sacher-Masoch Monument
Location: 7 Serbska Street (next to Masoch Café)
Opened: 2008
The world’s only monument dedicated to Leopold von Sacher-Masoch — the Lviv-born writer whose name inspired the term masochism. Created by sculptor Volodymyr Tsisaryk, the life-size bronze figure features an interactive detail: inside the statue’s pocket hides a small “surprise” for curious visitors. Playful and provocative, the monument reflects both the eccentric personality of the writer and the city’s sense of humor.
