In the second half of the 16th century, Antonio Massari arrived in Lviv to perform the functions of the Venetian consul in the city. At his request, a new house in the Renaissance style was built, or more precisely rebuilt on the site of the Gothic Hinkovska townhouse (1589). The reconstruction was carried out by the outstanding Lviv architect Pavlo Rimlyanin with the participation of Pavlo Shchaslyvyi. Since then, the townhouse began to be called "Massari's" or "Venetian."
As Antonio Massari was the Venetian consul in Lviv, we can see a stone coat of arms of the Venetian Republic above the entrance portal to the house - a winged lion holding an open book with the Latin inscription "PAX TIBI MARCE EVANGELISTA MEVS DIXIT", which translates to "Peace be with you, Mark, my evangelist" - said the Lord to Mark the evangelist. The book also bears the date "1600", indicating the year of one of the house's restorations.
Regarding Antonio Massari, he married the daughter of Lviv burgher Jan Sholts-Wolfovych, who founded the Jesuit Park (now the Ivan Franko Park) in the 16th century. Later, the park passed into the ownership of his son-in-law. Massari then arranged this park in an Italian manner.
Over time, the owners of the house changed as well. After the construction of the fourth floor in the 19th century, the Venetian townhouse partially lost its original appearance. However, original elements of the past can still be found in its interior. One of the characteristic architectural elements of this building is the so-called diamond rustication (decorating the facade with squares or rectangles that have the shape of quadrangular pyramids). The interior of the townhouse retains its original tripartite layout, elements of decor, and vaults in the rooms of the first floor.
At present, the house is a national monument of architecture. The townhouse is considered one of the best-preserved buildings located in the southern part of the Market Square. The building is now a residential house, as well as home to some of the most famous restaurants in Lviv:
Kryivka
A restaurant surrounded by legends. There are no signs or indications at the entrance. The restaurant has its thematic concept and a unique interior stylized as a hideout of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. As for the menu, it offers Ukrainian cuisine dishes, adjusted to the style of the establishment. This is one of the most popular restaurants in Lviv, and "Kryivka" has become the most visited restaurant in Europe.
Very High Cuisine
The goal of the restaurant's creators was to make high cuisine more approachable for people. The restaurant's motto is "food and music without intermediaries." Here, your order is taken by the chef himself, with whom you can discuss what you would like to taste, which cuisine you prefer, and the cooking method. There is no menu or waiters in the restaurant, only chefs and technical staff, and the price of the order is determined by a special scale. Another feature is that the restaurant plays music from vinyl, which sounds from huge and original handmade speakers created in Lviv. You will also have the opportunity to admire the view of the Lviv roofs. To do this, go to the restaurant's terrace, where special domes are located, the perfect location for a cozy meeting with friends or a romantic date in Lviv.
The Most Exspensive Galician Restaurant
It is located on the second floor of the Venetian townhouse. The restaurant has its unique concept and highlights. You can also learn about the Masonic movement and its connection to Ukraine. Original interior, jazz and light classical music, mysterious symbols of Masons, and European cuisine - we recommend you visit this place; we are sure you will enjoy it.
