Historical photo of Internat im. Piramowicza boarding school in Lviv circa 1905

Pekarska Street, Lviv

Pekarska Street Lviv: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Pekarska Street, situated in the heart of Lviv, Ukraine, is a remarkable destination for travelers interested in the city’s layered history, architectural heritage, and multicultural spirit. Once a center for bakers and artisans, Pekarska Street has evolved into an eclectic avenue, blending Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau influences. Today, the street is not only a route connecting the city center with the culturally significant Lychakiv district and Lychakiv Cemetery, but also a vibrant community hub hosting educational institutions, artisan workshops, and historic palaces. This comprehensive guide covers Pekarska Street’s origins, architectural highlights, cultural significance, and practical details—including visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, and guided tours—for an enriching visit to one of Lviv’s most atmospheric quarters. (lviv.travel, lia.lvivcenter.org, discover.ua)

Piekarska Street in Lviv with old buildings and street lamps

Historic map of Lviv city in 1829 featuring Pekarska street highlighted in red

Pekarska street in Lviv in 1917 highlighted in red on the city plan

Pekarska Street in Lviv highlighted in red on 1939 city plan

Pekarska street in Lviv highlighted in red on the 1943 city plan

Pekarska Street highlighted in red on the 1944 Lviv city plan

Map of Lviv city in 1944 highlighting Pekarska street in red

Early Development and Urban Context
Architectural Heritage and Notable Buildings
Cultural and Social Significance
Historical Events and Transformations
Visiting Pekarska Street: Essential Information
Modern-Day Character and Visitor Experience
Preservation and Community Initiatives
Key Facts and Figures
FAQ
Exploring Pekarska Street: Highlights and Nearby Historical Sites
Visiting Lychakiv Cemetery: History and Practical Guide
Summary and Recommendations
References

Early Development and Urban Context

Dating back to medieval times, Pekarska Street grew as Lviv expanded beyond its Old Town walls. Its name—derived from the Ukrainian word for “baker”—reflects its early role as a hub for bakers and artisans who supplied bread and pastries to the city’s residents and travelers. By the 16th and 17th centuries, Pekarska Street became a vital connection between the city center and the eastern Lychakiv suburb, with the celebrated Lychakiv Cemetery marking its terminus. The street’s gentle curves along Lviv’s hills made it a desirable area for merchants, craftsmen, and academics. (lviv.travel)

Architectural Heritage and Notable Buildings

Pekarska Street is renowned for its architectural diversity, spanning Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Secessionist styles. Noteworthy landmarks include:

Turkuł-Komello Palace (50a Pekarska Street): Originally a noble residence and later home to Zofia Batycka (Miss Polonia 1930), this palace now houses the Stepan Gzhytskyi Lviv National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology. Its ornate façade and historical interiors exemplify Lviv’s aristocratic past. (discover.ua)
Semenskyi-Levytskyi Palace (19 Pekarska Street): This former noble mansion currently operates as a boarding school, showcasing adaptive reuse of historic architecture.
Resurrectionist Congregation Monastery (57 Pekarska Street): A 19th-century religious complex designed by Albin Zagórski, reflecting Neo-Renaissance and Baroque elements. (lia.lvivcenter.org)
Lviv Danylo Halytskyi Medical University (69 Pekarska Street): A prominent academic institution with a stately classical façade.

The street also features restored historic gates, such as the notable brass gate at 17 Pekarska Street, and an array of artisan-build facades and decorative details. (lviv.travel)

Pekarska Street has been home to diverse communities—Ukrainians, Poles, Jews, and Armenians—whose traditions and stories are embedded in its architecture and urban culture. The nearby educational institutions underscore its ongoing role as a center of learning and innovation. Notable residents like Maria Hrushevska (wife of historian Mykhailo Hrushevsky) and religious leaders have contributed to its historic fabric. The street’s multiculturalism is evident in its linguistic diversity, local culinary offerings, and traditions of hospitality. (lia.lvivcenter.org)

Historical Events and Transformations

Pekarska Street has witnessed Lviv’s major historical events, from the Habsburg and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth eras to World War I and II, Soviet occupation, and modern Ukrainian independence. The street was a center for Jewish Enlightenment in the 19th century and endured periods of decline and restoration. Recent years have brought renewed preservation efforts, with local authorities and communities working together to protect its architecture and historical significance. (pragmatika.media)

Visiting Pekarska Street: Essential Information

Visiting Hours

Pekarska Street is a public thoroughfare open year-round, 24/7. Individual buildings, such as universities and artist workshops, typically welcome visitors on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Special events and open days may be announced on institutional websites.

Tickets

There is no fee to walk along Pekarska Street. Entry to some university buildings or exhibitions may require a ticket; always check institution websites for the latest information.

Accessibility

The street is mostly pedestrian-friendly, with paved sidewalks. Some areas are hilly or have uneven surfaces, and accessibility varies in older buildings. Public transportation, including tram and bus lines, serves Pekarska Street.

Guided Tours

Local tour operators and cultural centers offer guided walking tours focusing on the street’s architecture, history, and notable residents. Many tours include nearby attractions such as Lychakiv Cemetery.

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and hills.
Visit in spring or autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Photography is encouraged—morning or afternoon light is ideal for capturing palaces and gates.

Modern-Day Character and Visitor Experience

Today, Pekarska Street is a lively corridor featuring academic institutions, medical facilities, artisan shops, and residential buildings. Its proximity to Lychakiv Cemetery and the Church of St. Anthony makes it a convenient base for exploring Lviv’s eastern neighborhoods. Students, healthcare professionals, residents, and visitors create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. (discover.ua)

Preservation and Community Initiatives

Preserving Pekarska Street’s historic charm is a community priority. Restoration projects have revitalized palaces, gates, and façades, though challenges such as unauthorized alterations persist. Community-led events, educational programs, and guided tours foster local pride and stewardship. (pragmatika.media, lviv.travel)

Key Facts and Figures

Length: Approximately 1.5 kilometers, connecting Lviv’s city center and Lychakiv district.
Protected Monuments: Turkuł-Komello Palace, Semenskyi-Levytskyi Palace, and restored historic gates.
Accessibility: Multiple tram and bus lines serve the area.
Functions: Educational, residential, and commercial uses reflect its historic multifunctionality.

FAQ: Pekarska Street

Q: Is there an entrance fee to visit Pekarska Street?
A: No, the street is open to the public free of charge.

Q: What are the best times to visit?
A: Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather and fewer tourists.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local tour operators provide history and architecture-focused walks.

Q: Is Pekarska Street accessible for people with mobility challenges?
A: The street is mostly pedestrian-friendly, but assistance may be needed in some hilly or uneven areas.

Q: Can I visit the Turkuł-Komello Palace?
A: The palace operates as a university; public access is limited. Check for open days or special events.

Exploring Pekarska Street: Highlights and Nearby Historical Sites

Notable Addresses

9 Pekarska: College Building
19 Pekarska: Boarding school (former Siemieński-Lewicki Palace)
50a Pekarska: Turkuł-Komello Palace / Lviv National Veterinary University
57 Pekarska: Resurrectionist Congregation Monastery
69 Pekarska: Lviv Danylo Halytskyi Medical University

Each address offers a unique perspective on Lviv’s historical and architectural development. (lia.lvivcenter.org, discover.ua)

Nearby Attractions

Lychakiv Cemetery: A renowned necropolis and open-air museum, just a short walk away.
Local Cafes and Bakeries: Experience Lviv’s culinary traditions.
Old Town Lviv: UNESCO World Heritage site, accessible on foot or by tram.

Visiting Lychakiv Cemetery: History, Cultural Significance, and Practical Guide

History and Significance

Founded in 1786, Lychakiv Cemetery is one of Lviv’s most important heritage sites. Originally established during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it became the burial ground for the city’s elite—intellectuals, artists, and political leaders. Its monuments and mausoleums reflect Lviv’s multicultural past, with Ukrainian, Polish, Jewish, and Armenian histories represented.

Cultural Highlights

The cemetery is celebrated for its artistic tombstones and mausoleums, many designed by prominent sculptors. Notable burials include Ukrainian poet Ivan Franko, Polish playwright Aleksander Fredro, and composer Solomiya Krushelnytska.

Essential Visitor Information

Opening Hours:
- April to October: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- November to March: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tickets:
- Entry fee: 50 UAH adults, 25 UAH students/seniors
- Guided tours are available (advance booking recommended)
Accessibility:
- Address: Pekarska Street, 36, Lviv, Ukraine
- Tram/bus access; wheelchair access is limited—contact the administration for assistance

Practical Tips

Dress respectfully and bring cash for entry.
English-language guided tours are available upon request.
Photography is permitted; maintain respectful behavior.

FAQ

Q: Are there guided tours in English?
A: Yes, but book in advance.

Q: Can I buy tickets online?
A: Tickets are purchased on-site.

Q: Is it suitable for children?
A: Yes, with supervision.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Generally not permitted.

For more, visit the Official Lychakiv Cemetery Website and Historic Sites in Lviv.

Summary and Recommendations

Pekarska Street is a living monument to Lviv’s multifaceted history and cultural diversity. Its architecture, vibrant social life, and proximity to Lychakiv Cemetery make it an essential destination for travelers seeking an authentic experience. Community preservation efforts and ongoing restorations help maintain its charm despite modern challenges. Plan your visit with guided tours, local events, and practical tips, and enhance your journey using resources like the Audiala app and official tourism sites. (lviv.travel, lia.lvivcenter.org, discover.ua)