Description of the attraction
The Jesuit Church is one of the largest religious architectural monuments in the city of Lviv. The church is located at 11 Teatralnaya Street and is considered a striking example of the Baroque style in the city.
The construction of the church began by the Jesuits in 1610 under the leadership of the Jesuit monk Sebastian Lamhaus, who was also the author of the first project. In 1618-1621, the original design of the building was redesigned and completed by the Italian architect Jacop Briano. The architect added to the structure the forms that were used in the scheme of the Church of Il-Gesu, in Rome. This scheme was consistent with the Baroque style, and was widely used in European architecture in the 17th century. In 1630 the construction of the temple was completed, after which it was consecrated, but the finishing work continued for a long time.
The dimensions of the church were impressive. The temple has three naves according to the plan, it is divided by columns and pillars. The main facade is dissected by pilasters, cornice and decorative recesses in the wall, where statues of Jesuit saints were placed. In 1702, a tower was erected on the south side of the church, which at that time was the highest in Lviv.
In 1740 the Jesuit church was finally restored after a fire in 1734. The vaults of the temple were painted by artists Francis and Sebastian Eckstein from the city of Brno. In 1754 a clock was installed on the tower of the church, but in 1830 the bell tower was dismantled and as a result only two tiers remained from it.
Today, the oldest and most priceless work of art that has survived to this day is a wooden crucifix by J. Pfister in the side altar (17th century). There is also a book depository and a dungeon in the church building.
Currently, the Jesuit Church has been transferred to the ownership of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
