Lviv-Ukraine

Lviv is included in UNESCO Creative Cities Network for Literature (2015)!

Renowned for its rich literary history and printing legacy, Lviv is undeniably a city of writers, publishers and readers.

In the 16^th century, Lviv was the first Ukrainian region where the first book was printed. During the next centuries, and as the city was at the crossroads of trade routes, many writers drew inspiration from this cultural hub. In 2009, the city was recognized as Ukraine’s Cultural Capital.

Festivals is the favorite way to celebrate literature across the city. The Book Forum and International Literature Festival is the primary book fair of the country and one of the largest in Eastern Europe, aiming at bringing together all those who are interested in developing Ukrainian book publishing, and inspiring all those who love to read.

Another one is the festival of Children’s Reading, entitled BookMania, constituting a family event where play and learning are combined with the contribution of writers and artists, scientists, museum workers, librarians etc.

Lviv has also its own literature award, “Lviv - UNESCO City of Literature Award”, going to a writer or translator for the original or translated literary work in Ukrainian.

As a Creative City of Literature, and in compliance with the common objective towards which the Network works -making creativity a lever for urban development and conceiving new solutions to tackle common challenges-, Lviv envisages promoting reading among vulnerable groups and literary education for young people, providing an open-discussion center for humanities and social research, offering workshops and trainings to young creative entrepreneurs, as well as enhancing cooperation with other Creative Cities.

Bonus Trivia!

Since 1998, the Ensemble of the Historic Centre of Lviv is inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sources & photographs taken from: https://en.unesco.org/creative-cities/lviv, https://www.citiesoflit.com/lviv  

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