Bernardine monastery

The medieval complex of the former Bernardine monastery with the magnificent Church of St. Andrew is one of the most attractive historical and architectural monuments of the ancient city.


The main building of the Bernardine monastery occupies a triangular plot. The monastery was fortified separate paragraph, surrounded by a moat and rampart. Wooden buildings of the monastery of the XV century, which was repeatedly burnt down and was restored during the XVII—XVIII centuries, were replaced by stone.


Architect lower part of the temple was the most glorious Italian architect of the city Paul the Roman. The Church was built of hewn stone, in the form of trinavnaya Basilica in the Renaissance style. The height of the temple — 22m, length – 57.5 m.


The first mention dates back to 1460, where today's monastery was a small wooden Church. The Bernardine monastery was built outside the city walls, because it had its own system of fortifications that could withstand not just one cruel siege. In today's time of defensive walls were only Hlyniany tower (built in 1618году) and the Eastern part of the fortifications (from the modern Mytnaya square).


The facade of the temple is decorated with figures of the main saints of the Bernardine order, as well as sculptures of the virgin and the apostles Peter and Andrew. Refined decoration is striking and the interior of the Church made in the Baroque style and featuring his characteristic decorative forms. Especially fascinating wooden altars of the XVIII century and elaborate murals, created by the talented artists of the time.


The Church interior is rich in paintings 1738-1740 years and 18 wooden altars 1630-1640-ies. First floor of the temple was made of hewn stone, and in 1738 — converted into a marble. In the temple are metal doors of the XVII century. To the left of the main entrance to the temple is a well which is surrounded by numerous legends.


Nowadays the monastery buildings belong to the Lviv state historical archive, and the building of the Church — Greek Catholic Church. Especially beautiful Bernardine Church in the evening and at night when it is illuminated with colored lights.

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