Exhibit 4
The Armenian community of L’viv
The history of the L’viv Armenian community began in the 11th century, when Armenian warriors were in the Rus princes’ service. For example, in the reign of Prince Volodymyr Armenian troops took part in military campaigns in the area, where later L’viv was founded.
In 1230, Prince Danylo of Halycia also recruited Armenian fighters to his army.
Beginning from 1267, the L’viv Armenian community became one of the most influential, with the center of the Armenian Church eparchy having been moved to L’viv. Between 1356 and 1363, the Armenian Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary was erected in the city by the Armenian builders and artists under the supervision of the architect Doring. The Cathedral was consecrated in 1367, having become the main temple of the Armenian eparchy in the lands of Rus.
During the reign of Polish kings, the Armenian community was granted special privileges, including self-governance, which were the proof of its autonomy. Self-governance was first acquired in 1356.
In 1510, King Sigizmund allowed the Armenians to have their own court of law.
The Armenian contribution to the development of L’viv was great and extremely important from the very beginning, as well as in the later years. Since our exhibition is focused on the history of L’viv before 1773, the more detailed story of the L’viv Armenian community will be presented in the Museum of the L’viv history, which is to be opened in 2021.
