Heritage celebrations in Ukraine are reaching their peak with one week left to the close of European Heritage Days 2018. Dedicated to The Art of Sharing, this year's edition lasts for the full month with dozens of events taking place all across the country.

Between 28 August and 30 September, various cities of Ukraine are showcasing their culture and heritage with exciting event programmes. One of the richest ones were presented on 7, 8, and 9 September in Lviv, where over 60 events were organised to explore the city’s history and development, as well as the cultural connections it has cherished for centuries.

Following the rest of Europe in dedicating this year’s edition of European Heritage Days to shared heritage, Lviv particularly focused on cross-European influences in art, culture, architecture, literature, and various other aspects.

Multiculturalism and Diversity in Focus

During the European Heritage Days weekend in Lviv, citizens had an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. They could learn about historic people living and working in it while uncovering international influences that shaped its European identity.

The programme of events presented Lviv as a true multicultural city, where history, arts, and culture offer a lot to explore. The events focused on historic figures and places that shaped its cultural profile and became parts of its heritage. From Swiss and German architects, to Polish, Jewish, and Armenian influences in culture, visitors could explore different cross-European connections that can be seen and sensed on the streets of Lviv even today.

Over 1500 participants learned about partially forgotten names of scientists, architects, artists, financiers, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, physicians and athletes. The descendants of prominent professionals, owners of unique professions and also experts in already disappeared professions that enriched the understanding of the value of the heritage as a material proof of the existence of European culture.

Many activities were organised by local communities and organisations that presented their stories and engaged citizens in creative workshops, lectures, and tours. The programme was open for people of all ages, opening the doors to a variety of historic landmarks, monuments, as well as notable public and private buildings.

Among the buildings that opened their doors during European Heritage Days, Lviv Polytechnic National University participated in the celebrations with a thematic tour through its Museum. The tour was led by Solomiia Harambura, Director of the Museum of History of Lviv Polytechnic, who presented the development of science in Ukraine and the way former students and professors of the University have contributed to it.

In addition to this, the annual Day of Steppe event took place in the National Historical and Archaeological Reserve “Stone Tomb” with an aim to raise awareness about cultural heritage and historical traditions of the Northern Azov Sea region. As the place where many ethnic groups live together for centuries in peace and harmony, the region offers numerous resources on multiculturalism and shared heritage.

With these exciting activities, Lviv made this special month for Ukraine even more valuable. Through creative efforts, it enabled effective knowledge sharing about cross-cultural influences that are a part of the country’s heritage. Such an approach to the European Heritage Days common theme made this year’s festival another memorable experience for hundreds of people who joined.

For more information about the events in Ukraine, follow the official Facebook page.