Ivan Franko Park in Lviv: History, Rotunda and Walks

Ivan Franko Park in Lviv is considered the oldest city park in Ukraine. It spreads over a slope opposite the main building of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, a few minutes’ walk from the historic centre. The park’s history goes back to the end of the 16th century, and it covers about 10.6 hectares.

The park is protected as a monument of landscape art of national importance. Old oaks and lindens grow here, there is a 19th-century rotunda and a monument to Ivan Franko, and children have a large wooden playground.

Where Is Ivan Franko Park?

The park is in central Lviv, in front of the university’s main building, the former Galician Diet. Svobody Avenue, Lviv Opera House and Market Square are close by, so a walk in the park is easy to combine with sightseeing in the Old Town.

The History of Ivan Franko Park

The Garden of Scholz-Wolfowicz and Massari

At the end of the 16th century Lviv burgher Jan Scholz-Wolfowicz laid out a small garden here on former town fields. Later it passed to his son-in-law, the Venetian Antonio Massari, who redesigned it in the Italian manner with terraces.

The Jesuit Garden

From 1614 the city authorities gave the garden to the Jesuits. They used it for about 160 years, until the order was dissolved in 1773, so the park was long known as the Jesuit Garden and later as the Post-Jesuit Garden.

From Garden to City Park

At the end of the 18th century the land returned to the city, and places of entertainment, including a casino, appeared here. In 1835 a rotunda was built in the middle of the park. From 1855 the gardener Bauer redesigned the park as an English landscape garden. In 1877–1881 the Galician Diet building, now the university, was built on the site of the former casino.

The Park’s Names

From 1919 to 1945 the park was named after Tadeusz Kościuszko. After the Second World War it was named after Ivan Franko.

What to See in the Park

The Rotunda

The white rotunda with columns is one of the most photogenic spots in the park. The gazebo was first built here in 1835, and paths lead away from it between old trees.

The Ivan Franko Monument

The monument to the writer was unveiled on 30 October 1964. It was created by sculptors Volodymyr Borysenko, Dmytro Krvavych, Emmanuil Mysko, Vasyl Odrekhivskyi and Yakiv Chaika together with architect Andrii Shuliar.

Old Trees

The park is dominated by oak, maple, linden, hornbeam, elm, ash, horse chestnut and pine. There are also species that are rarer in the city: bald cypress, Kobus magnolia, Japanese pagoda tree, Amur cork tree and black walnut.

Walks and Relaxation

According to the municipal company Parky Lvova, the park has about 8.7 km of alleys, almost 7 km of which are lit in the evening, and 212 benches. People come here for morning runs, slow walks, to read on a bench or simply to sit in the shade after a tour of the centre.

Ivan Franko Park with Children

The park has a large playground with wooden tower houses, slides and swings. Benches stand nearby, so parents can rest while the children play.

How to Get to Ivan Franko Park

The park is easy to reach on foot from the centre. By public transport, according to Parky Lvova, you can take trolleybuses No. 22, 30, 32, buses No. 33, 92 or minibus No. 138 to the “Universytet” and “Vulytsia Ustyianovycha” stops. Routes change, so check them in a journey planner before you go.

What to See Nearby

Near the park are the Potocki Palace and Svobody Avenue with Lviv Opera House. If you enjoy green walks, visit other parks in Lviv too: Stryiskyi Park, Na Valakh park, Znesinnia Park and Pohulianka forest park.

Where to Stay Nearby

Ivan Franko Park is within walking distance of the centre, so it is convenient to stay in the historic part of the city. For example, from the apartment on Svobody Avenue with a view of the Opera House it is a short walk to the park.

Tips for Visiting

• The park is at its most beautiful in spring and autumn, when the old trees change colour.
• Allow about an hour for a relaxed walk.
• In the evening, stick to the lit alleys.
• The rotunda and the Franko monument are easy to combine in one route.
• The park is a protected landscape monument: do not light fires or leave litter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ivan Franko Park

Where is Ivan Franko Park?

In central Lviv, opposite the main building of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.

Why is Ivan Franko Park called the oldest?

A garden was laid out on this site at the end of the 16th century, so the park is considered the oldest city park in Ukraine.

How big is the park?

About 10.6 hectares.

Is there a playground in the park?

Yes, a large wooden playground with towers, slides and swings.

When was the Ivan Franko monument unveiled?

On 30 October 1964.