We begin our journey from the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Lviv. It is located at 11 Teatralna Street, in the heart of the historic center of the city. To get there, it's best to get off at the 'Opera and Ballet Theater' stop and walk a short distance. The church, built between 1610 and 1630, impresses with its monumental facade and richly decorated interior. Admission is free, and you can visit the church daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Note the beautiful frescoes and sculptures that adorn the interior of the church. For families with children, there are special brochures with interesting historical facts tailored to younger audiences.

The next point of our tour is the Potocki Palace, a pearl of Renaissance architecture, located at 15 Mykola Kopernyka St. The easiest way to get there is by streetcar, getting off at the 'University' stop. The palace, built in the 16th century, is an excellent example of a magnate's residence from the period of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It now houses a museum, which can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. An entrance ticket costs about 50 hryvnia (as of 2023), but it's worth checking current prices on the museum's official website. There is an interactive educational path for children, which provides an accessible introduction to the history of the palace and its inhabitants.

Both buildings are excellent examples of Lviv's architectural diversity. The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul represents the rich Counter-Reformation Baroque, while the Potocki Palace is a testament to Renaissance elegance. When visiting these places, it is worth noting the architectural details - in the church it will be the rich ornaments and altars, while in the palace it will be the elegant portals and attics. For lovers of history and architecture, these two sites are a real feast for the eyes and mind, allowing you to travel back in time to the glory days of Lviv as one of the most important cities of the Republic.

Continuing our tour of Lviv's hidden treasures, we head for the Royal Arsenal, an impressive 17th century defensive structure located at 13 Pidvalna St. The most convenient way to get there is on foot from Market Square, strolling through the picturesque streets of the old city. The arsenal, built between 1639 and 1646, is an excellent example of military architecture of the Renaissance era. It now houses a weapons museum, which can be visited from Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. An entrance ticket costs about 40 hryvnia (as of 2023), but it's worth checking current prices on the museum's official website. There are special educational programs for families with children, which provide an interesting introduction to military history.

Near the Arsenal, on Stavropihiiska Street, is another gem - the Pharmacy-Museum. This unique place, in continuous operation since 1735, combines the functions of a pharmacy and a pharmacy museum. Here you can admire old pharmacy utensils, scales, mortars and other antique pharmaceutical equipment. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and an entrance ticket costs about 30 hryvnia (as of 2023). There are special workshops for children to learn how medicines were prepared in the past.

The two sites are a fascinating contrast - on the one hand we have the mighty Arsenal, a symbol of the city's military might, and on the other an intimate Pharmacy-Museum, which tells the story of daily life and the development of science in Lviv. While visiting them, it is worth noting the architectural details - the Arsenal's massive walls and gunnels, and the Pharmacy-Museum's Baroque decor. This is an excellent opportunity to show children how diverse the historical heritage of one city can be.

It is worth remembering that the two places are relatively close to each other, so you can plan to visit them in one day. There are many cozy cafes and restaurants in the area, where you can relax and have a bite to eat between sightseeing. For families with children, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes, water and snacks, as the tour can take several hours. It's also worth remembering your camera - both places offer many interesting frames that will be a great souvenir of your trip.

To conclude our tour of Lviv's hidden gems, we will visit St. Andrew's Church, which is located at 1 Chechet Street. This place, although less famous than the famous Latin or Armenian Cathedral, is equally fascinating and full of history. The easiest way to get there is by streetcar, getting off at the 'St. Nicholas Hospital' stop. The church, built in the 17th century, is a magnificent example of Ukrainian Baroque. It is open to the public daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and admission is free. Note the beautiful iconostasis and frescoes decorating the interior of the church.

St. Andrew's Orthodox Church is not only an architectural monument, but also an important place of religious worship. For families with children, it can be an excellent opportunity to talk about Lviv's cultural and religious diversity. The church often hosts concerts of sacred music, which can be an interesting experience for music lovers of all ages.

To sum up our tour of Lviv's hidden architectural treasures, it is worth noting how diverse and rich the city's heritage is. From the Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, to the Renaissance Potocki Palace, the military Royal Arsenal, the unique Pharmacy-Museum, and St. Andrew's Church - each of these buildings tells a different part of Lviv's fascinating history.

When planning a visit to these sites, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Most of them are located within or in close proximity to the historic center of the city, which makes sightseeing easier. It's worth getting comfortable shoes, as the best way to explore these hidden gems is to walk along the cobblestone streets of old Lviv. For families with children, we recommend bringing snacks and drinks, as the tour can take several hours.

It is also worth remembering that Lviv is a city that is best explored slowly, savoring every detail. That's why we encourage you to find time for a break in one of the numerous cafes, where you can relax and talk about your impressions of the tour. Lviv's cafes are famous for their delicious coffee and desserts, which are sure to appeal to both adults and children.

Finally, we encourage you to explore the history of each of these places before visiting. Many offer audioguides or guidebooks that can greatly enhance the sightseeing experience. Remember, too, that Lviv is a city that is constantly changing and developing, so it's a good idea to check current information about opening hours and ticket prices before visiting.

Discovering Lviv's hidden architectural gems is not only a history lesson, but also a fascinating trip back in time to better understand the cultural mosaic of this unique city. We hope that this tour will inspire you to further discover Lviv's treasures and make you want to return here more than once.