Lviv, Ukraine

Travel Blog  •  Ben Keene  •  06.30.06 | 10:22 AM ET

Coordinates: 49 50 24 0 E
Population: 732,818 (2001 est.)
imageThe Ukrainian national team has surprised many 2006 World Cup fans with its success in making the quarterfinals, but the team actually has a fairly long history beginning in the western city of Lviv in July 1894. In that month, the first official soccer match was held here in a small stadium in Stryisky Park. Established in the 13th century along the trade route between the Baltic Sea and Black Sea, Lviv is the only Ukrainian city with Renaissance architecture. Beyond its significance to European athletics, the urban center north of the Carpathian Mountains also plays an important role in the country’s culture, economy and educational system.

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) is the editor of the Oxford Atlas of the World.

Tags: Europe, Ukraine

Ben Keene has appeared on National Public Radio, Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio as well as other nationally syndicated programs to discuss geographic literacy and his work updating a bestselling world atlas. Formerly a touring musician, he has written for Transitions Abroad and inTravel.


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