What European city has fallen under the rule of the Polish Empire, the Hapsburgs, the Soviets and the Nazis? Here's a clue: It's lined with cobbled roads and features some of the world's most eclectic examples of historic architecture -- from renaissance to baroque to art deco. Answer: Lviv, Ukraine's official capital of culture. Never heard of it? You're not alone. With its independent coffee houses and traditional chocolatiers, Lviv looks, smells, and tastes like the best of Europe. Indeed, its Western flavor has earned it the moniker "Little Paris of Ukraine." And yet, compared to other prized European cities, relatively few people travel here.
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Since Euro 2012, little-known Ukrainian "capital of culture" Lviv put back on map
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City boasts architecture from renaissance and baroque eras, built during wealthy past
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After 50 years of Soviet rule, Lviv fell into relative obscurity, but strong education system reviving fortunes
Just last month, the floodgates opened even wider, when Lviv became a host city for the @placeholder football championships.