Ukraine is surely one of Europe’s most underrated holiday destinations – but that may all be about to change with Euro 2012 right around the corner. However, while many adventurous travellers and football fans will try their luck in Kiev and Crimea; most will continue to overlook perhaps the architectural jewel in Ukraine’s crown – Lviv.
The city is hallmarked by a quiet and quaint old town; some beautiful wooded hills and exquisite churches and cathedrals. However, if you’re considering trekking beyond the football hotspots for your Ukrainian holiday this summer - why not take a closer look at one of England’s most underrated cities first? After all, Norwich doesn’t have a bad football history of its own.
Historical connections
Few cities boast the historical significance of Lviv, which is something of a cultural melting pot. It has been a major centre for Jewish and Polish culture as they were the two main ethnicities in the city until the outbreak of the Second World War. Amazingly, its history has survived to the present day with the historical heart of the centre, including its old buildings and cobbled streets standing firm throughout the war and the strong Soviet presence – now the city centre has made it on to the UNESCO World Heritage list. 
Lviv boasts a host of historic churches and buildings that date back as far as the 13th Century. Many of its buildings were designed in the renaissance, baroque and classic styles with stone sculptures and carvings dating back hundreds of years. It has a bustling cultural scene too, with museums and galleries including: the Lubomirscy Museum, which displays a wide range of art and historical objects linked to Poland; the Lviv National Art Gallery; and the Lviv National Museum, which is home to both the Museum of Religion and the National Gallery.
Norwich meanwhile, is steeped in history in its own right. Norwich Castle was founded soon after the Norman conquest; while Norwich received a royal charter from King Henry II in 1158; and is the only English city to have been excommunicated by the Pope, following a riot in 1274.
At more than 900 years old, Norwich Cathedral is the city’s most obvious attraction – it has the second tallest spire and the largest monastic cloister in the entire country. Its museums include the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, which is home to outstanding collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history; the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum, which looks at Norfolk’s soldiers and their families; Thursford Museum, which transports you back in time to a traditional fairground with engines and carousel rides; and the Bridewell, once a prison for women and beggars that now houses some unique objects.
Other attractions to enjoy during a stay in Norwich include: Dragon Hall, a magnificent Grade I listed building which boasts more than 1,000 years of history; the old skating rink gallery, with a permanent collection of South Asian decorative arts and crafts; and the Colman’s Mustard Shop and Museum, which looks back at the history of the famous mustard in the area.
Feeling sporty?
It may be a Ukrainian city, but Lviv is widely regarded as the birthplace of Polish football because the first known official goal in a Polish football match was scored there in 1894 during a game between Lviv and Krakov. It has also been the Polish birthplace of sports such as ice-hockey, track and field and ski jumping. Now it has several major professional football clubs and is building a new separate stadium to complement the Ukraina Stadium that will host three matches during Euro 2012.
Norwich, meanwhile, has enjoyed a sporting renaissance of its own over the last year with Norwich City re-establishing itself as a Premier League football club. The club has enjoyed considerable success over the years including two League Cups and a famous run in the UEFA Cup in 1993 that saw it eliminate German giants Bayern Munich. In addition, Norwich has five field hockey clubs; with dry ski and snowboarding clubs nearby.
Our verdict – Norwich on a budget or Lviv
There’s a lot to be said for discovering some of Europe’s hidden gems and Euro 2012 will certainly provide the perfect excuse for football fans and others to explore all that the Ukraine has to offer, with Lviv certainly standing out as one of its most attractive destinations.
However, for all of Lviv’s sporting connections and brilliant architecture it has met its match in Norwich – and while they may appear equals in these areas, there’s no doubt that Norwich comes into its own in other areas. It is one of the UK’s fastest growing shopping destinations; has a buzzing nightlife scene; and plenty of brilliant restaurants and bars to choose from. So while there’s no doubting the beauty of Lviv, we believe that Norwich is just a step or two ahead and makes an ideal budget break.
Monday: Weymouth on a budget or La Manga.