The city was founded in the 17th century and named in honor of the Polish hetman Stanisław Rewera Potocki.
From 1772 to 1918, Stanisławów was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which influenced the city’s development. During the interwar period, it belonged to the Second Polish Republic, and after World War II, it became part of the Ukrainian SSR.
During World War II, the city was occupied by German forces, who carried out a massacre of residents in July 1941. After the war, Stanisławów was incorporated into the Soviet Union, and in 1962 it was renamed Ivano-Frankivsk in honor of the Ukrainian writer Ivan Franko.
Today, Ivano-Frankivsk is an important cultural and scientific center in Ukraine. The city features numerous historical landmarks, including the city hall, churches, the cathedral, museums, as well as historic townhouses and residential buildings. It is also a major transportation hub in western Ukraine, with rail and road connections to other key cities in the region.
City Hall in Stanisławów
Destroyed by fire four times, the city hall was rebuilt between 1929 and 1932 in the Constructivist style during the period of the Second Polish Republic. The current four-winged building, with its massive form, is a truly successful example of 1930s modernist architecture.
The design and construction supervision, completed in 1932, were carried out by the city architect of Stanisławów, engineer Stanisław Trela. Bronze eagles were placed on all corners of the fourth floor.
Collegiate Church in Ivano-Frankivsk
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built between 1672 and 1703 and expanded after 1737.
After World War II, it housed warehouses, carpentry, and locksmith workshops, and since 1979 it has served as an art museum, mainly exhibiting sacred paintings.
In the novel Pan Wołodyjowski, a funeral service for Michał Wołodyjowski took place here.
