The Bernardine Monastery in Lviv (Church of St. Andrew) engulfed in flames after being struck by a Russian drone
The historic Bernardine Monastery and Church of St. Andrew in Lviv, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate and one of Ukraine’s most important Baroque landmarks, was hit by a Russian drone on March 24, 2026, causing a large fire. Thick smoke and flames are visible from the 18th-century complex in the city center. Ukrainian emergency services are on the scene, but the extent of damage to the church and monastery is still unknown. Local authorities have declared it a deliberate attack on cultural heritage.
- The historic Bernardine Monastery and the adjacent Church of St. Andrew in the heart of Lviv were struck by a Russian drone today, triggering a large and intense fire that is consuming parts of the 17th–18th century complex. Thick black smoke and visible flames have been reported rising from the Baroque landmark, which is one of the most significant religious and architectural monuments in western Ukraine.The attack occurred in the late afternoon local time. Emergency services, including firefighters and police, rushed to the scene, but heavy smoke and the risk of structural collapse are complicating efforts to contain the blaze. Initial videos circulating on social media show flames engulfing the roof and bell tower area of the church.
- The Bernardine Monastery (also known as the Church of St. Andrew) is a UNESCO tentative World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Ukrainian Baroque architecture, built between 1600 and 1760. It houses valuable frescoes, altars, and historical artifacts, and has survived multiple conflicts over the centuries. Ukrainian officials have described the strike as a deliberate attack on cultural heritage. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted swiftly on X (formerly Twitter), calling the incident “another Russian war crime against Ukrainian culture and history” and vowing that those responsible “will be held accountable.” The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine confirmed that experts are already preparing documentation for international bodies, including UNESCO and the Hague Tribunal.
- Russia has not yet commented on the specific strike. However, Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilian or cultural sites, claiming its forces only strike military objectives.This is the second major cultural site in Lviv hit in recent months, following damage to other historic buildings during previous Russian missile and drone barrages. The attack comes amid intensified Russian aerial campaigns against Ukrainian cities as the war enters its third year. Local residents and clergy gathered near the site to pray and watch the firefighting efforts. Many expressed shock and sorrow, describing the monastery as “the soul of Lviv.” The situation remains fluid. Firefighters are still battling the blaze, and the full extent of the damage — both structural and to irreplaceable artworks — will not be known until the fire is fully extinguished.
The Bernardine Monastery in Lviv (Church of St. Andrew) is on fire after being hit by a Russian drone today. pic.twitter.com/do6rBdU2qk — K13 News (@K13News) March 24, 2026
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