Monument to Daniel of Galicia, Halych

In the main square of the city of Halych, known as the Christmas Square, stands the monument to Daniel of Galicia. Cast in bronze, the great ruler of the Galician-Volhynian principality sits atop a horse, as if vigilantly surveying all the surrounding lands. In his outstretched right hand, Prince Daniel holds a sword. The location chosen for the monument is very successful; it can be seen from all sides and in various angles. Daniel of Galicia is revered in this corner of Ukraine, as he managed to transform his land into one of the most powerful European states of his time.

The monument to Daniel of Galicia was erected in September 1998, during the celebration of the 1100th anniversary of the city. The authors are Lviv artists – sculptor Oleksandr Pylyev and architect Oleg Chamara. They aimed to give the image the features of a victorious prince, who in 1238 defeated the local boyars and managed to reunite the Galician and Volhynian lands.

The composition of the monument consists of a granite pedestal, which has a total height of 3.5 meters, and a bronze sculpture of the horseman with a height of 4.2 meters.

The site for the monument was chosen symbolically. Many historians tend to believe that the current central square of Halych, as well as the surrounding quarters, appeared precisely at the initiative of Prince Daniel. This part of the city was built for foreign merchants (primarily German), who were organized into a community.

About Daniel of Galicia

• Prince Daniel was a prominent political and state figure of the 13th century, the ruler of the Galician-Volhynian state, a diplomat, and a military leader. Daniel is the elder son of the Galician-Volhynian prince Roman Mstyslavich.
• After the death of Prince Roman, Daniel of Galicia needed 40 years to "gather together" his father's possessions. In 1245, he regained all of Galicia.
• Daniel of Galicia built several new fortresses, appointed his officials there, and stationed military garrisons.
• Daniel Romanovych founded a new city and named it after his son Lev.
• Pope Innocent IV granted Daniel of Galicia the royal title.
• The first Ukrainian king died in his newly built capital – the city of Kholm (now part of Poland).

You can reach the monument to Daniel of Galicia in Halych by turning off the N09 highway into the city center. Alternatively, you can walk from the "Halych" railway station across the metal pedestrian bridge. The monument is located in the central square – the Christmas Square.