Beer Belly of Ukraine

Hidden within an unsuspecting courtyard in the middle of Lviv, a peculiar golden-colored sculptural lump lies embedded in the cobblestones.

Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this is a brass representation of a portly man’s beer belly (although it is sometimes at first mistaken for a more unsightly anatomical reference!). Exactly whose belly served as the model is unknown at this point. However, the inscription that encircles the bulbous abdomen helps explain who put it there, and why. The inscription reads: “королівська Пивоварня пивний пуп україни,” which translates to “Korolivska Brewery beer navel of Ukraine.”

Look up from the brassy belly, and you’ll see the welcoming entrance of the Korolivska (“Royal”) brewery bar and restaurant, a tourist-friendly establishment with pleasant drinking and dining rooms furnished in dark polished wood. Perhaps the statue was inspired by a loyal customer?