The city arsenal and its adjoining defensive walls are visible from Arsenal vul. Construction on the original two-storied stone building began in the 14th century, but was not completed until 1555. After nearly two centuries of toil this original structure was completely destroyed by fire after only 16 years of operation, and the contemporary building was constructed in its place from 1574-75. When the Swedes invaded in 1704 the arsenal took a beating, but all holes were patched within two years. In the 18th and 19th centuries the arsenal was refortified and lost some of its original form. Most recently, two of the upper floors were restored and now house a museum. Parts of the exterior have been excavated in order to reveal original walls, windows and roof. The distinctive defensive trench has been also been preserved.
Throughout its working history the arsenal served as Lviv’s defensive backbone. A smelting-house was located next to the arsenal and cast weapons for storage and for sale. The swords forged in Lviv gained the reputation as some of the best in Europe. In the 18th Century the arsenal was also used as a prison. It was here that Polish authorities imprisoned haydamaks, Ukrainian peasant rebels resisting Polish tyranny.