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Ukraine is a fascinating country with impressive architecture, nature, unique culture and hospitable people. Discover the 5 most interesting destinations for an unforgettable trip with picturesque landscapes that you should see at least once in your life
Ukraine is rich in picturesque places that a tourist should visit at least once in his life. That is why, in our selection, we decided to collect 5 of the most interesting destinations of Ukraine, which will impress every traveler with their nature, architecture, delicious dishes, products of local craftsmen and color.
Kyiv
Undoubtedly, the main interest of tourists is always the capital of the state. Therefore, the strong and bold capital of Ukraine - Kyiv is the main pearl for most travelers. Especially considering that Kyiv is one of the oldest capitals of Europe, whose history began more than 150 centuries ago.
The most prominent sights of the capital are:
● Andriiivsky Uzviz, which starts from Desyatynnaya Street and leads to Kontraktova Square and Podol - one of the oldest districts of Kyiv. The mountain got its name in honor of the church of St. Andrew the First-Called, which was built on its top. Also, workshops and galleries are located here, where you can buy unique works of art, handicrafts, national souvenirs and jewelry.
● Golden Gate - was built in the 11th century and served as the main entrance to Kyiv. They became part of the defensive structures of the city and an important symbol of its power and greatness. Nowadays, there is a museum in the middle of the Golden Gate, where you can learn more about the history of Kyiv and Kyivan Rus.
● Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a unique complex that is the cultural and religious center of Ukraine. The Lavra was founded in the 11th century and became the first monastery of Kievan Rus. On its territory there are museums, libraries and archives that keep outstanding collections of books, documents and icons.
● Also, as part of a trip to the Ukrainian capital, it is worth visiting the de-occupied cities of the Kyiv region - these are heroic territories that were among the first to be invaded by the Russian occupier in February 2022. Irpin, Bucha, Gostomel - the names are already familiar to many indifferent inhabitants of the world. Two years ago, terrible things happened here - battles, shootings, torture. Currently, these towns of Kyiv region are gradually returning to the usual rhythm of life, but they preserve the memory of all those who fell victim to an insidious attack and a terrible war.
Importantly! Funds from press tours are transferred to the restoration of Ukraine.
● Chernobyl
Not far from Kyiv is one of the most famous sights of Ukraine - the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. This place became known to the whole world after the terrible accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which happened on April 26, 1986, 2 km from the young city of Pripyat in the Kyiv region. The level of the catastrophe at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is difficult to assess, because it is an unprecedented case, the consequences of which are still being studied by scientists from all over the world.
You can only visit Chernobyl accompanied by a professional guide. During the tour, tourists will be able to see:
- The ghost town of Pripyat is a mute witness to how the lives of its residents split into "before" and "after" in one moment. Due to excessive radiation, those for whom it was created will never be able to return to Pripyat.
- The amusement park is one of the most popular attractions in Pripyat. Half-destroyed swings and abandoned alleys sharply emphasize the contrast between the past and the present.
- Red forest - a section of pine forest in the immediate vicinity of the Chernobyl NPP. The trees took on a powerful blow of radiation, which painted the needles in a brick color, and turned into a "rusty" forest.
Chernobyl is an interesting and unusual sight, because here you can truly feel how time has stopped.
However, when planning a trip to the Chernobyl exclusion zone, be sure to consider that due to the full-scale invasion of Russia, as of the beginning of March 2024, the zone was closed to tourists.
Lviv
Lviv is the colorful capital of Galicia, which can be discovered again and again. This is a medieval city with fabulous architecture, in which various cultures are closely intertwined, and its mystical legends impress even the most demanding tourists.
The most popular places of interest in Lviv include:
● Rynok Square is an open-air museum, as well as the heart of the Old Town. For more than 500 years, it has been the center of political, public, cultural and commercial life of the city. Also, it is from here that most excursions in Lviv start.
● The Lviv Opera House is an architectural pearl of Lviv, which, according to tourists' reviews, is rightfully included in the list of the most beautiful theaters in Europe. The building was created in 1901 in the Neo-Renaissance style. The advantage is that the tourist can not only visit the performance, but also come here on an excursion to learn all its secrets.
● The Potocki Palace is a majestic building in the French Neo-Renaissance style of the end of the 19th century. Initially, it was built as a palace for ceremonial events, now it houses a gallery of European art.
Also, Lviv is the spiritual center of Ukraine, the city has about 100 active churches of various denominations, which are located within the central part of Lviv and which can be easily reached on foot: the Jesuit Church, the Latin Cathedral, the Bernardine Church and the Church of the Poor Clares, the Church of the Assumption, the oldest Armenian the temple of Europe - the Armenian Church (1363), as well as the absolute pearl of the city - the Church of Saint Nicholas (1292), which is considered the oldest church in Lviv.
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Odesa
Odesa is included in the list of the most popular tourist destinations in Ukraine, because there are many interesting cultural, historical, architectural and gastronomic places.
● Deribasivska Street - you can get to know the city better only by visiting its central pedestrian street, because it is here that the tourist will be able to immerse himself in the unique Odessa flavor. There are also many monuments on the main street, including the famous 12th chair and the world's smallest square named after Ostap Bender, which occupies only 5 square meters.
● The Opera House is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Odessa. It is the oldest in Ukraine, the beginning of construction dates back to the 19th century. The building is made in the Viennese Baroque style. Foreign architects Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer worked on this artistic masterpiece. To learn all the secrets of the Odessa Opera, go behind the scenes.
● Potemkin stairs are another business card of Odessa. These stairs were built many decades ago, but still amaze with their grandeur. The Potemkin Stairs have 192 steps and are among the ten most beautiful in Europe.
Odesa is not just a city, it is a separate universe, super beautiful and very hospitable. Read more about the most popular places of interest in Odessa at the link.
Chernivtsi
Chernivtsi is the cultural and educational center of Ukraine, the architectural pearl of Bukovyna, the Ukrainian Paris or a small Vienna, as this amazing city is called. And this is not for nothing, because many interesting sights are preserved on its streets:
● Chernivtsi National University named after Yury Fedkovich is the main pearl of Chernivtsi and one of the oldest classical universities in Ukraine. The architecture and interiors of the university are impressive, the university is often called the Ukrainian Hogwarts.
The complex was built in the 19th century as the residence of the metropolitans of Bukovina and Dalmatia, according to the project of the famous Austrian architect Josef Glavka. Since 2011, the university building has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
● Olga Kobylyanska Street is perhaps the most beautiful street in the city, where many interesting restaurants, coffee shops, beauty salons, etc. are concentrated. There is a legend that the street was once so well maintained that it was swept only with bouquets of roses, the cobblestones were washed with soap every day, and visitors with dirty shoes were not allowed in at all.
● Drama Theater named after O. Kobylyanska - a building that was created in 1905 and recognized as one of the best examples of the architecture of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
● Pharmacy-museum - similar museums in Ukraine are only in Kyiv and Lviv, and the third is in Chernivtsi. The history of the pharmacy began at the beginning of the 20th century - in 1903. It is interesting that this is the only pharmacy in the city that still manufactures dosage forms to order.
Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains
The Carpathians are a land of fantastic nature, delicious and unique food, sincere people and vivid impressions, so we definitely recommend visiting this Ukrainian pearl during your trip. Notable places of the Carpathians:
● Hoverla is the most famous mountain of Ukraine and its highest point. However, to the delight of tourists, the climb here is quite convenient, it can be conquered by travelers with different levels of training, and fantastic views of the Ukrainian Carpathians open from its majestic observation deck.
● Yaremche - this Carpathian city is distinguished by its picturesque nature and convenient tourist infrastructure. In its very center is the beautiful Probiy waterfall, as well as the largest souvenir market in Transcarpathia. In addition, not far from Yaremche are the mysterious and mysterious "Rocks of Dovbush".
● Lake Synevyr is the largest mountain lake of the Carpathians, which is located in the protected area of the National Nature Park with the same name, at an altitude of almost a thousand meters, and its depth reaches 24 meters. Thanks to this, the water here remains icy under any weather conditions. Synevir is approximately 10,000 years old.
● Bukovel is a modern ski resort where you can improve your skiing skills and find a slope according to your level of training. In the summer, you can relax here near the Lake of Youth. The smallest visitors will be surprised by the open-air museum, where they will introduce you to Hutsul culture and traditions.
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Ukraine is an amazing country that fascinates travelers with the beauty of its architecture and nature, as well as its unique culture and hospitable local population.
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