What to see in Ukraine if you come here for the first time? It is impossible to see all the sights of Ukraine in one visit. And this is good, because there will be a reason to come here more than once. Authentic culture, beautiful temples and cathedrals, ancient castles and fortresses preserved through the centuries, amazing nature and warm climate. You can fall in love with Ukraine at first sight.
What to see in Ukraine first of all
It will be easy not to waste too much time searching for places that are definitely worth going to during a trip around the country if you carefully look at our list. Russian-speaking travelers may not need guides in Ukraine, but they definitely need to plan the sequence of inspection of the memos!
1. Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Kiev)
The golden domes of the famous Kiev Pechersk Lavra
One of the most important shrines of Orthodoxy, which has been preserved almost in its original form since the 11th century, is rightfully considered the Kiev Pechersk Lavra – the first monastery in Russia and a symbol of faith. Majestic temples flaunt above the powerful waters of the Dnieper, on its picturesque slopes, shining with golden domes. Paved paths surrounded by greenery lead to them, and below, in the dungeon, winding through a narrow maze of corridors, there are mysterious caves where the main treasure of the lavra is located – the holy incorruptible relics of the righteous.
In the list of “Sights of Ukraine”, the Kiev Pechersk Lavra occupies the first place, being the most visited shrine by tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. Over the thousand years of its existence, the lavra has suffered many disasters: earthquakes, the invasion of the Mongol-Tatars, fires and wars, but after each shock and destruction it was reborn.
When you get to the territory of this unique complex, you forget about the hustle and bustle of the world, get away from everyday problems. You are enveloped in tranquility and mystery. People come here to see the saints resting in caves with their own eyes and, having venerated the relics, strengthen their faith.
Official website: https://lavra.ua/
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2. Independence Square (Kiev)
View of Independence Square
Independence Square, called “Maidan” by Ukrainians, is the main square of the capital. This is an object that tourists and visitors of the city must visit. Here they like to wander by the fountains, take pictures next to the majestic monument and just take a walk. Several main streets of Kiev are adjacent to the Maidan: Khreshchatyk, Institutskaya, Sofiyskaya, Mikhailovskaya.
The square changed its name several times: in the XIX century, there was a wasteland with ruins of defensive structures at its location, then the first name became Khreshchatyn, after – Duma Square, and only in the year of Ukraine’s independence (1991) it received its current name.
Despite the loud “megapolis”, Kiev, surrounded by greenery, is loved for its warmth and comfort. Wondering what to visit in Ukraine, do not hesitate to come to Kiev! There are an incredible number of places unique in their beauty and historical value, where Independence Square is one of the main attractions of the capital. In 2004 and 2014, the square became the center of protest rallies and revolutionary events in Ukraine.
3. Deribasovskaya street (Odessa)
Deribasovskaya street, sung by poets and writers
Odessa is a southern pearl, a hospitable city that has a soul. Soaked in the salty spray of the Black Sea and subtle Odessa humor, the city impresses with its cordiality and endless charm. Travel companies offer any tours around the country, but you should definitely visit south Palmyra.
There is definitely something to see here: a magnificent Opera House, many historical monuments, gloomy catacombs, small streets and cozy courtyards of the old town. But there is something special in Odessa – Deribasovskaya Street, sung in poetry and songs, a kind of business card of the city. There is no noisy transport here, you can safely walk along the pedestrian pavement paved with cobblestones and plunge into the indescribable atmosphere of the great city. There are many cafes, restaurants, summer playgrounds on Deribasovskaya Street, it is simply soaked through with Odessa flavor. The city garden, the monument to Utesov, street musicians and artists, and next to the chic Passage store, which is an architectural monument of the XIX century, attracts the eyes of strolling guests of the city. Here you want to smile just like that, for no reason, breathe deeply, then buy some trinket as a keepsake and fall in love with this city for life.
4. Khotyn fortress (Chernivtsi region, Khotyn)
Khotyn Fortress is an example of medieval defensive architecture
The sights of Ukraine are located in every corner of this unique country. Khotyn Fortress is one of the most spectacular places where any tourist should definitely visit. This is a real monument to the great history of Russia, which is already a little over 1000 years old.
Initially, the structure was a small fortress built by the Slavs from wood. Its function was to protect the local people from invaders. When the Mongol-Tatar yoke conquered Russia, the role of this fort greatly increased, it guarded the most important crossing on the Dniester River from the raids of nomadic robbers.
Later, the first small stone fortress was built here. Over time, it was expanded and rebuilt after the destruction by nomads. Up to the 19th century, battles were constantly taking place at this place. The Khotyn fortress also took on the assault of Russian troops. M. Lomonosov even wrote about it in his ode. However, the fort later lost its military status. The settlement received its own coat of arms, and a church was built inside in honor of Alexander Nevsky. At the moment, the fortress is a museum. Inside there is a monument to Hetman Peter Sagaidachny, 5 towers, churches, the prince’s palace, barracks, the entrance to the dungeon, the ruins of a mosque and a military school. Many famous films were shot in Khotyn, for example, “The Three Musketeers”. Khotyn Fortress is a wonderful place, with a special atmosphere, where history comes to life.
Official website: http://khotynska-fortecya.cv.ua
5. St. Sophia Cathedral (Kiev)
St. Sophia Cathedral is one of the symbols of the Ukrainian capital
If you do not know what to visit in Ukraine, then be sure to visit the Cathedral of St. Sophia, built by order of Yaroslav the Wise in the XI century. Initially, the structure consisted of 13 domes, over time 6 more were added. The temple was often destroyed due to the attacks of robbers, invaders, survived the onslaught of the Tatar-Mongol yoke, Batu’s detachment completely demolished and looted the cathedral.
By the beginning of the XV century, the building was severely destroyed, services for the townspeople ceased. Metropolitan Peter decided to call an Italian architect to restore the cathedral in the XVII century. The structure has now become pear-shaped, the walls are decorated with stucco, icons and frescoes have been restored inside.
Now Hagia Sophia is included in the UNESCO list (World Heritage List), divine services are held only on great Christian holidays, the rest of the time the temple is open to tourists. The building is very beautiful and unique. One of the domes of the cathedral reminds of Jesus, the rest of the apostles and evangelists who preached Christ. The mosaic adorning the central dome and arches has been preserved in the temple since the XI century. Scenes from the Bible are reflected not only on mosaics, but also on frescoes. In total, there are more than 100 graves on the territory of the cathedral, including Yaroslav the Wise and his family.
Official website: https://st-sophia.org.ua/
See the beautiful places of Ukraine in this wonderful video!
6. Tunnel of love (Klevan, Rivne region)
The Tunnel of Love is a place of pilgrimage for romantics and newlyweds
Many tourists are wondering: what to see in Ukraine? There are many beautiful places in this country, one of them is the Tunnel of Love. This place is considered one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This attraction is especially popular among romantics and newlyweds who come here to make a wish, and photographers who get a lot of high-quality and interesting pictures. There is a tunnel in the forest near the town of Klevan in the Rivne region. It is easy to get to it by train. The tunnel of love is a section of forest with a length of 1 km. Rails are laid inside, on which a real factory train runs. He maintains this place in this state by breaking off overgrown tree branches.
It is best to observe the tunnel in late spring, summer and early autumn, because all this time there is a lot of foliage on the trees, which gives a special romance and mystery through the play of light and shadows. However, it is beautiful here even after a good snowfall – time seems to stop, and life around freezes. But beware of the train, which can ruin such a wonderful moment by rushing through the tunnel.
Not far from this place there is a medieval castle shrouded in legends and myths, so the Tunnel of Love is one of the most romantic places in Europe for lovers.
7. Svyatogorsk Assumption Lavra (Svyatogorsk, Donetsk region)
Assumption Lavra is the beauty and pride of Svyatogorsk
On a majestic mountain, surrounded by chalk cliffs on the banks of the beautiful Seversky Donets River, like a vision of bygone times, the shrine of Eastern Ukraine – the Svyatogorsk Assumption Lavra – is buried in greenery. There is an amazing view from the top of the cliff. But the monastery itself, which includes an ensemble of several temples and a cave monastery complex, rises from the bright waters of the Donets River to the very top of the holy mountain. Majestic as an eagle’s nest, she was chosen by the hermits for her home.
Since ancient times, the sound of a bell has been ringing along the banks of the river, proclaiming peace and prosperity. The Lavra includes many interesting monuments of architecture and art. Few sights of Ukraine can compare with the Svyatogorsk shrine in their grandeur.
The history of the monastery goes back to ancient times. Back in the 8th century, fleeing persecution and moving to the northern Black Sea region, the inhabitants of Greek monasteries founded the first cave settlements on the banks of the Seversky Donets River. The cave monastery on the Svyatogorskaya Rock enjoyed special respect of the people and their sincere love. People revered the monastery for the strictness of monastic life, the holiness of the brothers who lived here and their asceticism. Nowadays, many tourists and pilgrims come to this place, which is unique in its amazing beauty and power.
Official website: http://svlavra.church.ua
8. The old castle of Kamianets-Podolsky (Kamianets-Podolsky, Khmelnitsky region)
The city is an open-air museum
Kamenets-Podolsky makes the most pleasant impression: a small, green, clean and incredibly bright town. Having been here once, you will definitely want to come again. Residents of the city tenderly and carefully treat their relics, therefore, a unique place has been preserved almost in its original form – the Old Town, where the medieval architectural monument Kamenets-Podolsk Fortress is located. If you want to know what to see in Ukraine, visit this incredible place in its energy and beauty.
At the exit from the old town there is a magnificent view of the Old Kamianets-Podolsky Castle. After crossing the bridge over the canyon, you enter its territory and as if you plunge into the Middle Ages. The harsh appearance, powerful masonry walls, defensive structures, stone-earth bastion fortifications, castle towers are literally mesmerizing.
The history of the Old Fortress began in the XII century. Already at that time, it reliably defended the city, and in the XV century, after the capture by the Poles, it was the most important defensive point of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Up to the nineteenth century, the city was conquered by the Turks, Poles, and the Russian Empire in turn, and when it ceased to have its former military significance, it became a museum-reserve and one of the most visited Ukrainian attractions.
9. Schoenborn Castle (Transcarpathian region)
The elegant Schoenborn Hunting Castle
The hunting estate is the country residence of the Counts of Schoenborn, located in Transcarpathia in the Beregvar tract near the village of Chinadievo near Mukachevo. This is one of the best preserved palaces in Ukraine. Now it is called the sanatorium “Carpathians”. The unique structure fascinates visitors with its unsurpassed beauty and grandeur. A huge park, the purest Carpathian air, tranquility and tranquility – that’s what attracts a lot of tourists to visit this lovely corner and stay there longer.
You don’t have to go abroad to see the unique architectural structures. Local guides will offer you an excellent and inexpensive vacation in Transcarpathia with visits to ancient palaces, crystal clear lakes and powerful waterfalls. Schoenborn Castle will make you feel like an Austrian aristocrat. Despite the fact that it has the appearance of a medieval structure, it is considered quite young. At the beginning of the XIX century, the building was a small wooden hunting lodge, later on its place, by order of the count, the best architects designed and built a huge stone palace. The well-preserved sights of Ukraine, located in the park area, remain attractive to tourists.
Official website: http://sankarpaty.com/glavnaya
10. Khortytsya Island (Zaporizhia)
Khortytsia Island – the Cossack past of Zaporozhye
If we consider the sights of Ukraine, it is impossible not to recall the largest island of the state – Khortytsia, 12 km long and about 2.5 km wide. Back in the time of the Scythians, various tribes enjoyed natural protection and chose it for their settlements. There is still a pagan sanctuary on the island. According to legends, it was here that Prince Svyatoslav of Kiev died in a battle with the Pechenegs.
But the most famous island was made by the Ukrainian Cossacks. According to some reports, they set up a camp here, and then declared the island the capital of their republic. However, there is other information, but the island overgrown with legends refuses to accept it, and it is here that the museum of the Ukrainian Cossacks and the historical and cultural complex “Zaporizhia Sich” function.
Khortytsia influenced the works of Taras Shevchenko, Nikolai Lysenko, Ilya Repin. Maxim Gorky also visited him.
Today the island is a huge museum complex surrounded by water and rocks. Since 2005, it has acquired the status of a national reserve. Part of the territory is almost untouched, many plants and animals that live here are listed in the Red Book. An arboretum, an equestrian theater, and beautiful viewing platforms complete the list for tourists to visit. They can visit the sights or just relax on the shore, swimming, fishing and eating kebabs.
Sights of Ukraine: what else to visit while in Ukraine
If you have not yet planned which excursions in Ukraine you will book, our list will become a real “lifesaver”, identifying the most interesting options and localities. We present current descriptions with photos, on the basis of which it will not be difficult for you to make a final choice.
11. Bernardine Church and Monastery (Lviv)
Interior of the Bernardine Church in Lviv
Lviv, a city of attractions and tourists, often dominates the list of what to visit in Ukraine. Among the most interesting and majestic to explore is the Church of St. Andrew, which became the first stone church in the city. Legend has it that the Bernardine Order arrived in the city back in the 15th century, but for a long time they were not allowed to build a monastery and a temple so that enemies could not enter the city. Then a compromise decision was made. The fighting monks built a monastery out of stone and allowed the walls to integrate into the defensive system of the city. If necessary, they went out on the walls of the city and fought shoulder to shoulder with the townspeople.
The church itself was built in 1600-1630. Architects P. Rimlyanin and A. Boehmer belonged to fans of different styles, but the result was all the more interesting. There are sculptures of four saints on the facade, inside there is a rich decoration in the Baroque style. The ceiling is painted by the famous B. Mazurkevich. The cells are attached to the northern wall of the temple. The wooden parts have not been preserved, but most of them were made anew according to an exact pattern.
According to another legend, in the XVII century Bogdan Khmelnitsky did not destroy the city only because the ghost of a monk appeared to him. The column in memory of this is still standing, however, not wooden, but already stone. In 1733-1734, a bell tower was added from the south.
12. Marble cave (Crimea, Chatyr-Dag massif)
Inside the Marble Cave
In search of what to see in Ukraine, it is necessary to look into the Marble Cave, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. It was opened in 1987 and has since become a favorite of tourists.
It is inferior in size to the world’s monsters, reaching only two kilometers. Only half of them are open for safe access. Lighting has been done there, there are handrails in the right places, concrete paths have been laid for the convenience of visitors. The largest hall, the Avalanche, is 100 m long and 28 m high. Since the formation appeared in the rock of marble limestones, the name was determined by itself.
The beauty of the cave is in the huge stalactites and stalagmites, flowered draperies, helictite flowers recognized as unique, corralite patterns, stone altars, chandeliers and columns. In the lower gallery there is a natural mineralogical museum, where 3-hour caving tours are held.
There is no free entrance to the cave, 5 guided tours are offered. It is worth preparing for a visit – take warm clothes, because the temperature there, even on the hottest day, is no more than 9 degrees Celsius. Comfortable shoes are also required, because you will have to walk a lot. You will not find a similar attraction in Ukraine anywhere else.
13. Lake Sinevir (Mezhgorye, Transcarpathian region)
The water surface of the Sinevir mountain lake
Lake Sinevir is called the decoration of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The purest freshwater lake is located on the territory of the Sinevirsky Nature Reserve and covers an area of about 5 hectares. Scientists believe that this miracle appeared as a result of a rock collapse. For tourists, the main thing is to admire the exceptional beauty of this landmark of Ukraine and the purest water of the mountain streams that fill the reservoir.
The depth is quite large, ranging from 4.5-24 meters, but even in the deepest place you can view the water almost to the bottom. This makes the lake look like a natural aquarium. While swimming on a raft, you can put your hand in the water and wait for the touch of the most timid fish in the world – trout. She, like many other species of fish, swims here in shoals.
The air is not only clean, but also ringing with the natural sounds of birds, animals, splashing water and rustling plants. Motorboats and loud noises are prohibited here, so the rest will not only be pleasant, but also healthy. The nervous system, hearing and vision will be able to throw off the burden of civilization, at least for a short time. Such sights of Ukraine remind a person that nature is his cradle, salvation and pure pleasure.
14. Ukrainian Carpathians (north-west of Ukraine)
Carpathian protected areas
The vast territory of the Ukrainian part of the Carpathians reaches 280 km in length and 50-100 km in width. Together with the territory of the foothills, this is more than 3,700 square kilometers.
The attraction for tourists lies in the landscape. On the Ukrainian side, the mountains are slightly lower and more convenient for climbing. But this did not affect the diversity of preserved natural resources. A huge number of large and medium-sized rivers, including the Tisza, Prut, Dniester, and more than 30,000 large streams allow flora and fauna not to lack water. About 60 watering points have been opened here, where you can be treated with healing mineral waters, which made it possible to create balneological resorts on their basis.
The beech forests of the Ukrainian Carpathians are protected by UNESCO as an untouched natural complex. There is a large nature reserve and several dozen protected nature parks on the territory, occupying 13% of the area.
There is something to see in Ukraine if you come to the Carpathians. The most popular and exotic attractions include the Shipot and Manyavsky waterfalls, the mud volcano in the village of Starunya, the valley of Daffodils, and a number of lakes.
In winter, the region turns into a ski resort of world importance, with trails of different levels, developed infrastructure and the opportunity to get acquainted with the vibrant culture of the local population.
15. Lutsk Castle (Upper Lutsk)
The entrance tower of Lutsk Castle
The hallmark of the city of Lutsk remains an ancient monument of architecture, which was mentioned in the chronicles of 1075. In 1340-1350, stone walls were erected instead of wooden walls, and it still stands in this form.
The fortress has managed to repel the attacks of enemies for many centuries, including even the Mongol-Tatars. It became the cultural, political and religious center of Volhynia. Tourists can look at the perfectly preserved features of the buildings, since now the fortress has acquired the status of a historical museum and is protected by law as a national monument.
The entire complex of this landmark of Ukraine is built in the shape of a triangle. If you climb the Entrance Tower from the western wall, Lutsk in all its diversity will spread out under your feet. Inside the tower there is an exposition of paintings and engravings of antiquity and ancient maps of the area. Several exhibitions on the lower floors will introduce antique versions of keys, the art of local glassblowers, and toys. There is an exhibition of medieval guns in the courtyard.
Among the preserved buildings are parts of the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian, built 9 centuries ago. There is an exposition of ancient building materials near it. The Museum of Printing has an exhibition of old books. The pride of Ukraine, a collection of bells, is also represented in Lutsk Castle. Everyone who comes to the fortress will find something that will touch his heart.
16. Kievan Rus Park
Ancient Kiev in the Principality of Kievan Rus
Inside the complex
Kievan Rus Park is located just 45 minutes away from modern Kiev – Kiev region, Obukhov district, Kopachov village. The complex is not a museum or an exposition, but a real living medieval city, with its entourage of inhabitants, architectural masterpieces, delicious dishes from the campfire, ancient crafts and horseback riding, incredibly spectacular medieval shows.
On the territory of more than 20 hectares, based on the knowledge of modern science, archeology and chronicles, the capital of the great medieval power Kievan Rus is being recreated – Ancient Kiev from the 5th to the 13th centuries. The city is being built in the size of its historical center, known as the Kiev Detinets or the City of Vladimir. It also recreates the atmosphere and spirit of this glorious era.
Museums of historical costume, medieval music, wooden architecture, exhibitions of siege equipment, shipbuilding, and even a medieval torture chamber are waiting for guests. The Principality of Kievan Rus is the only site of its kind where large-scale historical battles are recreated in a reliable historical setting, spectacular championships in medieval combat, knightly and archery tournaments are held, armor and weapons of medieval warriors are demonstrated, as well as the culture, way of life and atmosphere of Kievan Rus are recreated.
Official website: http://parkkyivrus.com
17. Pysanka Museum (Kolomyia)
Museum of decorative Easter Eggs in Kolomyia AMartiniouk
The original European country of Ukraine, it would seem, is so close and understandable to each of us, but during the journey it opens up from completely different, amazing angles. In order for a trip to Ukraine to bring maximum impressions, it is worth mentioning the most significant sights of Ukraine briefly and planning an interesting route. In the Ivano-Frankivsk region, in the town of Kolomyia, you can see the world’s largest Easter egg — a kind of painted structure is the Easter egg museum “Pysanka”. The museum’s expositions contain more than ten thousand exhibits — these are painted eggs from different regions of Ukraine, as well as specimens from other countries, ranging from Russia and Belarus, and ending with Egypt and China. A place of honor in the exhibition is occupied by a collection of Easter eggs decorated by famous people — artists, politicians, including Leonid Kuchma and Viktor Yushchenko.
18. Old Town (Lviv)
Market Square in the Old City of Lviv Participant:Vodnik
Historical buildings in the Old City of Lviv
Valuable historical and cultural attractions of Ukraine are an important component of its tourism potential. Among them, it is worth highlighting the old city of Lviv — a wonderful historical monument where you can wander along the cobblestone streets, as if transported back in time to several centuries ago. Such a walk conveys an amazing feeling of comfort, which can be obtained only by walking through an area steeped in its history. In a very modest square, a large number of ancient structures are surprisingly collected — these are four large churches, three ethnic quarters, and several dozen centuries-old houses, all kinds of sculptures and even fragments of the fortress. The rest in the old town is complemented by numerous souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes where you can relax during a walk.
19. Mukachevo castle (Mukachevo)
Palanok Castle on a 68-meter mountain of volcanic origin against the background of the Carpathian Mountains
Among the preserved fortifications of Ukraine, it is worth highlighting Palanok, the largest castle in Transcarpathia, the date of construction of which is already unknown for certain — the sources only mention that in the 11th century this citadel managed to successfully repel an attack by the troops of the Polovtsian Khan. The castle has repeatedly changed its owners, and each new owner has contributed to its strengthening and rebuilding. To this day, from his 68-meter elevation, he proudly looks at the guests of the town of Mukachevo, who want to see such an impregnable, majestic fortress. In the 50s of the last century, there was a technical school within the walls of the castle, and students lived in the barracks. And since 1989, to this day, there has been a museum with a collection of sculptures and paintings, there is an exposition of cultural and everyday objects of the inhabitants of Transcarpathia from the 12th to the 20th centuries.
20. Sofiyevka Park (Uman)
A corner of Sofiyevka Park on the banks of the Kamenka River in Uman Fr Maxim Massalitin
Entrance to the underground Acheron River in Sofiyevka Park in Uman Uk-Kamelot
In search of the sights of Ukraine for children, we recommend going to the small town of Uman, which is famous for its arboretum park “Sofiyivka”. This is a great place for a family holiday, where you can see all the beauty of the local nature, in all its colors and abundance. The park was located on the banks of the Kamenka River, on an area of 180 hectares, more than two hundred years ago. This piece of landscape art was created by a Polish count for his wife Sofia, after whom it was named. A very successful, diverse landscape was chosen for its creation, with hills, ravines and large granite blocks along the banks. And nowadays the park has a special romantic atmosphere, pleases the eye with the beauty of ponds, fountains, man-made waterfalls, sculptures. You can take a walk along the numerous shady alleys, ride horses or go through the waters of Kamenka on boats and catamarans.
21. Pochaev Lavra (Pochaev)
The Holy Dormition Pochaev Lavra is the largest Orthodox temple complex and monastery
In the underground temple of Job Pochaevsky in the Pochaevsky Lavra Boris Mavlyutov
The Pochaev Dormition Lavra, or Pochaev Monastery, is the largest temple complex in the country, which was once the main spiritual center of Western Russia. In terms of its scale, it is inferior today only to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. The lavra is located in the center of the town of Pochaev, on a high hill, so its snow-white facade and golden domes can be seen from afar. The time of the foundation of the complex can only be guessed from scattered legends and chronicles: it is believed that the monks, persecuted from the Kiev Pechersk Lavra in the 13th century by the troops of the Mongol-Tatars, fled to this region and founded a monastery here. So at first a wooden church was built, then the stone Holy Dormition Church grew, and in 1649 the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity appeared on a hill. Today, the Pochaev Lavra is not just an object of pilgrimage, but also a major Orthodox educational center.
22. Radomysl Castle (Radomyshl)
General view of the building of the historical and cultural complex “Radomysl Castle” Olga Bohomolec press-office
Mentioning the sights of northern Ukraine, it is worth noting that this region is rich in ancient buildings — monastery complexes, museums, fortresses and other historical structures. Radomysl Castle Museum deserves special attention — a real medieval fortress, where everything is imbued with the spirit of antiquity. In the 17th century, a paper mill was built here, and the populated place of the town of Radomyshl became fortified. Later, the papirny was destroyed, and in its place a mill was erected, which worked until the beginning of the First World War. Later, everything turns into ruins, and only in 2007 the ruins take on a new life, the castle building grows back in its original place, preserving its authentic features. Today, within its walls, you can look into the museum of the Ukrainian domestic icon, visit the chamber music concert hall or have a snack in the medieval refectory.
Official website: http://www.radozamok
23. Gosprom (Kharkiv)
Soviet skyscraper (1925-1928) on Freedom Square in Kharkiv Sergiy Krinitsa (Haidamac)
Choosing the sights of Ukraine in winter, when hiking opportunities are limited, you can go to Kharkov to see one of the first skyscrapers of the beginning of the last century — the house of State Industry. This building, erected in the 20s of the last century, had an incredible height at that time – 63 meters, and together with a TV tower installed from above already in the 50s, the height is even more — 108 meters. The fact is that at the beginning of the 20th century there was a question about the appointment of Kharkov as the capital, so it was decided to build something grandiose in the city center. This is how the Gosprom building appeared, incredible in size, made in the style of constructivism. Considering that all the work was carried out almost manually at that time, the scale of construction was enormous — workers from all over the USSR worked on the construction site in 3 shifts, and in 3 years the building grew, which became one of the main symbols of the city.
24. Olesky Castle (Olesko village)
The western facade of the Olesko Castle on the outskirts of the village of Olesko Oleh.zavadsky
To this day, Ukraine carefully preserves a number of medieval castles on its lands, which were mute witnesses to many historical events. Visitors are always impressed by the impregnability of fortifications and defensive fortifications. However, only a few of these buildings can boast not only of their power, but also of the beauty, grace and elegance of architecture. One of these structures is the Olesky Castle, which today houses a branch of the Lviv Art Gallery with exhibits representing various areas of medieval art. Among other things, it is also the oldest surviving castle in Ukraine, it was built for many years in the 13th-14th centuries by the Galician-Volyn princes. It is worth noting that Olesky, Zolochevsky and Podhoretsky castles are part of a popular tourist route around Lviv, called the “Golden Horseshoe of Lviv region.
25. Akkerman fortress (Belgorod-Dniester)
View of the Akkerman fortress on the rocky shore of the Dniester estuary Alexey M.
The performance at the walls of the Akkerman fortress Evgeny Katyshev
In the center of the small town of Belgorod-Dniester, located on the coast of the Dniester Estuary Bay, it is worth visiting the main symbol of the city, the largest fortress in Ukraine — Akkerman. This is a huge bastion that was built and strengthened over the years from the 13th to the 15th century. Once upon a time, the ancient Greek city of Tyre was located here, which occupied an important place in the trade of the Northern Black Sea region, and to this day, excavations of the city and even an entire street with houses and water supply can be found near the fortress walls. The complex of fortifications occupies an impressive area of 9 hectares, and towers have been installed on its most important strategic sites — 26 of 34 of them have been preserved today. On the coast itself stands the most important and spectacular object — the citadel, at the walls of which festivals and theatrical performances with knight competitions are held today.
Official website: http://viknaodessa .
Have you already visited all the sights of Ukraine? How about visiting the neighboring country of Belarus? Read about the sights of Belarus and get inspired and plan a further trip to the countries of Eastern Europe!