7 wonders of Ukraine: what cultural sights to see while traveling

Albina Panchenko News01.10.2024 08:03

Sights of Ukraine

The Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, the Great Wall of China - most of us dream of visiting all these world masterpieces. But unfortunately, we often forget about our own. And in vain. After all, our homeland hides many treasures. So where to go to get acquainted with Ukrainian pearls - read below.

Kamianets Nature Reserve

Located in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi region. It is one of the oldest cities in the country. It was once considered the political and cultural center of the region. During archaeological excavations, tools from the Late Paleolithic period, Trypillian antiquities, and the remains of an East Slavic village were found here.

Around 1362, Lithuanian Prince Olgerd began to rule Podillia. Later he handed the land over to his nephews, Yurii and Oleksandr Koriatovych. According to the chronicles, they had a great influence on the construction of the local fortress.

By the way, it is one of the best examples of defense structures in Eastern Europe.

An interesting fact: Lesia Ukrainka called the center a "flower on a stone."

Kyiv Cave Monastery

The monastery complex is one of the largest Christian centers in Ukraine. It is also under UNESCO protection. The shrine was founded in 1051. The first monk was Anthony of Liubych. At first, he lived in a dungeon where people often came to seek his blessing. Later, other ascetics joined him. The like-minded people set up cells and built a church.

An interesting fact: for seven hundred years, burials were carried out underground.

Already in the eleventh century, they began to build the Assumption Cathedral, the refectory, and the Trinity Gate Church. In 1926, the religious center was recognized as an All-Ukrainian museum town. It included fortress walls with towers, libraries, a printing house, and the private collection of Pavlo Potocki.

7 wonders of Ukraine: what cultural sights to see while traveling

National Dendrological Park "Sofiyivka"

Located in Uman. The natural attraction was founded by tycoon Stanislav Szczęsny Potocki and presented to his wife Sofia on her name day.

The area used to be dominated by treeless terrain, where exotic plants were later planted. After the construction was completed, the main entrance to the reserve was from the side of the greenhouses, where people came by horseback. Today, it is Tyshchyk and Kyivska streets.

The natural object covers an area of more than 170 hectares. Tourists will be able to see waterfalls, artificial rocks, grottoes, architectural structures, and ancient sculptures. By the way, more than 3,000 species of trees and shrubs grow here, including swamp cypress, tulip tree, and ginkgo.

In 1991, the location was granted the status of a research institution of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

St. Sophia Cathedral

It is located in Kyiv. The shrine was built in 1017-1037 by order of Yaroslav the Wise. Until the XIII century, great Kyivan princes were buried here. By the way, the oldest necropolis in Ukraine, dating from 1054-1995, is located on the territory.

During its existence, the religious building has repeatedly suffered from fires, robberies, and reconstructions. In 1950, frescoes from the Early Middle Ages were discovered here. In 1990, the site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tourists will be able to see the ancient mosaics on the main altar and the central dome, as well as the image of Our Lady of Orange. By the way, inscriptions and drawings from the 11th and early 18th centuries can still be seen on the walls. Today, there are more than 7,000 graffiti here.

Khotyn fortress

It is located in Khotyn, Chernivtsi region. The town was founded by Prince Volodymyr the Great. After the collapse of Kyivan Rus and the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia, the fortification was ruled by various state entities, including the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Poland.

In 1621, an armed conflict took place here between the state of the Turkish Ottoman dynasty and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This is the most famous battle that became a symbol of Cossack courage. In 1856, the building ceased to exist as a military facility. In 1960, the complex was granted the status of an architectural monument.

By the way, there is an ancient well here, about 62 meters deep. Water still comes here.

An interesting fact: the location has become a movie set for many films, namely: "Taras Bulba, The Rising Hawk, The Three Musketeers, and others.

Khortytsia

The largest island on the Dnipro River. Once upon a time, a famous trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks ran through here. It was considered the main water route of Kievan Rus.

Due to the full-scale invasion, tourists can visit only 3 locations: the Unity Mound, the Cossack Circle, and the Zaporizhzhia Sich complex. In the historical and cultural center, travelers will see a recreation of the Cossack capital, including the house of the Cossack Ataman, the military office, and the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There is also the Museum of the History of the Zaporizhzhia Cossacks, which was opened in 1983. More than 30 thousand exhibits are kept here.

Chersonesos Tavriya.

A Byzantine town in the Crimea. The first settlements appeared here in the fifth century BC. In 988, the land was captured by Volodymyr the Great, who was later baptized here. In 1827, official excavations began here, which resulted in the discovery of the remains of churches, cisterns, and a water supply system.

In 2013, the reserve became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, unfortunately, it is impossible to visit the site. But we hope that after the return of Crimea, Ukrainians will be able to admire the place of power again. Now the occupiers have begun to build new buildings here. Therefore, they have ruthlessly destroyed part of the monument.