On Gogol's trails: a journey through the colorful Poltava region

This picturesque region has preserved an authentic Ukrainian atmosphere. A famous writer whose works are still popular was born here.

The prominent playwright admired the local nature, the originality of the village and its inhabitants. As a child, he often liked to write down legends, stories, songs, and folk beliefs in his diary. This habit helped him create the famous cycle of stories "Evenings on a Farm near Dykanka".

There are many places in Poltava that are closely connected with the life of Nikolai Vasilyevich. Read on to find out which locations are worth visiting.

Gogoleve

This used to be the family estate where the young novelist was brought after his baptism. He spent his childhood here, which he later recalled with special trepidation. After growing up, the writer often came home to visit his mother and sisters. He was also engaged in the improvement of the estate.

His family was not wealthy. However, they constantly traveled to visit neighbors and relatives, and received guests themselves.

The mother often told her son about the "terrible judgment" and the torment of sinners in hell. The father would tell humorous stories and anecdotes.

The building retained its authentic appearance until 1943. Then the Nazis completely destroyed it. But in 1984 the estate was restored. During this period, the grand opening of the Reserve-Museum of Mykola Gogol took place.

Here you can see a pond, a grotto on the shore, and a centuries-old garden. Also, be sure to visit the author's personal office. It was set up in a hut.

Velyki Sorochyntsi

The village houses the house of Dr. Mykhailo Trokhymovsky, where the writer was born. Later it was converted into a memorial. It housed the poet's personal belongings and his first printed publications. Unfortunately, during World War II, everything was destroyed by the Germans. But after the fighting ended, the manuscripts were restored.

Transfiguration Church, Velyki Sorochyntsi

The most beautiful church on the entire Left Bank of Ukraine. The Sacrament of Baptism of the novelist took place here. In total, there were 12 children in his family-six boys and the same number of girls. However, some of them died in their youth.

By the way, there are regular buses from Myrhorod, Poltava, Kremenchuk, and Lubny. Trains run to the town from Kyiv, Uzhhorod, and Kostiantynivka.

Sorochynska Fair

Be sure to visit here, because even Mykola himself mentioned this place in his works. Every year, Zhabokrytska Square gathers tens of thousands of buyers and sellers. You won't believe it, but cars and agricultural machinery are even sold here.

You can also eat delicious food and buy souvenirs here. And, of course, you can talk to and take pictures with Gogol's characters and folk artists.

The entrance is free.

Dykanka

The village became famous thanks to the poet's work. People believe that the characters in his works are based on real-life characters.

The Trinity Church is noted by Gogol in his novel The Night Before Christmas. Here Vakula painted the devil in hell from the book "Viy". By the way, services are still held here.

There is also the St. Nicholas Church, where the writer's mother, Maria Ivanovna, used to meet him often. After the death of her first two children, she repeatedly prayed to St. Nicholas and the Mother of God.

The shrine itself is built in the form of a rotunda and is over 200 years old. According to legend, the image of St. Nicholas appeared on one of the stumps. After that, a wooden cross was erected on this spot, and later a church was built. By the way, the log has survived to this day.

Nizhyn

Here, at the Prince Bezborodko Gymnasium of Higher Sciences, the future novelist studied. It was at the school that he was able to discover his literary talents. In 1881, the world's first monument to the writer was erected in the city. It was built on donations from the townspeople.

The sculpture is located on the street of the same name, in the main park of Nizhyn.

Explore little-known places in Ukraine. They hide so many interesting things. Have a nice trip!

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