Taras's footsteps: a trip to the most favorite places of Kobzar

Very soon, Ukrainians will celebrate the birthday of the famous poet. He is an indomitable figure, a hero who believed in a brighter future, a man whose works are still being read today.

Taras did not live in Ukraine for long. If you add up all the time, it will be less than 15 years. But in a foreign land, he constantly remembered his home and came to visit whenever possible. Despite this, he was able to visit more than 100 Ukrainian cities and villages. We suggest planning a route in advance to go on a trip to Shevchenko's places on the holiday.

Moryntsi village, Cherkasy region

You should start your journey from the region where the writer was born, and also visit Shevchenkove (formerly Kyrylivka) on the way: this is where Shevchenko moved to live with his family when he was a boy. And, of course, you should visit Budyshchy, where he served as a teenager for Mr. Engelhardt, and Vilshany, the place that became the starting point of his work.

It is not difficult to get to these four settlements, as they are united in the Taras Shevchenko's Homeland National Reserve. We recommend visiting Kobzar's first house, where the interior from his childhood is now recreated.

On your way to the next village, stop at the monument to the genius and admire his father's estate. Unfortunately, it is not authentic but recreated after Kobzar's drawing – the real house burned down. Also visit the clerk's house, where the future poet learned to read and write.

Kachanivka, Chernihiv region

The writer had many pleasant memories of this place. He came here more than once because he liked Kachanivka very much. It was also here that he fell in love with the daughter of a landowner, Vasyl Tarnovskyi, whom he was constantly visiting. Unfortunately, the love story did not have a happy ending. He wanted to get married, but his dreams were not destined to come true.

Shevchenko first came here in 1843. This event took place after a long stay in a foreign country. The last time he came here was in 1859, hoping to see his beloved, but he never met her. Thinking that their conversation could be postponed until the next time, Taras left. A few years later, his heart stopped, and his plans never materialized.

Kholodnyi Yar, Cherkasy region

For all of us, this place is associated with freedom and struggle. That is why the poet adored this location and constantly glorified it, reproaching his countrymen for forgetting their past.

He visited here, was inspired, and drew motifs for his poems "Haydamaka" and "Kholodnyi Yar". So it's definitely worth a visit. On the way, be sure to stop by the village of Buda, where a monument to Taras is erected next to the monastery.

Baturyn, Chernihiv region

Another city that inspired the poet to write the famous mystery "The Great Cellar". The former hetman's residence is rich in historical sights. The first attraction where tourists constantly stop is the fortress, which was rebuilt only in 2008 after it was completely destroyed.

It was destroyed because Ivan Mazepa sided with the Swedes. After the so-called betrayal, Peter I was very angry and ordered the entire settlement to be wiped off the map. Unfortunately, neither women nor children were spared. According to official data, the Moscow army ended the lives of 11 to 15 thousand people.

If you are here, honor the memory of the victims at the monument of the Cross. It was from here that the city's revival began.

Berezova Rudka, Poltava region

A small, inconspicuous village where Kobzar visited many times. He went here to visit the Zakrevsky brothers. Here, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, he painted several of his famous paintings. Among them is a portrait of Anna, the wife of Plato. Probably, the poem "The Blind Man" was written here.

Today, you can visit the former palace of Taras Shevchenko's friends and go to the National Park, where there is a museum complex dedicated to Shevchenko.

Also, visit the Zakrevsky's first home, which is now just a ruin. Don't miss the famous tomb pyramid and the Zemsky School.

Kaniv, Cherkasy region

The last location on your trip should be the burial place of the talented writer. Here, on Chernecha Hill, there is a monument to Kobzar. It is placed in such a way that it seems as if the Prophet is watching the roaring roar over the cliffs. Everything has been done as the poet bequeathed. At his feet is a slab with lines from the poem "Dream" written on it.

Not far from the grave, a museum has been built where Shevchenko's life is fully exhibited. There is also an observation deck with an incredible panorama. The city also has an alley that runs along the Dnipro River. There are more than 20 sculptures carved from the famous works.

All of these locations are relatively close to each other. If you plan your route well, you can get to each of them. This will allow you to touch the life of Kobzar. Do it, you will not regret your decision for a second and will remember the trip for a long time.

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