Top arboretums in Ukraine: where to go for the weekend

We often think that fall is not the time for traveling. But it's not! Especially if you know where exactly you can go. So where to spend your next weekend - read below.

Sofiyivka

Located in the city of Uman, Cherkasy region. The arboretum is a true example of landscape park art. Here you can see various compositions created from water, earth, stones, and plants. The territory covers more than 180 hectares.

The natural object was founded by Polish magnate Stanisław Szczęsny Potocki in 1796. He did it in honor of his wife Sofia. The famous military engineer Ludwig Metzel worked on Sofiyivka. He wanted not just to create a nature reserve, but to convey the atmosphere of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. And he succeeded. Today you can see ancient sculptures, admire waterfalls and flower arrangements.

By the way, the whole area used to be covered by hills with a small stream running between them. Fountains, ponds, an underground river - all of this was created artificially. We also advise you to visit the Uman Museum of Local Lore, one of the oldest in the Cherkasy region. It houses various household items, dishes, musical instruments, weapons, etc.

Alexandria

Located in the city of Bila Tserkva, Kyiv region. The arboretum is one of the largest in Ukraine. Its area reaches 400 hectares. The natural object was created by the family of a major Polish landowner, Count Francis Xavier Branicki. The reserve's peculiarity is an amazing complex of oak forests, sunny glades, flowering meadows and water compositions.

Be sure to check out the real works of art - statues of Countess Oleksandra Branytska, the Virgin Mary, Diana and Apollo. In the central part of the park there is a spring called "Lion". By the way, it is guarded by a sculpture of the king of beasts. Also, more than 4 thousand species of trees and herbaceous plants are cultivated here, some of them rare or on the verge of extinction.

We recommend visiting the Museum of Wildlife of Flora and Fauna. It is located on the territory of the location. There is a menagerie with raccoons, foxes, ostriches, porcupines, monkeys, rabbits, parrots, etc. Also, visit the Moore Garden. It grows apple trees, pears, plums, apricots, cherry plums, cherries, cherries, and peaches.

Trostianets

It is located in the village of the same name in the Chernihiv region. It was created in 1834 with the assistance of Ivan Skoropadskyi. By the way, the hetman was inspired by the exquisite landscape design of Baron Rothschild's French park. However, the first attempts to green the area were unsuccessful. So the philanthropist created his own nursery. Over time, plants from different parts of the world, including Latvia and France, began to be brought here.

After the death of the statesman and the 1917 revolution, the natural object suffered significant damage, and the diversity of the flora was halved. Eventually, in 1951, the reserve was transferred to the Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR. Today, more than 500 species of trees, shrubs, and flowers, including exotic ones, grow here.

Keep in mind that it is unlikely that you will be able to walk around the territory in a day. Therefore, we advise you to visit several special places: the swan pond, the glade of cedars and giant thuja, as well as the larch alley.

Be sure to visit the private local history museum in Trostianets. Here you can admire exhibits from Scythian times. The food is also delicious. We recommend ordering Cossack kulesh and herbal tea for lunch.

We also suggest visiting the Galagan Palace. It was built in 1823-1829 as an entertainment residence. At that time, it was considered one of the most beautiful estates.

Chernivtsi

Located in Chernivtsi on the territory of the Yuriy Fedkovych National University. By the way, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The natural object was founded in 1983. Its area is 5 hectares. Since its creation, the best gardeners with higher education have been taking care of the location.

In the park, it is worth exploring a nine-meter deep well. It is located near the bronze bust of architect Josef Hlavka. The attraction is famous for its tulip tree, three-legged apple tree, and 130-year-old beech tree. Travelers can visit greenhouses or stroll along cozy alleys. We also recommend exploring the area with pyramidal thujas and an artificial stone grotto.

It is worth warning that due to the martial law in the country, the park does not always receive guests. Therefore, it is better to check in advance whether you will be able to explore its territory.

Also, visit the local history museum, which is more than 160 years old. It houses about 95 thousand archaeological and historical exhibits of the region. Be sure to walk around the central square. Near the town hall, every day at 12 o'clock, a trumpeter plays the melody of the local song "Marichka".

Have fun at any time! Call your friends and go on a trip!

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