The most beautiful villages of Ukraine: what places to visit at the end of fall

It's not just big cities like Kyiv or Lviv that can be a great off-season destination. Little-known places that travelers often overlook are also worthy of attention. Today we're going to tell you what sights are hidden from the eyes of tourists!

Yablunytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk region

Yablunytsia is located at an altitude of 960 meters above sea level. The village is a real museum of living traditions. Every element of everyday life, from household to clothing, reflects ancient customs. The villagers cherish and pass on their knowledge and skills. That is why the Hutsul language is heard here almost at every turn. In particular, the dialects.

One interesting thing: instead of streets, there are dirt roads. There are 11 of them in total. Three mountains are visible from the settlement: Khomyak, Hoverla, and Petros.

Be sure to visit the Polonyna Pertsi. Before entering, we advise you to pay attention to the largest wooden coat of arms of Ukraine. It is 15 meters long. Here, tourists will visit a real Carpathian smithy, taste budz, vurda, and brynza in a cheese factory. They can also take up pottery and meet a molfar.

Vorokhta, Ivano-Frankivsk region

The village is located at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level by the banks of the Prut River. According to a legend, the village was named after a Polish army deserter who was hiding here.

Later, the construction of railroad tracks began here. In 1895, a viaduct was built, which is considered one of the most complex structures in Europe.

Ski schools were also opened here. Therefore, the region has become a training center for athletes. We advise you to go up to the slopes using the local ski lift to admire the autumn landscape.

We also recommend climbing Mount Kukul. The way here is quite simple and will take only a few hours.

Plavia, Lviv region

It is located in Stryi district near the town of Skole. The history of the village is shrouded in legends. According to one of them, the village was founded in 1523 by the opryshok (opryshky are  members of the Ukrainian peasant insurgency in Galicia) Plavianosh. Another story says that it is named after first settler.

There are also versions related to logging, which was carried out by the brothers Vadrus and Bryn. Interestingly, the surnames are still common among the locals.

By the way, the movie The Rising Hawk based on Ivan Franko's novel was filmed here.

Be sure to visit the Museum of National Culture. The gates and doors of the estate are decorated with traditional carvings. Inside, travelers will be able to see weaving and carpentry equipment. Do not forget about the cheese factory and smithy.

Vytachiv, Kyiv region

It is located in the Obukhiv district on the right bank of the Dnipro River. The village is considered to be one of the oldest settlements of the Poliansk principality and Kyivan Rus. According to archaeological research, it was founded around the fourth century BC.

Once upon a time, a fortress was built here, which served as a defensive point against attacks by steppe tribes. Princes often held congresses here.

In 1991, a wooden chapel was built here based on a sketch by Taras Shevchenko. The writer created the drawing while preparing his album "Picturesque Ukraine." In addition to the chapel, a mill was built here too.

Do not miss the place where the chronicle city used to stand. It was founded by Sviatopolk Iziaslavych in 1096. Now a monument stands here.

Holovchyntsi, Khmelnytskyi region

It is located in the Medzhybizka community. The first written mention of the settlement appeared in 1486. It is believed that it was named after a landowner who lived here.

In the early 16th century, the fortress was built by Hetman Mykola Syniavskyi. It stood for about three decades and was later destroyed during the Tatar invasion of 1566. The uniqueness of the building was that it was not rebuilt much. Archaeological finds, including fragments of Italian majolica and Turkish porcelain, household items, and weapons, testify to the rich history of the building and its important strategic importance.

We also recommend visiting the Holy Transfiguration Monastery, one of the oldest Orthodox shrines in Podillia. The attraction was built in 1540. It is also home to the miraculous Onufriivske spring.

We wish you a successful autumn trip!

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