Regardless of the time of year, Shevchenko Park was and remains one of Kharkiv’s favorite vacation spots. In the summer, the shady branches of old trees give coolness. In the fall, they beckon with overflows of gold and red. In winter, a snowdrift cover takes the inhabitants of the city to a world where there are no dirty roads and constant noise. Well, in the spring, Shevchenko Park becomes one of the first places where you can see the greenery, embodying the victory of life and unbridled desire for light.
More than one generation of Kharkovites in this garden made appointments, so he retains the status of a place beloved by all citizens. And you can confidently call the park a symbol of the city, its zest and a place where you can always relax from the bustle of the city.
Park foundation
The history of the garden began back in 1804, when the first trees were planted on its territory. They were planted by Vasily Nazarovich Karazin, the founder of Kharkov University. This university is in close proximity to the park. The garden, planted by Karazin, fits perfectly into the oak grove that already exists in that place. By the way, then this area was the outskirts of the city, and now it is its center. The upper part of the garden was called "Landscape Park", and the bottom - "Botanical Garden". The first name "University Garden" was given to the park in honor of its founders.
Four years later, an astronomical observatory was built here, in which one could admire the stars. And in 1896, another symbol of Kharkov was opened in the park - the zoological garden. It was the third zoo in the Russian Empire and the first in Ukraine. By the way, the Kharkov zoo is in the Ukrainian leaders to this day. It is rapidly developing, updating and expanding. The already rich collection of animals is regularly updated with new species. In the 30s of the last century, the zoo underwent a massive reconstruction.
New name
In 1935, the garden was renamed Shevchenko Park. Kharkov then received another symbol - a monument to the great Ukrainian poet, who was erected on the main avenue. The war had a detrimental effect on the park: more than half of the plants were destroyed, and on one of the alleys the Germans set up a cemetery for officers and commanders. The garden even intended to make a pantheon of military glory, but after the liberation of the city, the burial place was destroyed, and the park was restored.
Cascade
On the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the park, architect S. Mayak, together with engineer F. Savuskan, presented the city and Shevchenko Park with a cascading staircase. This architectural masterpiece has become another symbol of the garden and a favorite place for citizens. The staircase consists of a waterfall in the form of steps and a fountain with sculptures of lions. And from the observation deck, located at the top of the cascade, overlooks the valley of the Lopan River.
Concert Hall
In 1963, a cinema and concert hall "Ukraine" was built on the territory of the park. Without exaggeration, this building can be called unique. The fact is that its roof is made in an unusual form, which is called a hyperbolic paraboloid. At first, only a summer playground worked in the hall, since architects had doubts about the reliability of the structure.
Fountain
In 1967, Shevchenko Park (Kharkov) was decorated with a fountain, which is located on a central alley. And ten years later, in 1977, the fountain became light and music. Almost the whole city gathered at its opening. The equipment and lamps were mounted at night to maintain intrigue. As a result, the fountain met the expectations of citizens. Water sparkled with all the colors of the rainbow to the music. In 2015, the fountain took on a new, more modern look.
Monument to Shevchenko Park (Kharkov): monuments
There are a lot of monuments in the garden. Near the University of Karazin is a monument to its founder - V. Karazin. At the entrance to the central avenue, near Sumskaya Street, there is a majestic monument of Taras Shevchenko. He was the largest monument to Shevchenko in the Soviet Union. It is believed that if you touch the Cossack's thumb (there are 16 of them in the sculptural composition), then you can make absolutely any desire.
By the decade of Ukraine’s independence, Shevchenko Park (Kharkov) received another symbol as a gift from Kiev - a monument to a soccer ball. The monument is made of bronze, and the pedestal is made of black granite. The diameter of the ball is 1.5 meters. In the dark, 11 lights illuminate it. Near the ball, as in old times, there were stands with sports news of the city. At the opening of the monument, the legendary Ukrainian football player Oleg Blokhin signed on the ball .
On one of the alleys of the park is a monument to the 50th parallel of northern latitude. Kharkov, by the way, is the largest city located on this parallel. The monument is a dashed line, consisting of twenty copper and bronze tablets with the inscription "50th parallel." In the center is a globe made of bronze. On it you can see the largest cities in the world.
Dolphinarium "Nemo"
Relatively recently, a dolphinarium was opened in Shevchenko Park. In this amazing place, you can not only admire the dolphins (which, as you know, have a very beneficial effect on the person’s energy and mood) from the audience, but also swim with them individually. Also in the dolphinarium there is a luxury hotel, a sports complex and much more.
Cafe
In Shevchenko Park you can not only take a walk, but also have a snack. There are several institutions that are especially loved by Kharkovites.
For example, a children's cafe "Crystal". Here you will find a pleasant family atmosphere and delicious cuisine. There are few serious dishes on the menu, but there are plenty of desserts and cocktails that the main customers of this cafe love so much - children. The highlight of the establishment is delicious ice cream. For more than a decade, Kharkov citizens have come here just to taste it. Prices in the "Crystal" are very affordable.
Another cafe with a long history is the Ti Amo Pizzeria. This is one of the first pizzerias in the city. Here you will find a pleasant atmosphere, friendly service, a wide selection of dishes and reasonable prices.
Cafe Capri Pizza (Kharkov) also deserves flattering words. Shevchenko Park is not the only place where this pizzeria is located. There are three of them in the city, but not about that now. This institution, unlike the previous one, is more modern. Here, visitors will also find a wide selection of dishes at affordable prices and helpful staff.
Shevchenko Park (Kharkov): reconstruction
After the Gorky Kharkiv Park survived the global reconstruction, it became a favorite place for recreation and entertainment of Kharkov citizens. Shevchenko Park in this regard has lost its former popularity. But now the reforms have reached him.
In 2016, a large-scale reconstruction of the park began, which will breathe new life into it and will certainly return to its former glory. Changes also will not go around the zoo, which in recent years has experienced hard times. In 1-1.5 years, Kharkiv citizens and visitors will be able to visit the updated Shevchenko Park (Kharkov). The reconstruction, the photo and plan of which is carefully hidden, according to the State Council, will be very modern, innovative and unexpected.
Conclusion
Today we learned what constitutes Kharkiv Shevchenko Park. This place has gone through different stages of history, which were reflected in its appearance, buildings and monuments. And if Gorky Park is a place for entertainment, then Shevchenko Park is a place for relaxation, sincere conversations and philosophical thoughts. Be sure to visit this place if you come to Kharkov. Shevchenko Park, whose photos are more than eloquent, will not disappoint you.