"Sarzhin Yar" for many years is considered one of the favorite vacation spots of Kharkiv. In summer, you can hide from the heat in the shade of luxurious trees and relax to the sound of a flowing stream. And in winter you can take a walk while admiring the snowy landscapes. “Sarzhin Yar” is an oasis in the middle of a noisy big city. But the main advantage of this park is its spring with the cleanest water in the city. Let's find out what “Sarzhin Yar” (Kharkov) is, how to get to it and what to do in its open spaces.
Park history
Sargin Yar (Kharkov) began its history in the 18th century. Then he was a small settlement of Ober-Kamermeister Skrypov. In 1788, it was first mapped under the name “Sarzhin Farm”. The name comes from the Sarzhinka River, which flowed from the modern village of Zhukovsky. The source located in Sarzhin Yar is a hydrological natural monument. At all times, Kharkovites went here to get the purest water with healing properties.
In 1960, one of the main symbols of the source appeared - a concrete pavilion with a complex star-shaped shape. The construction project belongs to the architect V. Vasiliev.
Reconstruction
In 2010, a comprehensive improvement and reconstruction of the source took place. The concrete dome took on a fresh look, and Sarzhin Yar (Kharkov) turned into a modern park. Comfortable benches were set up on cozy alleys, and beautiful bridges along the stream. The pump rooms were also reconstructed, in which you can drink water, the lanterns were replaced and the lakes were cleaned. And in 2010, a pond was arranged in the park, where ducks can now be fed.
After the reconstruction, Kharkiv began to walk here not only for water, but just to take a walk. Here you can sit with your favorite book, take a walk with children (playgrounds are also available), spend a romantic evening under the moonlight.
Cableway
Park "Sarzhin Yar" (Kharkov) can also be seen from a bird's eye view, more precisely from 26 meters. A cableway passes through the source. From the cabin you can contemplate beautiful landscapes and one of the oldest areas of the city - Pavlovo Pole.
Surprisingly, the cable car, thanks to which Kharkiv and tourists can now watch the beauties of Kharkov, was once a simple vehicle. She helped workers, most of whom lived on Pavlovsky Pole, quickly get to the aircraft and machine-building plants. But now everything has changed, and the cable car, which was recently reconstructed, daily serves a large number of inquisitive visitors to the Gorky Park and the Botanical Garden (there are landing points in these places).
Temple
The next place that is famous for “Sarzhin Yar” (Kharkov) is the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was erected in honor of the icon "Joy or Consolation", which is now located in the ancient Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos. The icon is written in honor of the failed robbery of the church, which was warned by the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The wooden church, built in Sargin Yar, is made in the Russian architectural style, the main trends of which were formed in the Byzantine era. In the days of Kievan Rus, this style was particularly developed. The first Slavic church built according to its canons was Klimetovskaya, located in the churchyard of Una.
The temple in the park was erected with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicodemus and consecrated by Archbishop Onufry. It is designed for 200 people. Such masterpieces of wooden architecture in Ukraine can only be found in Svyatogorsk Lavra.
Font
Not far from the temple is a font - another place that is famous for “Sarzhin Yar” (Kharkov). The font is crowned with the icon of the "Picturesque source" of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This icon also has an interesting story.
In the V century, near the Golden Gate in Byzantium, a grove was planted in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There was a healing spring in it. However, over time, the source was completely forgotten; it was overgrown with dense shrubs and grass. Once a blind man got lost in a grove, to the aid of which came a brave warrior named Lev Markell. He led the lost blind man out of the grove and went in search of water to refresh the unfortunate. Finding the same source, Markell scooped up water for the blind man.
Suddenly, a voice told the warrior how to restore sight to a blind man with water. The warrior himself also expected a wonderful fate, he soon became the emperor of Byzantium. In honor of healing, now the emperor Leo Markell built the church on the site of that very spring and gave it the name "Life-giving spring".
In the XV century, the church was destroyed by Muslims. Her memory remained on the icons painted in honor of the healing of the blind man. Only in the middle of the XIX century the temple was restored and consecrated. Icons from the destroyed church by this time dispersed to the Orthodox churches of the whole world. Thus, one of the icons is now in Kharkov.
Epiphany bathing
In the font of the park, many Kharkovites bathe for baptism. According to established tradition, one of the prayers for baptism is held here. Kharkiv people jokingly call this place a “source of VIP pilgrimage,” since, in addition to ordinary citizens, some deputies of the city and regional councils come here for baptism. The font, unlike a simple ice hole, is very comfortable for swimming. There are changing cabins nearby. Everything is very civil.
Pure water
It is no coincidence that the source is taken care of so much. Every day Kharkov receives from it about 350 thousand liters of mineral water. Everyone knows where “Sarzhin Yar” is located in Kharkov, because it can be called a water residential city.
The hydrogeological process of water formation occurs on both sides of the spring, but mainly from the right hill. This area is a protected area. An array of perennial trees grows here, which protect the slopes from anthropogenic impact. Thanks to these same plants, the source has turned into a luxurious park.
The furry inhabitants of the park
Walking along the alleys of the park, on tree branches and just on the paths you can see squirrels. They are already accustomed to the attention of visitors to the Yar and without fear approach in the hope of getting something tasty. Here is such an interesting place is "Sarzhin Yar" in Kharkov. Where else in the big city can you feed squirrels? Unless in the forest.
Ivan Kupala
Every year Ivan Kupala Day is celebrated here . Young guys and girls gather, sing songs, make a huge bonfire, through which young couples traditionally jump, checking their love for strength. Then the girls throw wreaths along the stream and divine at the narrowed one. It is not known whether the prophecies come true, but the fact that the holiday brings a sea of positive is a fact.
How to get to «Sarzhinogo Yara» (Kharkov)
Getting to the park is not at all difficult. To do this, go to the Botanichesky Sad metro station and walk a bit. If you want to get into the park in an unusual way, you can access it by cable car from Gorky Park.
Conclusion
So, “Sarzhin Yar” is a wonderful place where you can have a good time after a hard day, get clean water, breathe fresh air, go for a baptism and take a walk on Ivan Kupala. The park is beautiful at any time of the year. In the summer, when it is fresh and green, many people simply come to sit on a bench in a friendly company or take a walk under the shade of trees. Thanks to the tall trees and the brook, which always blows freshness, it is comfortable here even in the hottest weather.
Many go to this park to play active or board games. In autumn, young people like to come to the park to take pictures in beautiful golden leaves. And in winter, when everything around is sprinkled with snow, you can be surprised to watch how walruses come to the park for a run and swim. This is how a simple source of water turned into a favorite resting place for citizens.
Now you know what “Sarzhin Yar” (Kharkov) is, how to get to this wonderful place by metro, and what is interesting can be found in it. If you like such places, then when you come to Kharkov, do not forget to visit Gorky Park, which deservedly received the title of Kharkov Disneyland.