The ancient country of Ukraine has a long and vibrant history, which left a significant mark on the appearance of its cities. The question of which is the most beautiful city in Ukraine only seems to be simple. Because there is a whole galaxy of ancient settlements with unique history and attractions. Let's talk about the most popular cities for tourists.
Geographical position
Ukraine is located in the center of Eastern Europe. The state is located at a strategically important crossroads from Europe to Asia and from north to south. Mostly Ukraine is characterized by a flat landscape, although a small part of the state is occupied by mountains. The country has access to the Black and Azov Seas, over 73 thousand rivers flow through its territory. Ukraine is located in the fertile climate zone and has beautiful fertile soils.
History
The first inhabitants in the territory of modern Ukraine appeared in the Neanderthal era. Later, various nomadic tribes lived here. In the 5th century, the state of the Bulgars formed here, which was soon devastated by the Khazars. In the 9-10th centuries, an early feudal state was created on these lands, which was named Kievan Rus. The Old Russian state grew and became rich until the beginning of the 12th century, when part of the territory was transferred to the Kingdom of Lithuania, then the power of Poland was established here. In 1648, the Cossacks revolted under the leadership of Bogdan Khmelnytsky, and as a result of the outbreak of war, part of the lands of Ukraine was transferred to the Russian Empire.
Later, these lands repeatedly became the battlefield of various forces. After the October Revolution in St. Petersburg, Ukraine became part of the USSR, as a part of which it survived various times, including the terrible World War II. Since 1991, Ukraine is an independent state. The multi-layered Ukrainian culture was reflected in its monuments, the most beautiful cities of Ukraine today represent different historical eras, and this country is very attractive for travelers.
Top 10
If you ask local residents to name the most beautiful cities in Ukraine, the list will be impressive. Indeed, many settlements of the country can rightfully be included in this list. After all, many cities have an old culture and have preserved many historical monuments and attractions. But nevertheless, statistics of popularity and tourist attractiveness allows you to make a list of the 10 most striking settlements of the country. It is necessary to include Kiev, Lviv, Odessa, Chernivtsi, Lutsk, Kamenetz-Podolsky, Vinnitsa, Kharkov, Uzhgorod and Poltava into it. Although Pripyat has also been very popular with tourists recently, it is difficult to call this place beautiful in the generally accepted sense.
Kiev
The capital of the country rightfully bears the title of “The Most Beautiful City in Ukraine”. Photos of the sights of Kiev can make a weighty album. The city over the Dnieper has existed for more than 1200 years, and during this time many beautiful places have appeared in it. At least 3 days should be allocated for exploring the city. The most famous sights include:
- Kiev Pechersk Lavra;
- St. Sophia Cathedral ;
- Khreshchatyk;
- Andrew's Descent;
- St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery ;
- St. Vladimir's Cathedral;
- St. Andrew's Church;
- House with Chimeras.
Lviv
If you list the most beautiful cities in Ukraine, then Lviv will certainly compete for the first lines of the rating. This city has a unique history. His appearance was affected by the influence of several cultures: Polish, Austro-Hungarian, Ukrainian, Russian. Lviv is a masterpiece city, many monuments of bygone days in different styles have been preserved here. A cursory sightseeing will require at least 1 day, but it is better to set aside 3-5 days to feel the atmosphere of the city and see its best places. The most interesting buildings include:
- the complex of the Old Market Square;
- Palace of Counts Potocki;
- Church of St. John the Baptist;
- Arsenal;
- Armenian Cathedral ;
- Bernardine Monastery;
- Dominican Cathedral;
- Opera theatre;
- The Jesuit Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.
Odessa
The rating “The most beautiful cities of Ukraine”, of course, also includes “a pearl by the sea” - Odessa. This is a city with a special culture and atmosphere, it is necessary to walk a lot on it, many attractions are not in vain - these are not separate buildings, but entire streets and areas. These, of course, include Primorsky Boulevard, Deribasovskaya Street, the famous Privoz Market. Also in Odessa, you must see:
- Potemkin stairs;
- Opera theatre;
- Transfiguration Cathedral;
- Vorontsov Palace;
- a monument to Duc de Richelieu;
- Novikov Palace;
- The Palace of Counts Tolstoy.
Kamyanets-Podilsky
The ancient city of Kamenetz-Podolsky in Western Ukraine is often called the place of seven cultures. Indeed, the sights of different historical periods and different cultures have been preserved here. There are about 200 valuable historical sites in this settlement, so it is unlikely to be able to explore this small city in 1 day. The main thing to see is:
- Pottery tower and the Armenian bastion of the 16th century;
- Church of Saints Peter and Paul;
- Castle bridge;
- The old fortress;
- Trinitarian church;
- Nicholas Church.
Vinnitsa
In the list of the most beautiful cities in Ukraine, one cannot fail to mention the ancient city of Vinnitsa. This settlement on the banks of the Southern Bug River was first mentioned in documents in the 14th century. The long history of the city left its mark in the form of a variety of attractions. It will take 1 to 3 days to explore the city. The mandatory route should include inspection of the following objects:
- water tower;
- Church of St. Joseph the Betrothed;
- Holy Transfiguration Cathedral;
- bunker "Verfolf";
- Station "Zhmerynka".
Chernivtsi
Listing the most beautiful cities of Ukraine, it is necessary to mention the capital of Bukovina - Chernivtsi. The settlement has been known since the 12th century, different peoples lived here, having left their memory in the guise of the city. In Vinnitsa, more than 700 cultural sites protected by the state. The most important attractions traditionally include:
- the residence of the metropolitans of Bukovina and Dalmatia, today's university;
- city hall;
- Musical Theatre;
- St. Nicholas Cathedral;
- Gorecha Monastery;
- A house with lions.
Lutsk
If you make a list called "The most beautiful cities of Ukraine (top 10)", then you must definitely mention Lutsk. This ancient settlement has been known since 1085. In Lutsk, many monuments of the period of Polish rule and the times of the Russian Empire have been preserved. The main objects of tourist attraction include:
- the ancient castle of Lubart ;
- Lutheran church;
- Holy Trinity Cathedral;
- Assumption Cathedral;
- the house of Peter the Great.
Uzhhorod
Transcarpathian Uzhgorod is also included in the list of 10 most beautiful cities of Ukraine. For more than a thousand-year history, a unique shape has formed near the settlement, which is very interesting for tourists. The most beautiful places include the following:
- Uzhgorod medieval castle;
- Nevitsky castle;
- Uzhgorod skansen, open-air museum of Transcarpathian architecture;
- Goryanskaya rotunda of St. Anne;
- the town hall;
- Church of St. George;
- Holy Cross Cathedral.
Kharkiv
The second largest settlement in the country - Kharkov - is certainly worthy of being included in the list of "The most beautiful cities of Ukraine". The rating of this settlement is quite comparable even with the capital. Although the city was badly damaged during the Second World War, many worthy sights have been preserved here. First of all, you need to see:
- Constructivist building of the Gosprom;
- theater to them. T. Shevchenko;
- house with a spire;
- Assumption Cathedral;
- Blagoveshchensky cathedral;
- Pokrovsky Cathedral.
Poltava
Ancient Poltava is also included in the top of the most beautiful cities of Ukraine. The history of this settlement has more than 1100 years, there are many sights associated with different pages of the heroic path of the city. The main objects worthy of inspection include:
- Holy Cross Monastery;
- Assumption Cathedral;
- Museum "Field of the Battle of Poltava";
- Trinity and Nicholas churches in the village of Dikanka;
- the estate of the writer I. Kotlyarevsky.