Zaporozhye (Ukraine) is a city of regional significance, a large cultural and tourist center. Sights of Zaporozhye have attracted travelers here for many years. And this is not surprising, because the city is considered the cradle of the Ukrainian Cossacks. Today we’ll talk about the most interesting and outstanding places of the city.
Cossack sights of Zaporozhye
In the XV century. Cossacks appeared in the lower reaches of the Dnieper River. At the same time, the first fortified settlements appeared here, which later became known as “Sich”. They were Cossack camps surrounded by walls. It housed churches, utility rooms and smokers (houses). In the entire history of the Ukrainian Cossacks, 10 sections are known, the period of existence of which covers almost 200 years.
In 2004, a large historical and architectural complex was laid on the island of Khortytsya (Zaporozhye). It is a collective image of all the ever-Dnieper sections.
A lot is connected with the history of the Ukrainian Cossacks in the city. Ancient oak - a monument in Zaporozhye, which will remind everyone of the glorious past. According to legend, it was under this oak that the Cossacks wrote their famous letter to the Turkish Sultan.
In addition, in Zaporozhye every tourist will be able to learn a lot of interesting things about the history of this region thanks to the famous Museum of the History of Zaporizhzhya Cossacks.
Khortytsya Island
In the historical and architectural complex "Zaporizhzhya Sich" embodied the most interesting elements of culture, history and everyday life of the Cossacks. The territory of the reserve is equipped taking into account all the features of the development of the previously existing Sichs. The complex is surrounded by defensive walls and other fortifications (deep moat, entrance tower, bell tower). The territory of Sich is divided into two koshas: the inner kosh and the suburbs.
The main buildings are located in the first part of the complex: two smokers, a powder cellar, and a school. In the center of the inner kosh (on the main square) stands the Sich Church of the Protection of the Virgin - the largest building in the complex. Not less interesting objects are located not far from the church: a chicken, a cat’s house, a gunner’s office, a clerical office and a skarbnitsa.
Having visited the territory of the Sich suburb, tourists have a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the Cossack forge, pottery, inn and hut.
Museums of the city
Local museums - this is what the city of Zaporozhye can surprise every tourist. Here they will tell you not only about the heroic past of the region, but also demonstrate unique samples of weapons and objects of Cossack life, rare retro cars, the remains of the fleet of the XV-XVIII centuries, raised from the bottom of the Dnieper.
So, what museums are worth visiting in Zaporozhye?
- The Museum of the History of Zaporizhzhya Cossacks is located on the island of Khortytsya. Expositions dedicated to the ancient, medieval, new and modern history of the Zaporizhzhya region are open here.
- The Museum of the History of Weapons is located in the heart of the city on Lenin Avenue. The exposition is based on the private collection of V. Schleifer. Here are collected unique and rare samples of weapons of different times and peoples.
- Museum of retro cars - a visit to this place will appeal not only to adults, but also to young tourists. The exhibition presents restored images of cars of the beginning - the middle of the 20th century.
- The Museum of Shipping is a place worth visiting when exploring the sights of Zaporozhye. Here are exhibited samples of the Cossack fleet found at the bottom of the Dnieper.
Cult objects
- Pagan sanctuaries on Khortitsa are monuments of the early Bronze Age. The main object of this complex, located on Mount Bragharnya, in appearance resembles the famous Stonehenge. Another sanctuary, which is located on one of the slopes of the beam near the Museum of the History of the Cossacks, consists of an interesting stone egg-shaped structure. Also restored on Khortitsa are the idols of the ancient pagan gods.
- The Mennonite cemetery is a monument in Zaporozhye, which is worthy of the attention of tourists. Here you can see the ancient graves of German-speaking settlers on the island of Khortitsa of the XVIII-XX centuries.
- Stone grave in with. Patience is an interesting object, which is a separate array of sandstone. Here was placed the oldest sanctuary.
Temples and Cathedrals
- Holy Intercession Cathedral - a real gem of Zaporozhye, the main Orthodox shrine of the city. The modern temple, erected in 1886, is a 36-meter five-tower building. The reconstruction of the cathedral was carried out from 1993 to 2001.
- St. Andrew's Cathedral is an excellent example of modern architecture. The building was erected in 2001 with the money of local patrons. The temple is made in the Baroque style in the form of a large cross. The building is crowned with one large central and two small domes. The cathedral is operational; today, services are regularly held in its building.
- The Cathedral of God the Merciful Father is the only Catholic church in the city. The construction is a rectangular construction, divided inside by a number of beautiful columns. The ceremonial consecration of the temple took place in 2004.
Sights of Zaporizhia worth seeing
The city has many popular tourist sites. These are not only monuments of the past, but also bridges, parks and gardens of Zaporozhye, unusual streets. Let's talk about places that deserve the attention of every tourist.
- DneproGES is the oldest hydroelectric power station on the main river of Ukraine. Its construction began in 1927. Dnieper hydroelectric station consists of rowing and two engine rooms. This is a unique building that will impress everyone.
- Aswan Dam - a very interesting structure. This is the prototype of the largest Egyptian waterworks.
- The children's railway is a wonderful place for families.
- The city of Zaporozhye is famous for its bridges. The most famous of them is the Arched Bridge. It not only serves as a place for passing railway transport, but also is a favorite vacation spot for local extreme people.
- The musical fountain on the Festival Square of Zaporozhye is the cultural center of the city.