Did you know that the Ukrainians were the first people to
have lived on Earth? Well, Trypillia, a village that is situated in Ukraine, 40
km from Kyiv has been traced as the most ancient civilization in the world.
Trypillians lived on the Earth in the period 5,400 - 2,700 BC!!
Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe.
Ukraine’s a landlocked mass, bounded on the east by Russia; on the west by
Poland, Slovakia and Hungary; and on the north by Belarus.
The country is chockfull of attractions which range from
magnificent churches to baroque palaces, from interesting museums and old
buildings to archaeological sites where you can see the oldest dwelling in the
world.
Kiev
Kiev is the capital city is replete with tourist
sights- so many that you would require at least a fortnight to see them all. If
you’re short on time, here’s a best-of-the-lot list.
Independence
Square in Kiev now commemorates Ukraine's 1991 declaration of
independence from the USSR.
St. Sophia
Dating from the 11th century, the church was built to
rival Hagia Sophia in Constantinople and echoes its name. Stick around long enough and you may hear
prayer accompanied by the a cappella choral music for which the Ukrainians are
celebrated.
The Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra
It is a Unesco World Heritage site. Pilgrims approach
this monastery wearing icons and pictures of saints around their necks. Buy
candles at the entrances to the upper and lower catacombs, and follow the
twisty subterranean tunnels past ancient glass-encased tombs of monks.
Shpola
Granite stele with an inscription Shpolyanschina - the geographical center of Ukraine is installed at the entrance to Shpola by the bold.
Despite the early findings of Trypillya culture and Scythian tumuli near it, the
town itself is mentioned, for the first time, as a village of Zvenyhorod
eldership in Poland only in XVIII century. Later it falls under the rule of
Russian Empire and becomes a part of Bratslav vicegerency (1793). Starting from
1797 it is considered to be a part of Zvenyhorod district in Kyiv province.
There were two wooden churches in Shpola, built in 1784 and 1786 respectively. None of them were preserved till nowadays.
Most sun-seeking tourists head, like homing pigeons, to the Black Sea, all along the coasts of which are some of the loveliest beaches in East Europe. Crimea , with its resort towns of Yalta and Sevastopol, is invariably first on the list. The Crimean Peninsula juts into the Black Sea, a natural extravaganza of mountains, green valleys and beaches, replete with palaces, churches, museums and dozens of other sights.
Sevastopol is the other major Black Sea resort.
Close to the city is the ancient Greek archaeological
site of Chersonesus.
Chersonesus Taurica was founded 2,500 years ago by ancient Greek colonists on
one of the southwestern peninsulas of the Crimea. The name means “a peninsula
in the land of Tauri.”
Livadia Palace
Livadia is a small settlement located about 3 km from Yalta. The main
attraction of the place is Livadia Palace – the summer residence of Russian
emperors.
The Alupka Palace
The palace was built from 1828
through 1848 for Prince Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov for use as his personal
summer residence. It was designed in the Tudor style by English architect
Edward Blor. The building incorporates elements of Scottish Baronial,Moorish
Revival and Gothic Revival architecture
The Swallow’s Nest
The neo-Gothic Swallow's Nest castle perches 130 feet (40
meters) above the Black Sea near Yalta in southern Ukraine. Built by a German
noble in 1912, the flamboyant seaside residence now houses an Italian
restaurant.
Massandra
Palace
Is one of the most
interesting monuments of 19th century architecture located near Yalta. The
palace was built in the style of French chateaux of the Renaissance.
Yalta famous for being the venue of a historic Allied conference during
WWII, is best known today for its attractive beaches.
The Aleksandr
Nevsky Cathedral.
Construction of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral has been
inextricably linked with the Russian imperial family which the patron was Saint
Alexander Nevsky. The cathedral was built in honour of Russian Emperor
Alexander II.
Also on the coast of the Black sea- but not part of Crimea- is the port of Odessa
, the `Black Sea Pearl’. The catacombs under the city merit an exploratory
trip; and the building of the Opera and Ballet Theatre is considered one
of the finest in the world.
Maritime Steps
The steps, 192 in all, lead down to the Black Sea naval
facility and are often referred to as the Potemkin Steps, after the Battleship
Potemkin, Sergei Eisenstein’s classic movie about a mutiny aboard a ship.
Lviv
It is one of the best-preserved
cities in the country, has a plethora of churches, museums and palaces.
St. Nicholas' church is one of the oldest functioning Orthodox
churches in Lviv. It has been known since the XIII century. The Wonder-working
Icon of Saint Nicholas is preserved in the church.
The Ratusha is home to Lviv’s City Council and one of the city’s cherished symbols. Its one Rynok Square's newest buildings–having been completed in 1835–but the first mention of it dates back to 1381. The tower was once wooden and the building has undergone numerous changes throughout history, but it has always hosted Lviv’s government.
Slavske
The best
slopes are found on Mt Trostian, which is 1235 metres above sea level. A new
resort is being built on Mt Zvorets, located two kilometres from Slavske toward
Volosianka, which is expected to compete against the Slavske Trostian resort.
The other mountains in the area are Politekh, Pohar, Grabovets and Krokus.
For many centuries Lviv pleases its residents and
visitors with a unique aura of coffee and chocolate aroma. February 14-17, the
Lviv Palace of Arts (Copernicus Street, 17) was hosting a delicious holiday –
the 6th National Day of Chocolate.
The city invited
everyone to taste the best sweets and a variety of chocolate candy. The
festival once again broke the record for the number of kinds of chocolate and
chocolate products presented.
By Juliia.
