Attractions

Ukraine has an amazing variety of landmarks for any taste. Here are a few to start with:

1. Baturin Fortress. Wooden castle church

This fortress construction was completed in the first thirty years of the 17th century. The citadel served as a Polish outpost, and in the years 1669-1708 it was the residence of three Ukrainian Hetmans (Cossack generals): Demian Mnohohrishny, Ivan Samoilovych, and Ivan Mazepa. Archaeological research conducted on the territory of the Citadel since 1996, allowed to recreate the complex. Only after Ukraine gained its independence in 1991, it become possible to speak and write openly about the tragedy and all events that happened in Baturin.

2. St. Andrew’s Church

Built between 1747 and 1754, St. Andrew’s Church is an Orthodox church in Kyiv. It is consecrated in honor of Andrew the Apostle, who is also known as the “Apostle of Rus'”. Since 1968, St. Andrew’s has been part of the National Sanctuary Complex “Sophia of Kyiv”, a complex of five historical landmarks – four in Kyiv and one in Crimea.

3. Zaporozhian Sich

Museum of Zaporizhzhia History. Even though it contains exhibits dating from the Stone Age through the Scythian period (c. 750 – c. 250 BCE), the main focus is on the Zaporozhian Sich – a well-respected political and military entity with a parliamentary system of government. From the 16th and well into the 18th century, the Zaporozhian Cossacks challenged the authority of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Tsardom of Russia, and the Crimean Khanate.

4. Bazaltovi Stovpy

The Basalt Columns are a unique geological natural monument of volcanic origin and are estimated to be over 700 billion years old. This is a rare type of basalt with four to seven sides, a width from 0.6m to 1.2m, and a height varying from 3m to 30m. This site has the tallest stones in the world of the same origin. For centuries basalt was mined in this area, and many European capitals have stones that come from this site. In the 1990s, one of the old quarries was filled with underground water creating a crystal clear lake, creating a uniquely peaceful and powerful view.

5. Podilsk Tovtry

National Park “Podilsk Tovtry” is one of the seven natural marvels of Ukraine and is included in UNESCO’s heritage. With its 650,000 acres of territory, it is the largest natural park in the country and probably is one of the most beautiful too. It includes more than 120 natural objects that are under state protection. It also has multiple mineral waters that possess unique therapeutic effects due to the unique composition and proportions of iodine and bromine.

6. Subychskyy Rock Monastery

Dating back to the 10th century, this rock Monastery is located near the town of Kamenetz-Podolsk in the village of Subich above the Dniester river. This famous monastery consists of a few dozen rooms cut directly into the rock. To see this ancient cave monastery, visitors have to take a long walk along a narrow path leading down to the river. The indescribable atmosphere and the feeling of the ancient monastic caves make for an unforgettable impression on everybody.

7. Carpathian Tram

Mizun Narrow Gauge Railway is now called the “Carpathian Tram.” It was launched by Austrian entrepreneur Baron Leopold von Popper Podhari in 1886. Besides the breathtaking views, there are also special theatrical guide tours, which involve lots of singing, story-telling, and joking. If you prefer your own transportation, along with the rails there is a road that you could drive/ride as well. It will take you close to the river Svitch, one of the cleanest rivers in the world. Visitors can see a rehabilitation center where Soviet astronauts went through the rehabilitation process, and also observe numerous waterfalls and cascades of upper Svitch. Visitors are also welcome to stop at any point to hike if they’d like.

8. Olesko Castle

The first settlement near the future Olesko castle existed in 700—600 BC. This castle is one of the oldest structures of Galicia as its development started roughly around 1251. Exploration and analysis of its foundation showed that it was built from stone from the very beginning. There was no wooden castle before it. The walls are about 10 meters tall and 2.5 meters wide. This castle was part of Ukrainian history since then. Every century it had a big role in the whirlwind of historic events. It was filmed in many movies, such as the 1978 Soviet rendition of D’Artagnan and the Three Musketeers, and mentioned in numerous books. Currently, it hosts a museum and a beautiful park and is located about an hour and a half away from Lviv by bus.

9. Optymistychna Cave

This is the longest cave in Eurasia and the sixth-longest cave in the world. Approximately 264 km (164 mi) of passageways have been mapped within it. The rest remains to be explored. It is located near the village of Korolivka; near the beautiful Tupa River in Ternopil Oblast.

10. Museum of Retro Technology

This museum is not very big but it has a large collection of historical items ranging from phones to cars, TV’s, uniforms, and many more from the Soviet era and before. It’s a nice place to visit in the center of the town of Vinnytsia which is located on the banks of the Southern Bug. The name of Vinnytsia appeared for the first time in 1363 and it is believed to be derived from the old Slavic word “Vino“, meaning “a bride price”. This name can be explained by the fact that Vinnytsia and the surrounding lands were captured by Lithuanian Duke Algirdas in the 14th century, and then, they were gifted to his nephews.