The name of Ukraine is heard more than ever in the media these days. You are probably curious about this country, its geography, history and tourist attractions. Follow “How” to read more about this Eastern European country.
Where is Ukraine?
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe and the second largest country in continental Europe after Russia. The capital is Kyiv, located in the north of the country, through which the Dnieper River flows.
History
Ukraine gained full independence at the end of the twentieth century after long successive periods under Russian rule, the Commonwealth of Poland, Lithuania, and the Soviet Union. Ukraine experienced short-term independence from 1918 to 1920, but ruled parts of western Ukraine between World War II, Poland, Romania, and Czechoslovakia.
After this date, Ukraine, as the Socialist Soviet Republic of Ukraine, became part of the Soviet Union. At the same time as the collapse of the Soviet Union began in 1990 and 1991, the Ukrainian parliament declared its sovereignty on July 16, 1990, and Ukraine’s full independence on August 24, 1991.
The Ukrainian people approved the move in a parliamentary referendum on December 1, 1991. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991, Ukraine became completely independent. It changed its official name to Ukraine and helped establish the Commonwealth of Independent States. Its members are a number of countries that were formerly republics of the Soviet Union.
Geography
It is bordered by Belarus to the north, Russia to the east, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea to the south, Moldova and Romania to the southwest, and Hungary, Poland and Slovakia to the west. At the southernmost point of eastern Ukraine is the Kerch Strait, which separates Ukraine from Russia and is the link between the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.
People of Ukraine
Most Ukrainians speak Ukrainian, which is written in the Cyrillic alphabet. The language is closely related to Russian, but also has some similarities to Polish. The predominant religion in Eastern Ukraine is almost half of the population.
Due to its geographical location, Ukrainian culture has been influenced by the cultures of Western Europe and Russia. These effects are especially evident in the western and eastern half of the country.
Russian invasion of Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine crisis began in 2014. Most countries around the world have condemned the attack, and new sanctions against Russia have sparked a financial crisis.
Tourist attractions of Ukraine
Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe, but is often overlooked by tourists. It is a cheap tourist destination compared to many European countries and is much more attractive than people think due to its different cultures and numerous historical monuments. Magnificent churches, old castles, dense forested hills and the shores of the Black Sea are just some of the attractions of Ukraine for tourists.
In the following, you will get acquainted with the top 10 tourist attractions of this country.
read more: Where Is The Dominican Republic? Get To Know Its Sights
10. City of Uman
The city of Oman is located in the center of Ukraine, on the banks of the Omanka River. This city has a calmer atmosphere than the crowded cities around it. Some of the tourist attractions of this city are:
Watch the fountain of “Pearl of Love”;
Explore the daily market;
See colorful architecture and pastel-colored churches;
Visiting World War II memorials;
Visit the Basilian Monastery, built in 1764 and is the oldest building in the city.
If you love nature, you can also enjoy sightseeing in Oman, because this city is the center of horticultural research. A tour of the Botanical Research and Excursion Center in Sophievsky Park will surely catch your eye.
9. City of Rakhiv
Rakhif is the highest city in Ukraine and is located in the dense forests of western Ukraine. This beautiful mountain town is a great destination for nature lovers and lovers of hiking and mountaineering. The beautiful Taisa River flows through the city, and the quiet, mountainous village of Dilaw is the tranquil destination you seek.
If you like local culture, do not miss the Hutsul Brynza Festival. The festival is held in September and you can enjoy local food, traditional dances and local songs.
8. City of Chernihiv
Chernihiv is one of the oldest cities in Ukraine and a special city for architecture lovers, located on the north bank of the Dessna River. Medieval architectural works such as St. Catherine’s Church with its golden domes and the five-domed Transfiguration Cathedral are the city’s most important landmarks.
Visit two ancient monasteries in a cave on the outskirts of the city and stroll around Kachanyuka Palace, which dates back to the 18th century and features beautiful neoclassical architecture, beautiful gardens and a lake.
7. Bukovel Ski Resort
Bocaul is the largest ski resort in Ukraine and one of the most popular winter destinations in the country. The complex is the largest ski resort in Eastern Europe, surrounded by tree-lined mountains with breathtaking views.
In this collection, there are all kinds of winter fun and attractive entertainments for all ages. It does not matter how good you are at winter sports; In any case, here you can experience these sports and enjoy them. The best time to visit this area is from December to April and it has the most snow in January.
6. City of Chernivtsi
It is located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine. This city is called “Little Vienna” because it has an architecture similar to this Austrian city and was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This city is of great cultural and historical importance for Ukraine.
The cobbled streets are full of cozy cafes, Baroque monuments, old bookstores and parks. When traveling to this city, do not miss the opportunity to visit the National University. It looks like a magnificent palace and one of the largest universities in Ukraine.
5. Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle
The city of Kamyants-Podilsky in western Ukraine is best known for its fortress. One of the most important reasons for tourists to visit this small town is a castle that seems to come out of the heart of fairy tales. This castle overlooks the river Smotrych and is really magnificent and spectacular and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in all of Eastern Europe.
The city has other attractions besides the castle. The cobbled streets of the old quarter of the city are surrounded by old medieval buildings and pastel-colored houses. Spring ballooning festival and watching the waterfall in Smotrichsky Valley are other attractions of this beautiful city.
4. Chernobyl
For those interested in history, Chernobyl is one of the darkest tourist destinations in the world. Chernobyl is the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster that killed thousands. The Chernobyl Forbidden Zone, now an eerie ghost town in northern Kiev province, is set to become a major tourist attraction. HBO also recently made a documentary about Chernobyl.
In Chernobyl you can witness the destruction of the city up close; Destroyed buildings and property abandoned by those who had to flee to save their lives. Guided tours are available and an opportunity to learn about this tragedy. Filming is currently banned in the region, but the Ukrainian president has promised to lift the ban with a major overhaul of the region, making it safer for tourists.
3. City of Odessa
Odessa in southwestern Ukraine was first ruled by the Greeks, then by the Ottomans, and finally by the Russians. The city has an interesting history, all of which is narrated through the city’s excellent museums. Today, Odessa is a modern city with stunning architecture, beautiful cafes and stunning beaches. This city on the northwest coast of the Black Sea is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Black Sea”.
The lively nightlife and unique shopping opportunities along with other historical and cultural features of Odessa make it a perfect tourist destination for international tourists’s summer travel.
2. City of Lviv
Lviv is the largest city in western Ukraine and has a historic neighborhood that gives life to tourists. Founded in 1240, the city was named after Leo, the eldest son of the Ruthenian king, and was circulated several times between Poles and Russians until it finally gained independence in 1991.
The city is full of monuments, museums, monuments and archeological finds dating back to the fifth century. Lviv is full of art galleries, including the Lviv National Gallery of Art, which hosts more than 50,000 works of art. If you are a fan of cultural attractions, you will not feel any shortage in this city, from opera and ballet to art performances in cafes.
1. Kyiv
Ukraine’s number one tourist destination is undoubtedly the capital of the country, which is located in the north. This European city is full of Soviet-era architecture, monasteries, golden domed churches and beautiful streets. This city is underestimated among tourists, so there is no news of tourist traps!
Dating back to 482 AD, Kiev is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. One of the most important tourist attractions of this city is the Museum of Indigenous Architecture and Ethnography, which is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe. The city is also a popular destination for cultural and artistic attractions such as theater, opera and music performances.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ukraine
1. What is the official language of the Ukrainian people?
There are 20 different languages in Ukraine. According to the census, 67% of the population speaks Ukrainian and 30% Russian.
2. Is it possible to travel to Chernobyl?
Limited Chernobyl tours have been available since 2011.
3. What is the currency of Ukraine?
The currency of Ukraine is the Grivna. Each US dollar is about 30 grivnas.
4. Who is the President of Ukraine?
Former actor and comedian Vladimir Alexandrovich Zelensky has been President of Ukraine since 2019.
Leave a Reply