8 Ukraine’s oldest cities that impress with beauty
What are the 8 oldest cities in Ukraine that impress with their beauty (photo: Wikipedia)
Ukraine boasts a rich history, and its cities have witnessed many epochs and events. Some of them have been impressive with their architectural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and unique atmosphere for centuries.
Read about the oldest cities in Ukraine that still impress with their beauty today.
Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi
This city in the Odesa region is considered the oldest city in Ukraine. It was founded back in the 4th century BC and is one of the few that has survived to this day. The Scythian ploughmen originally called the city Tira.
Since then, the city has had many names from different nations, but in 1944 the city was renamed Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi. This city has an important historical monument - the Akkerman Fortress, which played an important role in many wars in these territories.
Akkerman Fortress (photo: Wikipedia)
Korosten
This city in the Zhytomyr region was first mentioned in 945, but it was founded in 705. In ancient times, it was the capital of the Drevlian tribal union.
In its later history, the city played an important role in wars. Starting from 946, when Princess Olha burned down Iskorosten, and ending with the Second World War.
The city was also tragically affected by the Chornobyl disaster, as it is only 80 kilometers from the nuclear power plant.
The centre of Korosten (photo: Wikipedia)
Kyiv
Almost all children in Ukraine know the legend of Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv, and their sister Lybid, who founded the capital of Ukraine. The conventional official date is 482, but according to historians, the date ranges from the 4th to the 7th century.
The oldest building in Kyiv is St Sophia's Cathedral, which was built in 1037 by order of Yaroslav the Wise.
The city is also world-famous for the tallest building in Europe - Mother Ukraine. The city is rich in history and has played and continues to play an important historical, political, military, and economic role.
Bridge over the Dnipro River in Kyiv (photo: Getty Images)
Uzhhorod
The official year of the foundation of Ukraine's smallest regional center is 872. Until the mid-19th century, the settlement was called Ungvar in honor of the Ung River, on whose banks it was founded, and the city received its modern name later.
One of the probable founders of the city is considered to be a tribe of white Croats. The most famous building in Uzhhorod is the Uzhhorod Castle, which now serves as a local history museum.
Uzhhorod Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
Zhytomyr
This city has a rich history, as it was founded in 884. The city got its name in honor of Zhytomyr, a Rus vigilante of Kyivan princes Askold and Dir, who, according to legend, refused to serve Oleh, hid in the forests, and settled on a high cliff at the confluence of the Kamianka and Teteriv rivers. The main square is Soborna Square, and the most famous, albeit short, central street is Mykhailivska.
Zhytomyr City Council (photo: Wikipedia)
Khotyn
Khotyn is located in the Chernivtsi region and its foundation dates back to 1002. Already in the times of Kyivan Rus, life was bustling here on the banks of the Dniester and history was being made.
The majestic Khotyn Fortress, which is one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine, is known not only in Ukraine but also in Europe.
Throughout its history, the city has repeatedly fallen under the rule of various rulers, empires, and conquerors. As a result, there are many sights worth visiting.
Khotyn Fortress (photo: Wikipedia)
Pereiaslav
The city is located in the Kyiv region. The first historical mention of the city was in 907, but the exact date is unknown.
According to legend, it was here that a battle between the Rus' and Pechenegs took place, where the leather-clad Jan defeated the enemy in a one-on-one duel.
After that, the settlement was named Pereiaslav, which means "the one who took over the glory". For some time, Bohdan Khmelnytskyi lived here, and because of this, the city has many monuments in his honor.
The most famous building is the Pereiaslav National Historical and Ethnographic Reserve, which is one of the largest reserves in Ukraine.
Bohdan Khmelnytskyi Square (photo: Wikipedia)
Poltava
The city was founded back in 899, but the first historical mention dates back to 1174. In the early 20th century, the city was called the Spiritual Centre of Ukraine due to the activities of numerous prominent figures of the clergy, culture, and art, as well as significant church and historical monuments.
In addition, Poltava was the most important center for the development of Ukrainian culture and education at that time. The most famous architectural structure is the monument to Ivan Kotliarevskyi, which was the first monument to a Ukrainian writer in history.
Monument to Ivan Kotliarevskyi (photo: Wikipedia)
