The Seven Wonders of Ukraine
Here's a good point of start to choose your itinerary when you visit us.
I KNOW THAT MANY OF YOU ARE ALREADY making plans to come to Ukraine as soon as the war ends so we will celebrate victory together with our partners and friends from all over the world. I often caught myself thinking about what you would like to see and experience in our country and how I could help you to define your itinerary.
First of all, you need to be aware that this is a vast piece of land, with a size comparable to the state of Texas. It's also the largest country in Europe according to its area (those who invaded us are in fact have more space in Europe but their territory spans in two continents so they are disqualified).
Our distance between East and West reaches around 1,000 miles, or 1,600 kilometers, which means that despite Ukraine is contained within the same time zone, the sun rises around one hour later in Uzhhorod, near the border with Hungary in the West, than in Luhansk (to the East).
This immensity means that any list of interesting sites risks being unfair because it would mean to choose a couple of attractions among hundreds or maybe thousands of spectacular places to visit, which suggests that several trips are necessary if you want to have a complete Ukrainian experience. But of course, it is possible to point out some notable places that most Ukrainians would enthusiastically recommend.
Some years ago, in order to promote tourism and foster knowledge about the regions, the Ukrainian Parliament organized a contest to define which ones are the Seven Wonders of Ukraine. The action was directed to an expert council of culturologists, historians, and tourist specialists, and it also included the opinion of the population in general, who massively participated by voting online.
So we have defined the Seven Wonders of Ukraine and that can be a good point of start in your visit plans, particularly because I fully agree with them!
The two first positions of the seven were a match among participants, so both may be considered as the top one. They are:
1. Sofiyivsky Park - Uman, Cherkasy Region

Sofiyivsky Park is a beautiful arboretum and scientific research institute located in the City of Uman, Cherkasy Oblast, in Central Ukraine, 200 km (120 miles) from the capital. This park, situated near the Kamianka River, features areas that resemble the charm of an English garden. Every year, Sofiyivsky Park attracts around 500,000 visitors who come to enjoy its recreational offerings.
Considered a gem of world gardening design from the early 19th century, Sofiyivka boasts an impressive collection of over 2,000 tree and plant species. These include both local and exotic varieties such as taxodium (marsh cypress), Weymouth Pine, tulip tree, platanus, ginkgo, and many more.
The English landscape garden was established in 1796 by Count Stanisław Szczęsny Potocki, a Polish nobleman who lovingly restored Uman following a peasant uprising. Uman was a city within the Russian Empire during that era. What makes this park truly special is that it was named after Count Potocki's Greek wife, Sofia. In fact, the creation of this garden was a heartfelt birthday gift from Count Potocki to Sofia.
In recognition of its importance, a small planet was even named "Sofiyivka" after this remarkable park in 1985. 🇺🇦
2. Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the Kyiv Monastery of the Caves - Kyiv City

The Kyiv Monastery of the Caves is a truly special place, filled with rich history and a strong connection to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. It has been an important center for believers in Eastern Europe since its establishment as a cave monastery back in 1051. The monastery complex, located in the Kyiv district that shares its name, is home to a variety of remarkable architectural treasures. From majestic bell towers to awe-inspiring cathedrals, as well as intricate cave systems and sturdy stone fortification walls, there is so much to explore.
Some of the standout attractions at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra include the magnificent Great Lavra Belltower and the Dormition Cathedral, which sadly suffered damage during World War II but was lovingly restored in the 1990s by Ukrainians after the fall of the Soviet Union. Alongside the renowned Saint Sophia Cathedral (the sixth wonder in this list), the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra was honored with UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1990, a recognition of its immense cultural value.
This monastery complex is not just a cultural gem, but it is also an active spiritual place. Over 100 monks call it their home, creating a vibrant and dedicated community. It also holds the distinction of being granted national historic-cultural preserve status, meaning that it also possesses its own unique significance as a national sanctuary. 🇺🇦
3. Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle - Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi Region
This magnificent castle dates back to the year 1300, but some historians suggest it might be even older. It was initially built to protect the city's bridge and now stands proudly in Kamianets-Podilskyi's Old Town neighborhood. Its towers overlook the beautiful Smotrych River canyon, and is known for its unique architectural design.
Throughout the years, the castle has undergone various changes to accommodate different rulers and cultures. Despite these alterations, the castle's original beauty and structure have been well-preserved.
Today, the castle, along with the Old Town neighborhood, is a part of an national historical-architectural Reserve and a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Visiting the castle and the city is a must for anyone interested in history and architecture. Distant 250 miles (400km) from Kyiv, it is a beloved tourist attraction, both locally and nationally. 🇺🇦
4. Khortytsia Island - Zaporizhzhia Region
Khortytsia is a beautiful island located on the Dnieper river, known for its immense size measuring 12.5 km (7.77 mi) in length and up to 2.5 km (1.55 mi) in width. This island is part of the Khortytsia National Park, created to manage and protect its historic significance and its natural beauty. It is 520 km (320 miles) south of Kyiv
Throughout the history of Ukraine, Khortytsia has played a vital role, particularly in the captivating story of the Zaporizhzhian Cossacks. One of the main attractions on Khortytsia is exactly the Zaporizhzhian Cossack Museum, which encompasses a significant part of the reserve. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the Cossacks, while also enjoying a captivating Cossack horse show.
The museum's expansive exhibition area covers 1,600 m2 (17,000 sq ft) and delves into fascinating themes such as Khortytsia in ancient times, the history of the Zaporizhzhian Cossacks, and the overall history of Zaporizhzhia during the era of socialist construction. It's truly an educational and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Besides, the island is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including enchanting oak groves, spruce woods, meadows, and even steppe landscapes. The northern part of the island is rocky and elevated, reaching an impressive 30 m (98 ft) above the river, while the southern part is lower in elevation and occasionally experiences flooding from the Dnieper waters. 🇺🇦
5. The ancient city of Chersonesus - City of Sebastopol (Crimea)
Chersonesus is an ancient Greek colony that was founded around 2,500 years ago in the southwestern part of the Crimean Peninsula. It was established by settlers from Heraclea Pontica in Bithynia during the 6th century BC.
This historic city is situated on the shore of the Black Sea, right on the outskirts of today's city Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula. Nowadays, it is referred to as Khersones and is part of the National Preserve of Tauric Chersonesos. The name Chersonesos, which means "peninsula" in Greek, perfectly describes the location where the colony was formed. It's important not to confuse it with the Tauric Chersonese, which is a term often used to refer to the entire southern Crimea.
During its classical period, Chersonesus operated as a democratic society governed by a group of elected archons and a council called the Demiurgoi. As time went on, the government became more oligarchic, with power concentrated in the hands of the archons. An interesting fact is that an oath taken by all citizens starting from the 3rd century BC has managed to survive until today. It's a testament to the rich history of the area.
In recognition of its outstanding cultural value, Chersonesus was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2013. It's a fantastic place that holds a special significance in the history of ancient Greece. Despite the Russian annexation in the area since 2014, it is worth noting that UNESCO has decided to maintain its consideration of Crimea and its heritage sites as belonging to Ukraine. 🇺🇦
6. Saint Sophia Cathedral - Kyiv City
The Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv is an architectural treasure from the days of Kievan Rus'. It's one of the most remarkable sights of the city and the country as well, and holds the distinction of being the first site in Ukraine to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Kyiv Cave Monastery complex.
The cathedral takes its name from the famous Hagia Sophia (which means Holy Wisdom) cathedral in Constantinople, present-day Istanbul. It's important to note that it is known as Saint Sophia because it honors the concept of Holy Wisdom rather than being dedicated to a specific saint named Sophia. The foundations started in 1011 under the rule of Yaroslav's father, Vladimir the Great, the revered Grand Prince of Kievan Rus, and both UNESCO and Ukraine celebrated the cathedral's 1000th anniversary in 2011.
The design of this remarkable structure includes five naves and five apses, as well as an astonishing thirteen cupolas (quite an unexpected feature for Byzantine architecture!). Surrounding it are two-tier galleries on three sides, adding to the overall grandeur. The exterior, which used to be adorned with plinths, stands at an impressive height of 37 to 55 meters (121 to 180 feet). Inside, the cathedral still showcases remarkable mosaics and frescoes dating back to the 11th century, including a somewhat faded representation of Yaroslav's family and the Orans.
During the tumultuous times of the October Revolution in 1917 and the subsequent anti-religious campaign in the 1920s, the Soviet government had plans to demolish the cathedral and replace it with a park named after a Red Army victory in the Russian Civil War in Crimea. Thankfully, the cathedral was saved from destruction due to the tireless efforts and passionate pleas from Ukrainian scientists and historians. Regrettably, the adjacent St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery couldn't escape the same fate and was blown up in 1935, but rebuilt as soon as Ukraine declared its independence in 1991. 🇺🇦
7. Khotyn Fortress -Â Khotyn, Chernivtsi Region
The Khotyn Fortress is a fortification complex situated on the right bank of the Dniester River in South-Western Ukraine. It holds great historical significance as it is located in the northern Bessarabia region, which was divided between Ukraine and Moldova in 1940. The construction of the current stone fortress began in the 10th century and experienced significant improvements between the years 1380 and 1460.
The roots of the Khotyn Fortress trace back to Prince Volodymyr Sviatoslavovych. It served as a border fortification of southwestern Kievan Rus', strategically positioned on important trade routes connecting Scandinavia, Kyiv, and the Black Sea regions, including Moldavia and Wallachia. Over time, it was transformed from a mere mound of dirt with wooden walls into a substantial fortress, all the while safeguarding the settlement of Khotyn across the river. The initial stone construction was relatively modest, but throughout the centuries, the fortress went through numerous reconstructions, expansions, and reconstructions by successive conquerors.
In 1538, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth forces successfully captured the fortress. They undermined its walls, destroyed three towers, and damaged part of the western wall. Subsequently, the Khotyn Citadel underwent renovations from 1540 to 1544. In 1563, Zaporozhian Cossacks seized the fortress, holding control for a period of time.
Today, Khotyn, located 450km (280 miles) from Kyiv has grown into a bustling city, serving as an important hub for industry, tourism, and culture within the Chernivtsi oblast. Recognizing the city's rich historical tradition, the Khotyn Fortress was granted architectural preservation status by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in 2000. In September 2002, the ancient city joyfully celebrated its millenary milestone. 🇺🇦
Here are the seven wonders of Ukraine. Do you already has your favourite? Tell me which one you found amazing!
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