Sights of Ukraine: Top-25

Tunnel of love (Klevan, Rivne region)
Many tourists ask themselves: what to see in Ukraine? There are many beautiful places in this country, one of them is the Tunnel of Love. This place is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth . This attraction is especially popular among romantics and newlyweds who come here to make a wish, and photographers who receive many high-quality and interesting pictures. The tunnel is located in the forest near the town of Klevan in the Rivne region. It is easy to get to by train. The Tunnel of Love is a 1 km long section of the forest. Inside, there are rails along which a real factory train runs. He maintains this place in this state, breaking off the overgrown branches of trees.

It is best to watch the tunnel in late spring, summer and early autumn, because all this time there is a lot of foliage on the trees, which gives a special romance and mystery through the play of light and shadows. However, it is beautiful here even after a good snowfall - time seems to stop, and life around freezes. But beware of the train, which can ruin such a beautiful moment by speeding through the tunnel.

Not far from this place is a medieval castle shrouded in legends and myths, so the Tunnel of Love is one of the most romantic places in Europe for lovers.

Hagia Sophia (Kyiv)
If you don’t know what to visit in Ukraine, then be sure to visit the Hagia Sophia, built by order of Yaroslav the Wise in the 11th century. Initially, the building consisted of 13 domes, over time, 6 more were added. The temple was often destroyed due to attacks by invaders, survived the onslaught of the Tatar-Mongol yoke, Batu's detachment completely smashed and plundered the cathedral.

By the beginning of the 15th century, the building was badly damaged, services for the townspeople stopped. Metropolitan Peter decided to call an Italian architect to restore the cathedral in the 17th century. The structure has now become pear-shaped, the walls are decorated with stucco molding, icons and frescoes have been restored inside.

Now Hagia Sophia is included in the UNESCO list (World Heritage List), services are held only on great Christian holidays, the rest of the time the temple is open to tourists. The building is very beautiful and unique. One of the domes of the cathedral reminds of Jesus, the rest - of the apostles and evangelists who preached Christ. The temple has preserved a mosaic from the 11th century, decorating the central dome and arches. Scenes from the Bible are reflected not only in the mosaics, but also in the frescoes. In total, there are more than 100 graves on the territory of the cathedral, including Yaroslav the Wise and his family.

Khotyn fortress (Chernivtsi region, Khotyn)
Sights of Ukraine are located in every corner of this unique country. Khotyn Fortress is one of the most spectacular places where any tourist should definitely visit. This is a real monument of the great history of Rus', which is already a little over 1000 years old.

Initially, the building was a small fortress built by the Slavs from wood. Its function was to protect the local people from invaders. When the Mongol-Tatar yoke conquered Rus', the role of this fort greatly increased, it guarded the most important crossing on the Dniester River from the raids of nomadic robbers.

Later, the first small stone fortress was built here. Over time, it was expanded and rebuilt after being destroyed by nomads. Until the 19th century, battles were constantly taking place on this site. It took on the Khotyn fortress and the assault of Russian troops. M. Lomonosov even wrote about this in his ode . However, the fort later lost its military status. The settlement received its own coat of arms, a church was built inside in honor of Alexander Nevsky. At present, the fortress is a museum. Inside there is a monument to Hetman Petro Sahaydachny, 5 towers, churches, a princely palace, barracks, an entrance to the dungeon, the ruins of a mosque and a military school. Many famous films were shot in Khotyn, for example, The Three Musketeers. Khotyn Fortress is a wonderful place with a special atmosphere where history comes to life.

Deribasovskaya street (Odessa)
Odessa is a southern pearl, a hospitable city that has a soul. Soaked in the salt spray of the Black Sea and subtle Odessa humor, the city amazes with its hospitality and endless charm. Travel companies offer any tours around the country, but you should definitely visit the southern Palmyra.

There is definitely something to see here: the magnificent Opera House, many historical monuments, gloomy catacombs, small streets and cozy courtyards of the old city. But there is something special in Odessa - Deribasovskaya Street, sung in poems and songs, a kind of visiting card of the city. There is no noisy traffic here, you can safely walk along the pedestrian pavement, paved with paving stones, and plunge headlong into the indescribable atmosphere of the great city. There are many cafes, restaurants, summer playgrounds on Deribasovskaya, it is simply soaked through and through with Odessa flavor. The city garden, the monument to Utyosov, street musicians and artists, and next to it the chic Passage store, which is an architectural monument of the 19th century, attracts the eyes of strolling guests of the city. Here I want to smile just like that, for no reason, to breathe deeply,

Independence Square (Kyiv)
Independence Square, called Maidan by Ukrainians, is the main square of the capital. This is an object that tourists and guests of the city must visit. Here they like to wander around the fountains, take pictures next to the majestic monument and just take a walk. Several main streets of Kyiv adjoin the Maidan: Khreshchatyk, Institutskaya, Sofia, Mikhailovskaya.

The square changed its name several times: in the 19th century, at its location there was a wasteland with the ruins of defensive structures, then the first name was Kreshchatynska, after - Dumskaya Square, and only in the year Ukraine gained independence (1991) did it get its current name.

Despite the loud "metropolis", Kyiv, surrounded by greenery, is loved for its warmth and comfort. When wondering what to visit in Ukraine, do not hesitate to come to Kyiv! There is an incredible number of places unique in their beauty and historical value, where Independence Square is one of the main attractions of the capital. In 2004 and 2014, the square became the center of protest rallies and revolutionary events in Ukraine.

Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (Kyiv)
One of the most important shrines of Orthodoxy, which has been preserved almost in its original form since the 11th century, is rightfully considered the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra - the first monastery in Rus' and a symbol of faith. Above the powerful waters of the Dnieper, on its picturesque slopes, shining with golden domes, majestic temples flaunt. Paved with cobblestone paths immersed in greenery lead to them, and below, in the dungeon, meandering in a narrow labyrinth of corridors, mysterious caves are located, where the main treasure of the Lavra is located - the holy imperishable relics of the righteous.

In the list of "Sights of Ukraine" Kiev-Pechersk Lavra takes the first place, being the shrine most visited by tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. For a thousand years of its existence, the Lavra suffered many disasters: earthquakes, the invasion of the Mongol-Tatars, fires and wars, but after each shock and destruction it was reborn.

Getting to the territory of this unique complex, you forget about worldly fuss, get away from everyday problems. You are surrounded by calmness and mystery. People come here to see with their own eyes the saints resting in the caves, and, having venerated the relics, strengthen their faith.