#Kamyanets-Podilsky - the Fortress City

[travelukraine-blog1]

Ukraine- Exploring The Most Popular East European Travel Destination

Ukraine is a beautiful Eastern European country that is also the second largest in the continent. It is located in the middle of Asia and Europe, and without a doubt offers an assortment of get-away destinations to tourists from across the globe. Lovely beaches, striking architecture, grand backwoods, historic places, majestic mountains, ski resorts, health resorts- the country has everything for every type of tourist.

Some of the much loved travel destinations of Ukraine are revealed as follows:

1.       Crimean peninsula - The mesmerising Crimean peninsula situated in the southern part of the country is a widely acclaimed unwinding spot. It is dotted with enchanting resorts and prominent wellbeing centres, which attract a large number of tourists wanting to loosen up and relax.

2.       The Carpathian Mountains - Known as the "Green Pearl" of Ukraine, the Carpathian Mountains are another popular vacation spot in the country. These imperial mountains are loaded with immense natural beauty, and are known for their dense forests, river streams, picturesque views and breathtakingly beautiful Alpine meadows. One can also get involved in a host of adventure activities at this place. Hiking is a well known leisure activity that can be performed in the Carpathians. Another thing that can be tried here is rafting. The Prut River and the Bistrita River go through the Carpathians, which create a perfect set up for rafting. There are also many extraordinary spots for cycling. With a plenitude of both clear and unpaved paths, cycling in the area truly offers an unforgettable experience.

3.       Kiev city - The hilly city of Kiev is also a very famous tourist destination of Europe that gloats of incredible architecture. Some of the many popular spots of the city include the Cathedral of St. Sophia, the Monastery with the Caves, the Ukrainian Baroque Church of St. Andrew and the 970-year-old Golden Gate. The city is likewise adored by numerous exhibition halls, public centres and theatres.

4.       Kamyanets-Podilsky - the Fortress City – This is a must visit place in Ukraine that holds high historical importance. The ancient structures and those that have been included over the years offer deep insight into the history of the nation. The city is also home of the famous Pushkin Enlightenment Center and the country’s first gymnasium. As there are more than 200 landmarks to see in Kamyanets-Podilsky, tourists from different parts of the world flock this remarkable city all round the year.

5.       Lviv city: This city is known for its spectacular architecture and flawlessly preserved medieval lanes. Lviv is a part of UNESCO's World Heritage list and is popular for its rich cultural heritage.

6.       Odessa: The historic city of Odessa located towards the south of the country is also one among the fascinating places in the country. It is a site of captivating historical centres, sunlit shorelines and the famous Odessa Opera House.

In addition, travellers are sure to love the continental as well as moderately dry climate of Ukraine!

[thegreenmeridian]

I’ve been here! It’s the Khotyn fortress in Chernivtsi Oblast in Ukraine. It’s right on the Dniester and very close to the Romanian border. Hold onto your hats because I’m about to infodump.

The Khotyn site was originally a Kyivan Rus’ fortification in the 10th century, serving as an important defense on the important trade route stretching from Scandinavia to the Black Sea and the Byzantine empire.

The present structure began its life in 1250, when Prince Danylo of Halych ordered construction of the walls. It was taken by Prince Dragos, a Moldavian vassal of the Kingdom of Hungary, in 1340. During the reign of Stephen the Great of Moldavia in the 15th century, the fortress was expanded further into what it is today. During Moldavia’s tenure as a Principality of the Ottoman Empire, a garrison of Ottoman janissary soldiers was posted there and Turkish alterations and upgrades to the fortress were made, and Turkish soldiers were involved heavily in the defense of the fortress against multiple incursions by the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth.

The fortress and the town of Khotyn changed hands frequently, alternating between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Principality of Moldavia between 1359 and 1712 before falling under total Ottoman rule. It was also held for a brief period by the Zaporozhian Cossacks, when Dmytro Vyshnavetsky lay siege with 500 men in 1563.

Under Ottoman control, a six year fortification program initiated in 1712 turned the fortress into the foremost Ottoman stronghold in Eastern Europe. Despite this, the Turkish surrendered the fort to Russian forces after the defeat at the Battle of Stavuchany, 12km south of the fortress. It was returned to Ottoman control as part of a peace treaty, a cycle repeated again in 1769 and 1788.

Knotty finally fell under permanent Russian control in 1812 at the conclusion of the Russian-Ottoman war, though it was somewhat destroyed by retreating Ottoman forces. It retained its use as an official military entity until 1853.

During the First World War and the Russian Civil War, the city of Khotyn again found itself a point of interest for opposing forces. Bessarabia, the region in which Khotyn sits, claimed independence in 1917 and formed a union with the Kingdom of Romania in November of 1918. An anti-Romanian uprising developed in the Khotyn in 1919, though it failed after 10 days and Romania instituted nationalist policies designed to “re-Romanise” Bessarabia.

Bessarabia spent a brief period between 1940-1941 as a Soviet entity, forming prt of the Chernivtsi Oblast of the Ukrainian SSR. It was retaken by German and Romanian forces after Romania’s allyship with Germany during Operation Barbarossa. Almost immediately after falling under functional Nazi control, an anti fascist movement was born in Khotyn, lasting a year before being quashed.

Khotyn once again joined the Ukrainian SSR after the defeat of Axis forces in 1944, and remained as such until Ukrainian independence, and now exists as part of Ukraine.

Along with the nearby town and castle of Kamyanets-Podilsky, and the city of Chernivtsi itself, this region of Ukraine is one of the most beautiful and historically fascinating in Europe, and should absolutely be on everyone’s bucket list if they are even remotely interested in historical sites.

Original Tweet

[atravesando-el-desierto-blog]

10 Best Things to Do in Ukraine

St Sophia's Cathedral

The inside has become easily the part of the oldest church of Kyiv. A number of the mosaics and frescoes are first, dating back into 1017--31, once the cathedral was constructed to celebrate Prince Yaroslav's success in shielding Kyiv in the Pechenegs (tribal raiders). Bell tower along with the building domes will be all baroque additions while appealing. It is worth climbing the bell tower to get a bird's-eye view of this palace and panoramas of Kyiv.

Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra

Tourists and Orthodox pilgrims flock to the Lavra Hectares of mountains over the Dnipro River. It is simple Is a feast for the eyes that of the To see why tourists come: the monastery's bunch of gold-domed churches Hermitage and the underground labyrinths lined with mummified monks are exotic and fascinating. For pilgrims, the rationale is a lot easier this is the holiest ground in the nation.

Kamyanets-Podilsky Fortress

Constructed of wood in the 10th then redesigned and rebuilt in stone by Italian army engineers at the 16th century, K-P's fortress is a mishmash of styles. Nevertheless, the general impression is breathtaking and the view from the Bridge leading to the fortress would certainly make a quick list of Ukraine's most iconic front-page vistas. The fortress is full of museums and cafes, and at the summer concerts take place in its own courtyard.

Prymorsky Boulevard

Odesa's elegant facadethis tree-lined, clifftop promenade was made to enchant of coming boats with the opulence of civility and its structure the passengers, unexpected in the time of construction in the early 19th century in these elements. The cliff face was changed by imperial architects into terraced gardens descending to the port the Istanbul Park lies east of the Western Park west of these and the steps.

Wehrwolf

Between May 1942 and July 1943, Adolf Hitler paid a few visits (accounts vary) into his regional army headquarters at a huge bunker 8km north west Vinnytsya. Code-named Wehrwolf, it turned out to be a facility below the security of the escort battalion of their Fuhrer. The Germans withdrew up the place and for years it lay derelict. Today it's been turned into a walking memorial, where sign-boards that were educational direct you through this span of history.

Chernivtsi University 

University buildings are known as'dreaming spires', however Chernivtsi's is similar to a acid trip. This outfit, with tiles decorating its own wings that are pseudo-Moorish, pseudo-Byzantine along with pseudo-Hanseatic, is. The architect was Czech Josef Hlavka, that was behind the Former Cathedral, in addition to chunks of Vienna of Chernivtsi. He finished the university from 1882 for the Metropolitans (Orthodox Church leaders) of Bukovyna because of their official home. The college transferred .

Lychakivsky Cemetery

Till you've noticed this awesome cemetery a brief ride on tram 7 in the 23, do not leave town. This is actually the Père Lachaise of Eastern Europe, using precisely exactly the identical kind of overgrown grounds along with Gothic air as the famed Parisian necropolis (but comprising less-well-known individuals ). Laid out from the 18th century that is late, it is packed full of Ukraine's good and excellent. Pride of place belongs to esteemed poet Ivan Franko's tomb.

Skvorechnik

It is difficult to describe this hippie harbor that is beachfront . It derives its title from the smattering. Skvorechnik is about a lot more than birdhouses Though you are able to rent out these. It is just like a Burning Man festival -- a alcohol-free zone of singalongs zen meditation, massage well, you get the idea. There's also also a vegetarian cafe keeping people along with a beach.

High Castle Hill

To achieve Vysoky Zamok on foot mind upward vul Kryvonosa out of Vul Pidvalna till where you ought to take a left, you get to a cafe and bathrooms. On the best, you will understand a couple of metal steps after a couple of minutes. You might choose a cab the majority of the way upward, coming from the east through Vul Vysoky Zamok if you are feeling lazy. About a 2km walk out of pl Rynok, seeing the Castle (Vysoky Zamok) on Castle Hill (Zamkova Hora) is an quintessential Lviv adventure. There is very little evidence of this stone fort which has been the birthplace of Lviv, however also the summit mound sporting a colossal flag thwacking at the end provides points of view of the hills where it nestles along with the city.

Odesa Opera & Ballet Theatre

The architects who designed the renowned Vienna State Opera Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer created from the 1880s the gem at the architectural crown of Odesa. You're able to have a Russian-language excursion of this theatre (150uah), beginning at 5pm on Friday and Saturday or, even better yet, buy a night in the opera.

Source Site

Best Tourist attraction in Ukraine