Sofiivsky park, Uman

On the half way from Kyiv to Odessa situated Uman - typical tiny Ukrainian provincial city, famous throughout the world mainly just for two things: the grave  of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, the founder of Hasidic movement (this grave attracts thousands jewish pilgrims yearly) and Sofiivsky dendropark established by order of Count Pototsky and dedicated to his wife Sofia. Here we concentrate our attention on park exploration only, as soon as this wonderful place worth being among the best Ukrainian miracles. They started building of Sofiivka in 1796th but such a grandiose project is not possible to complete during the life of only one generation. Major works continued about 150 years, thousands of people were engaged. Just to mention that each Russia Emperor visited this park and funded the continuation of works. And this process is still on.
A lot of human efforts were spent to transform originally beautiful corner of nature into a fantastic artificial park. Everything is present: rocks, lakes, waterfalls, caves, forests and meadows, generously decorated with antic sculptures, bridges and pavilions. Even underground river called Akheront in honor of Greek myth river. Tourists are invited to join a boat tour along Uman's Akheront.
One thing more to add: it is better to visit Sofiivsky park during a week but not on weekend since a number of excursions are coming around and crowds of people can disturb you while  enjoying all the splendor of this magnificent park.
You will be fascinated by walking in Sofiivka and surely spend here about 3-4 hours.

Lake with boats

Lake with swans

The heart of Sofiivsky park

Waterfall

Cave in Sofiivka park where you can make a wish

Berdychiv - old Jewish settlement

This small and not conspicuous at first glance town is located on the road from Kyiv to Kamianets-Podilsky.  Long period it was renowned as jewish center on Western Ukraine. However, now almost nothing except old jewish cemetery reminds us about this. The main noteworthy of Berdychiv is its catholic fortress-monastery on the hill above the lake and river called Hnylopiat', built on 17th century and been besieged numerous times. Also each Berdychiv inhabitant will tell you the story about Balzac (french novelist) been merried here in local church - it is true. 

After wedding a tailor  approached to Balzac, carefully reviewed his suite and asked: where did ou get such a nice suite?

-in Paris

-Where is Paris?

- 2000 miles from here

- Amazing! Such a long distance but they know how to sew nice suites.

  The fortress is quite picturescue as well as the nature around and it's the single attraction of Berdichiv. About 100 years ago, the border between Russia Empire and Austria layed near Berdychiv  so this town also was known because of its resourceful smugglers. This page of history is far away now but archaeologists report about numerous multi-miles smuggler underground passages and corridors towards former border.

entrance to the fortress

The church inside of fortress, where Balsac had his wedding

view from the lake shore

buildings indide the fortress walls

old jewish cemetery in Berdychiv

typical building of Berdychiv center

Coming to Kyiv

Almost 100% of western tourists are coming to Ukraine through Kyiv (Kiev) and spend a couple of days there strolling around and even making beeline to Prypiat (Chernobyl). Wide range of hotels are offering accommodation in the center but prices are quite high. This one-bedroom apartment costed us 110 USD (the same hotel suite was at least 3 times more expensive) We rented this apartment in Kiev from Grata agency and recommend to everyone.

 

Khotyn stronghold

Just 20 kilometers from Kamyianets-Podilsky towards Romanian border lays Khotyn - now small village but 300 years ago insurmountable barrier on the way of Turkish expansion in the Europe. Khotyn fortress is situated on the tall bank of Dniester river and now serves as museum and movie  decoration. You can spend 3-4 hours exploring Khotyn castle.

entering museum

inside the fortress

Gate tower and walls

Walls outside  are covered by protective symbols

Kamianets-Podilskyi - fairytale place

Situated on the distance of some 500km to the west from Kyiv. This small picturesque town attracts tourists because of charming architecture and breathtaking nature. Extremely low prices for hotels, open, helpful and sincere people.

Kamenets fortress stands on the granite promontory  and was almost unreachable for enemies

Abyss around the dowtown area

Yes, this was a minaret once upon a time, but now catholic church. Maria stands on crescent

river Smotrych surronds Kamenets-Podylskyi

This is a great place to see, worth at least one-say stay, and not far from other tourist places - Khotyn, Medzhybizh, Ternopil. Kamenets is overflowed by polish tourists.

Kyiv in focus

Kyiv is the heart of Ukraine and Independence Square is the heart of Kyiv. I start my traveling with camera from this special place.

October Palace and flower clock nearby.

View to Kreshchatyk

Independence Square in Kyiv

This is October Palace - concert and conference hall now, but KGB jail 50 years ago

after recent reconstruction the square became a sort of "greenhouse" due to superfluity of glass constructions