Every Ukrainian city boasts plenty of cultural attractions. After having traveled in Ukraine, you will have a ton of great memories after seeing this country's historical and cultural landmarks. Ukraine is not only one of the largest European countries, but also a country with beautiful nature, rich cultural heritage and many unique towns and villages, where one can unmistakably feel the history and the spirit of the Ukrainian people.
Ukraine's landmarks are rich in variety and each region has its own unforgettable flavor. From the Crimea to the Carpathian Mountains, a string of unique castles and churches, palaces and museums, stretches in many cities, where almost every building is an architectural monument.
Kyiv is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. It was founded in the 5th century. The capital of Ukraine is often called 'the mother of Russian cities'. It is considered one of the most beautiful capitals of the world, and it is not surprising due to the number of unique historical monuments seen there. The main attractions include the Golden Gate of the 11th century, the Near and Far Caves of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which house the remains of Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves, Ilya of Murom, Nestor the Chronicler, and other legendary historical figures. The most famous street, except probably Kreshchatyk, is St. Andrew's Hill. An iconic place of the capital is Vladimir's Hill and the Pochayna River, where Prince Vladimir baptized Kyiv. The best known palaces are Klovsky and Mariinsky palaces. The heart of the city is the ensemble of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, one of the world's centers of Christian Orthodox Church and the priceless monument included in the list of UNESCO treasures.
Numerous museums of Kyiv include the Shevchenko National Museum, the National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life in Pirogovo, the State Historical and Cultural Reserve of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, the historical and architectural monument-museum Kyiv Fortress. By the number of churches and temples, Kyiv is unmatched in the Commonwealth of Independent States. The complex of St. Sophia, built in the 11th century, stands out from the list as the symbol of Ukrainian spiritual life, and St. Vladimir's Cathedral and St. Andrew's Church are perhaps the city's most beautiful temples.
To the north of the capital there is the ancient city of Chernihiv, known for its historical and cultural monuments. Especially notable attractions are Pyatnitskaya church, Lyzogub House, Yeletsky and Trinity Monasteries as well as the caves inhabited by the people in the 11th century.
Dnepropetrovsk is one of the largest cities in the country. The local sights include the Potemkin's Palace, St. Nicholas Church, a few art and historical museums. Cathedral of the Transfiguration has a high architectural and cultural value, and it reflects the traditions and techniques of the Russian classical school during its heyday.
Odessa is one of the most picturesque cities in Ukraine. Odessa is an attraction in itself, but be sure to visit the famous Privoz Market and Deribasovskaya Street, Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Potemkin Stairs; Primorsky Boulevard and a semi-circular square with the monument to Duke de Richelieu. The best palaces in the city are Vorontsov, Potocki and Naryshkin Palaces. Other attractions include the Monastery of the Assumption and the Seminary, Old Stock Exchange, Odessa Sea Port (the largest on the Black Sea), etc.
Transcarpathia is widely known for the country's best resorts. It is a fantastically beautiful region of picturesque mountains, medieval castles, forests, mountain rivers, lakes, and springs. The famous resorts of Truskavets, Morshyn, Mirgorod, Kvasy, Shayan, and Svalyava, as well as a lot of nature reserves such as the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, the National Park "Sinevir" and others boost the region's value also adding a unique flavor to the gorgeous Ukraine.
The UEFA European Soccer Championship is second only to the World Cup in importance and it will be held in Ukraine and Poland in June-July of 2012. Local tour operators are standing by waiting for an influx of soccer fans from all over Europe!