Eastern European culture, art and music, and a plethora of astounding natural beauties can all be experienced in the diverse country of Ukraine. Our Top Ten Ukraine Attractions list makes it possible for the adventurous tourist to experience all of the splendor and majesty Ukraine has to offer. Experience this country from cultural, natural and historical points of view, and be amazed at all of the wonderful things it has to offer!
10. Khreshchatyk Street
flickr/Olga Schlyter
This historic street serves as the main artery for the Ukraine capital of Kiev. The street spans a bit over 1 kilometer and bisects Independence Square, an important symbol of Ukraine’s recent independence. Built in the 19th century, the street and nearby governmental buildings were ravaged by Nazi invaders and had to be rebuilt after the war.
9. Panorama Museum on the Siege of Sevastopol
flickr/almasudi
The Siege of Sevastopol was an epic battle fought for the important Russian port-city. Over 50,000 soldiers sacked Sevastopol through the span of a year and although the Russian defenders fought viciously they were forced to withdraw, bringing an end to the Crimean War. The museum puts you in the battle with a variety of exhibits and galleries.
8. Vorontsov Palace
flickr/Andrey Zakharyuk
This summer home originally built for Russian Prince Mikhail Vorontsov, takes on various styles of architecture and is in perfect harmony with it’s natural surroundings. Uniquely, the palace’s form imitates the Crimean mountains in the back drop, esteeming to rise along with every soaring peak!
7. Odessa State Academical Opera and Ballet Theater
flickr/Alvaro Vega Sánchez
Odessa’s oldest theater continues the splendid art and culture of Ukrainian Opera and Ballet. The beautifully domed concert hall has seen greats from all around the world perform their delicate crafts, entertaining and awing crowds for over 200 years.
6. St. Michael’s Cathedral
flickr/Matt Shalvatis
The spectacular interior of St. Michael’s is a testament to the longstanding faith of the region. Complex stain glass depicts biblical events and the pews beneath are always filled with devoted followers. Go for a tour of the amazing building or join one of the daily masses.
5. Great Patriotic War Museum
flickr/Thomas Peddle
One of the most recognizable sites in Kiev is the 62 meter Motherland statue, a valiant woman wielding a 12 ton sword and firmly holding her trusty shield. Clustered around the great monument is one of the largest museums in the Ukraine and an outdoor gallery showcasing war equipment used throughout the country’s turbulent history.
4. National Opera House of Ukraine
flickr/Jennifer Boyer
The melodies heard throughout the Ukraine are common when visiting this musically inclined country. The Ukraine Opera has been a cultural staple and rivals that of only Italy. Visiting the National Opera House of Ukraine gives you a great opportunity to fully experience this time-honored tradition.
3. Market Square
flickr/Luda Melnykova
In the heart of the city lays Market Square, an important cultural center that has been serving the people of Lviv for nearly 700 years. Stroll down the historic streets, stopping into the houses and museums that tell the tale of the city throughout history. The centerpiece of the square is the large 19th century Viennese baroque town hall that rises nearly 65 meters high.
2. Saint Sophia Cathedral
flickr/Rasmus Hald
Built in the 11th century, the Saint Sophia Cathedral was named after the Hagia Sophia of Constantinople; today it is the religious center of the city. Ukraine’s first World Heritage Site, Saint Sophia’s chambers and museums give visitors a look into how the Orthodox Church spread throughout this part of the world.
1. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
flickr/episa
The deep caves of Kiev-Pehersk Lavra have been the resting place for revered monks for nearly a millennium. The beginning of Ukraine’s religious center, Kiev-Pechersk Lavra was a simple hill slope cave dug out by the monk Antoniy in the year 1051. Today the spiraled gold temples reach for the skies and attract millions of tourists every year.
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