Kharkiv, Also often spelled as Kharkov, the second largest city in Ukraine also belongs to important educational and cultural places in the country and home to many industrial companies.

With history reaching back to 17th century, Kharkiv located nearby Russian borders also used to be the capital in the beginning of 20th century.

Nowadays it serves well for Russian speaking intellectuals (engineers and scientists), creating the atmosphere rather calm with the whiff of nostalgia in the air.

Kharkiv, Kharkiv’s most popular tourists attractions are the huge and unique Freedom Square, Annunciation Cathedral which is the main orthodox church, or the Historical Museum.

Gorky Park -Kharkiv

This Park was named after the famous Soviet writer, Maxim Gorky, and there is also a monument of Gorky that was erected in 1938.

The park is also known for its striking contrast in tree variation and color, which include birch, linden, chestnut and red oak trees.

Inside the park you will find tennis courts, a stage for concerts, a movie theater and a railway for children. There is also a small amusement park and an aerial cableway.

This is a very eclectic area offering a verdant escape for tranquility and picnics, but also contains plenty of entertainment for all ages.  

Shevchenko Park – This is a wonderful post-Soviet park widely known for its

Dolphinarium and statue of

Taras Shevchenko surrounded by sixteen peasants and Cossacks.

The monument is a symbolic representation of Ukraine’s past, attracting hundreds of locals on a daily basis. The park also contains restaurants, a children’s play area and plenty of open leisure area.

Freedom Square – This is the main square in Kharkiv and the largest in Ukraine.

It is also said to be one of the largest in Europe and throughout the world. Concerts, protests, festivals and important meeting have all taken place at one point or another at Freedom Square.

 

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t is also home to the city’s first ‘skyscraper,’ Derzhprom.

Completed in 1928, this is a building of historic importance as well as aesthetic uniqueness.

 

There was also a famous Lenin statue in the square, which was toppled by protesters in 2014. During winter months, you will be able to see families and friends ice-skating on a seasonal ice-rink.  

 

Sculptures Garden – Located on the main street in the city, sculptures from the well-known, Franco Meisler, can be seen. The most famous one is titled “Family Business,” which depicts a family of monkeys together. There is also “Cello Concerto,” which consists of three musicians playing the same instrument simultaneously.

The works are very unique and have created artistic debate in regards to the meaning of representation.

Mirror Stream Fountain – This monument was built in 1947 to commemorate the victory and end of WWII. It is located in a

quaint park opposite the National Opera and Ballet Theater and is under UNESCO protection.

This is the most famous landmark of the city. It is also a popular spot to take pictures for weddings or any special occasion.

The Annunciation Cathedral – Located in the historical city center, the Annunciation Cathedral is a unique example of

Byzantine and Russian design with an inventive stripe pattern and an 80 meter tall bell tower.

This is the main Orthodox cathedral in Kharkiv and is definitely a site to behold. The cathedral looks enthralling when illuminated at night and especially in winter months, when powdery snow adds to its artistic character.

Pokrovsky Cathedral – Built in 1689, Pokrovsky Cathedral is a prime example of 17th century Ukrainian architecture.

Although, some Russian influence can be seen in the cathedral’s exterior.

  

The building is distinguished by its three domes of baroque style and originally served dual purposes as both a place to worship and also a strategic watchtower.

 

This is one of the city’s favorite sites and was Kharkiv’s first stone building. It is also one of the ‘seven wonders’ of Kharkiv.