What to see on the way from Lviv to Chernivtsi: top locations to visit
Table of contents
- Zhovkva. An open-air historical museum-reserve
- Krekhiv Monastery. A retreat from everyday life in a holy place
- Olesko Castle. The place where Ukrainian history was born
- Pidhirtsi. Palace in the Renaissance style
- Zolochiv Castle. Renaissance of the architectural ensemble
- Ivano-Frankivsk. Cultural center of the Carpathian region
- Kamianets-Podilskyi. A fortress city on the Smotrych River
- Chernivtsi. A pearl of architecture and culture
Traveling from Lviv to Chernivtsi by car is a 270-kilometer journey that allows you to see Western Ukraine in its true form: natural landscapes, historical monuments, and a very special cultural atmosphere. Find out about the many tourist treasures of Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi regions that the road from the Cultural Capital of Ukraine to the capital of Bukovyna can offer
A short trip between Lviv and Chernivtsi can give travelers everything this region is famous for: historic castles, authentic towns, and harmonious landscapes. If you want to make your journey from one heart of Western Ukraine to another interesting, eventful, and truly touristy, check out the locations worth visiting along the way.
Zhovkva. An open-air historical museum-reserve
Leaving Lviv not through the south, but through the north, you can make your first stop in the town of Zhovkva, a cozy town with a traditionally rich history for these places, located just 25 km from Lviv. Numerous monuments have been preserved here, among which a special place is occupied by the 16th-century Zhovkva Castle, where the founder of the city, Crown Hetman Stanislav Zholkevsky, once lived.
In the city center, you will find the magnificent St. Lawrence Church, as well as a Renaissance synagogue and the wooden Church of the Holy Trinity, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Zhovkva attracts with its atmosphere of an ancient Ukrainian-European city, where every street has its own history and charm.
Krekhiv Monastery. A retreat from everyday life in a holy place
Continuing your trip from Lviv to Chernivtsi, visit the Krekhiv Monastery, located 15 km from Zhovkva. Founded in the XV century, the monastery is surrounded by picturesque forests and has a truly cozy, peaceful atmosphere that will help you gain physical and moral strength for your next trip.
Among the main attractions of the monastery are ancient cells, the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and holy springs. This place is suitable for those who want to make a small retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, enjoy nature and find peace in spiritual quiet.
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Olesko Castle. The place where Ukrainian history was born
Another interesting stop on the way to Chernivtsi can be the Olesko Castle, which is popular among tourists and stands on a hill above the village of Olesko, 70 km from Lviv. This is one of the most famous fortresses in Ukraine, built in the XIV century, and it welcomes tourists all year round.
The castle attracts attention with its strategic location and rich history. Many old paintings, furniture, and other artifacts of a bygone era are kept within its walls. Olesko Castle is also known as the birthplace of King Jan III Sobieski, and the view from the castle towers is breathtaking.
Pidhirtsi. Palace in the Renaissance style
The next stop, and the next castle in Lviv region, is Pidhirtsi Castle, located 85 km from Lviv. This magnificent Renaissance palace was once built for Hetman Stanisław Koniecpolski in the 17th century and was considered one of the richest estates in Europe.
Today, the palace is surrounded by a large park where you can stroll and feel the atmosphere of a bygone era. Although the castle has undergone many transformations and restorations, it continues to be a unique historical landmark of Ukraine that both Ukrainians and visitors to the country want to see.
Zolochiv Castle. Renaissance of the architectural ensemble
Zolochiv Castle - without it, the list of the best-preserved fortresses in Lviv region would be incomplete, and the road from Lviv to Chernivtsi would not open 100%. Located 100 km from Lviv, this Renaissance fortress, which was built in the 17th century by order of Jakub Sobieski, is a very good location for photo excursions.
The castle has a Grand Palace, a Chinese Palace, and a beautiful park where you can find a Japanese rock garden. The castle also has an interesting museum exposition that tells about the history and life of past eras.
Ivano-Frankivsk. Cultural center of the Carpathian region
After the castles of Lviv region, make a stop in Ivano-Frankivsk. This cozy regional center is an atmospheric and architectural city that combines elements of Austrian modernism and Galician traditions.
The main places worth seeing when driving through Ivano-Frankivsk are the city hall with an observation deck, the Armenian Church, the Collegiate Church, and Three Wishes Street. The city also has many parks, including a city lake, which creates great opportunities for relaxation before continuing the journey.
Kamianets-Podilskyi. A fortress city on the Smotrych River
On the way to Chernivtsi, you should also visit Kamianets-Podilskyi, as it is one of the oldest cities in Ukraine, known for its medieval fortress, which is included in the list of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine.
This fortress is located on a high and scenic rocky promontory, washed by the waters of the Smotrych River, and its towers offer views of the surrounding canyons and the old town. The powerful walls of the fortress will fill your trip with medieval power and strength.
Chernivtsi. A pearl of architecture and culture
And here you are in Chernivtsi, the cultural and educational center of Bukovyna. The unique versatility of the local architecture, which combines Austrian, Romanian, and modern Ukrainian styles, makes this city a priori a tourist destination.
The main attraction of the city is the Chernivtsi National University, which is included in the UNESCO list. The university complex impresses with its architectural monumentality and is a real and iconic pearl of Bukovyna. In Chernivtsi, it is also worth taking a walk through the narrow streets of the old town, visiting the musical drama theater and enjoying the warm atmosphere of local cafes and restaurants.
Ukraine is rich in unique tourist destinations, and the proposed route from Lviv to Chernivtsi is just one of many that reveal the genuine beauty and diversity of our country. Every landscape of Ukraine is full of history, secrets, traveling charm and guaranteed impressions. The largest database of tours in Ukraine is at your service.
Just a reminder. In addition to the many cities full of life, there are, unfortunately, many cities in Ukraine that have been completely destroyed by russia. We need to talk about it so that it is talked about all over the world.
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