Ukrainian lands are filled with stories and legends from ancient times. Modern cities of the country have a lot of interesting things to know and remember. Here are 9 legendary Ukrainian cities worth visiting

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Ukraine has a rich history, as the corners of our country have been inhabited since ancient times. Back in the old days, life was bustling here, legendary battles were fought, and glorious Cossacks and hetmans roamed our land. Every village and every city have its own history and legend. 

In this material, we have collected information about the most interesting parts of Ukraine that played an important role in our history, and some even changed its course forever. 

Novhorod-Siverskyi 

In ancient times, these territories were inhabited by various tribes, until the Slavic tribes of the North found their home here in the VI century. 

It was here that in 988, by order of Volodymyr the Great, a fortress was built around the city to serve as protection against nomads. 

Even today, the city has preserved many historical buildings that can transport tourists to ancient times:

• The Transfiguration Monastery. According to historical sources, it was built before the eleventh century. On the territory of the monastery are majestic walls that securely surround the cathedral with a bell tower. Here you can climb the wall and admire the incredible beauty of the Desna River.

• Museum of the book "The Tale of Igor's Campaign". The only museum of this book in Ukraine is located on the territory of the Transfiguration Monastery. According to history, this is the site of an ancient temple from which Igor set out on his campaign. 

• The Arc de Triomphe. This particular arch was built in 1787 in honor of the arrival of Catherine II. 

The modern city is located in the Chernihiv region, on the banks of the majestic Desna River. 

Myrhorod 

One of the oldest settlements on the Left Bank of Ukraine. Not surprisingly, the city also has its own history. 

It is here that the Nikolai Gogol Park is located, as the writer mentioned Myrhorod in his writings. 

Not far from the city is the village of Velyki Sorochyntsi, Gogol's birthplace and the venue of the Sorochyntsi Fair. 

Also, nearby is the Trinity Church, which was also mentioned in Gogol's works. 

Another miracle of history is the thousand-year-old oaks. It is known that it was here that the daughter of the Kochubeys met with Mazepa. 

Modern Myrhorod is located in the Poltava region and stands on the Khorol River.

Berestechko 

This city is widely known not only to Ukrainians but also to foreigners. It was here that the legendary battle between the Zaporozhian Army and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth took place. 

Therefore, there are many historical monuments about ancient times:

• The National Historical and Memorial Reserve "Berestetsky Battlefield", which contains all the memorials of the battle.

• The unique St. George's Monastery, which has three thrones located one above the other. In the underground premises of the monastery, there is still a sarcophagus with the bones of Cossacks who died during the battles. 

• St. Michael's Church, which was built in the seventeenth century, even before the legendary battle. It is said that it was in this church that Bohdan Khmelnytsky prayed before going into battle. 

• Hayok Island. This island served as a crossing point for the Cossacks. It was here that 300 Cossacks fought for life and death, holding back the Polish army, allowing their comrades to retreat to a safe distance. 

Modern Berestechko is located on the banks of the Styr River in the Volyn region. 

Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi 

Since the fourth century BC, these territories have been inhabited by people from Miletus. It was here that the Greek city-state of the Northern Black Sea region was once located. 

The real historical wonder of the city is the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi fortress. It has been standing on this site since the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. Even today, the majesty of the fortress is fascinating. Here you can see the main entrance tower, dungeons, citadel, and other historical monuments.

Another location that is definitely worth visiting is the local museum of local lore, shrouded in ancient legends and a true historical spirit. 

The city is located on the banks of the Dniester Estuary in Odesa region. 

Zhovkva 

This is an ancient town of artisans founded in 1368. The town got its name because it was once given to Hetman Stanislav Zholkevskyi, who developed and built the town. 

In Zhovkva, there is the Church of St. Lawrence, where Hetman Stanisław Żółkiewski, known for occupying Moscow while leading the Polish-Ukrainian army, was buried. 

In the city, you can see high walls and defensive towers, and the bell towers of churches and churches rise on the central square. 

The Hlynske Gate leads to the city. But special attention should be paid to the Church of St. Paraskeva, the Dominican Cathedral, the synagogue, and the Zhovkva Castle. The churches of Zhovkva are known for the fact that the saints are depicted there dressed in Ukrainian national clothes.

The modern city is located in Lviv region.

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Halych 

In ancient times, the city served as the center of the Galicia-Volyn principality. It is thanks to this that the name of the whole region appeared - Galicia. 

Although the first mention of the city dates back to 989, life has been in full swing here since ancient times, as evidenced by numerous archaeological sites. 

Halych was once a huge city that included the island of Krylos. It is there that the Galician Grave is located, a place where ancient princes were initiated. 

In a village near Halych, you can see the oldest and only shrine of the Galicia-Volyn principality that has survived to this day, the Church of St. Panteleimon. 

The remains of the Starostynskyi Castle, built in the XIV century, are located on Halych Hill.

Particularly noteworthy is the Ancient Halych National Reserve, which contains many historical monuments. 

The city is located on the banks of the Dniester River in Ivano-Frankivsk region. 

Korosten

The first mention of the city can be found in the famous "Tale of Bygone Years". It was Korosten that was completely burned down by Olha after Ihor's death. 

That is why you can find many historical locations, museums, and monuments in the city:

• The famous Drevlianskyi Park, located in the heart of the city. There is a majestic canyon in the park, through which the Uzh River flows. It is said that Drevlianskyi Park was a favorite place of Princess Olga. 

• Stalin's bunker "The Rock" is another mysterious wonder of the city. The bunker has now been converted into a museum, where you can feel the mysterious atmosphere of the most secret place of those times. 

Modern Korosten is located in the Zhytomyr region. 

Hlukhiv

This city is a famous capital of the Hetmanate. In ancient times, the city served as a fortress. This is confirmed by the majestic earthen ramparts that have been preserved to this day. 

The entrance gate to Hlukhiv is the Kyiv Gate, which was reconstructed in the 18th century. It was this gate that served as a customs office in ancient times. 

One of the oldest libraries in Ukraine is located on the oldest street of the city. Nearby are the County Zemstvo House and old educational institutions. 

The oldest building in the city is the Church of St. Nicholas, a well-known historical monument of the world scale. 

Another historical wonder of Hlukhiv is the Water Tower, built in the twentieth century. The tower is perfectly preserved, so tourists are allowed to climb it.

Modern Hlukhiv is located in the Sumy region.

Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi 

The first mention of the city dates back to 907. In ancient times, the city was considered the center of the Pereyaslav principality.

Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi is considered a city of museums. One of them is the open-air museum of architecture and life, as there are 14 museums on its territory. 

There is also an important Ukrainian landmark in the city, the Taras Shevchenko Museum. The poet's friend used to live here. It is said that the legendary "Testament" was created in this building. 

In the center of the city is the Ascension Monastery with a bell tower, one of the most amazing historical churches of the Hetmanate. 

The modern city is located in the east of Kyiv region.

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