Some cities in Ukraine were founded at a time when most of the continent was inhabited by nomadic tribes. And they saw the history of Ukraine's formation with their own eyes. Find out more about the oldest cities in Ukraine that are over 1000 years old today

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Ancient cities always attract tourists, fascinate them, and guarantee new experiences, because history itself lives in such cities. We are telling you about the oldest cities in Ukraine that were founded more than 1000 years ago.

Korosten - a Drevlianian, elegant, tourist city of Ukraine

The Slavic city of Korosten in the Zhytomyr region is known for its rich and dramatic history of destruction. After all, this is the city mentioned in the Tale of Bygone Years by Nestor the Chronicler. Back then, it was called Iskorosten, and it was its inhabitants (drevlyans) who once rebelled against Prince Igor. Today, the history of this city goes back more than 1300 years, which means that you can find many historical monuments in the city.

What to see in Korosten?

The ideal way to get acquainted with the historical past of the city is to visit the Drevlianskyi Park. It is a well-groomed recreation area on the slopes of a granite rock, where the chronicled Iskorosten was located in the 8th and 9th centuries. Today, a unique landscape with plantations and boulders has been preserved here. The park, located above the Uzh River, is small but elegant, made in the style of the 19th century, and has become the main tourist attraction of Korosten, where many monuments of the Drevlianskyi period are concentrated.

Korosten is about 100 km away from Zhytomyr and can be reached by bus, car, or train.

Chilia. It is also known as Chilia, it is also known as Αχιλλεια

According to one of the legends, the city of Kilia in the Odesa region was founded by Alexander the Great. Another historical version claims that Kilia was founded by the Greeks, and the city was originally called Achillia. However, the exact date of the foundation of this Danube city is unknown - various sources indicate a period between the VII and II centuries BC.

Some historians even claim that in the days of Kievan Rus, Prince Sviatoslav dreamed of moving the capital here. However, his death in a battle with the Polovtsians prevented the realization of this plan.

What to see in Kilia?

1) The remains of the Kilia Fortress on the banks of the Danube, which have now been turned into a park and two ponds. The fortress was founded in the 11th century by the Byzantines, rebuilt by the Italians in the 14th century, and rebuilt and fortified again by the Moldovans in the 15th century. In the XIX-XX centuries, the fortress was dismantled by the locals, as it was hindering the growth of the city at that time.

2) St. Nicholas Church. In 1485, an unusual semi-underground church, St. Nicholas Church, was built here at the beginning of the Turkish period of rule in the region. The Turks allowed the construction of Christian churches, but demanded that they not exceed the height of a mosque. Therefore, the builders of that time had to deepen it into the ground by more than 2 meters. The church acquired its current appearance in 1891, when a high bell tower was added to it.

3) Church of the Intercession. Kilia is also home to one of the largest Old Believer churches in Ukraine, which was built in 1846. It is not as old as the previous locations, but it is interesting to tourists. In 1912-16, a new church was built around the church, and the old one was later dismantled and taken out the door.

Kiliya is located on the Ukrainian-Romanian border. The journey by car or bus will take 3 to 5 hours.

Earlier, we told you that modern Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi is one of the oldest cities in theworld and the oldest city in Ukraine. The history of this city dates back more than 2,500 years.

Khotyn - about the fortress and more

Chernivtsi region (historical Bessorabia), picturesque banks of the Dniester, a thousand-year history... It is believed that Khotyn was founded in 1002. During its existence, the city has seen many conquerors, experienced the rise and fall of empires, and repeatedly passed into the hands of different rulers. Today, there are many unique sights that attract tourists.

What to see in Khotyn?

1) The most famous of these attractions is the Khotyn Fortress, which is included in the list of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine.

2) Another popular local attraction is Khotyn Customs. This is an old one-story rectangular building built in the XVII-XVIII centuries. It used to be a trading house, where life was bustling. You can find Khotyn Customs at 30 Svyato-Pokrovska Street.

3) City Theater. In 1934, the Romanians built the City Theater in Khotyn. The building has a unique exterior, as it was built in an interesting and rare style - neo-Romanian brinkman style.

The most convenient way to get to Khotyn is from Chernivtsi or Kamianets-Podilskyi, which is only 27 km away. 

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Borysfen (modern-day Berezan Island) - from the ancient Greeks to modern Ukrainians

Today, almost no one lives on the small and hilly island of Berezan, located in the heart of the Dnipro River. However, in the seventh century BCE, the island was densely populated and widely known. The first civilization on Borysfen was established by the Greeks. Today, the island is part of the Sylvia National Reserve.

Why is Berezan interesting for tourists?

Of course, its rich and eventful history. And also for its geographical location, as it is located in the northern part of the Black Sea, and has a coastline that is part of the resort area. And just 7 km away is the so-called zero kilometer of the Dnipro River.

Uzhhorod is a city of centuries-old multiculturalism

Today, this glorious Transcarpathian city is over 1100 years old, but for most of its history, Uzhhorod belonged to the Hungarians. The use of the familiar name of the settlement began around the middle of the 19th century. Prior to that, the city was known as Ungvar, which came from the name of the Ung River, on the banks of which it is located.

What to visit in Uzhhorod?

1) Uzhhorod Museum of Folk Architecture and Life (Skansen) - one of the first skansens in Ukraine, built in 1970. The museum is open-air, and here you can see carefully preserved examples of folk architecture of the XVIII-XX centuries: huts of Boyky, Lemkos, and Hutsuls, a water mill, a forge, a church, a school, an inn, and more.

2) The old center of Uzhhorod. Many European cities have authentic old centers called “old towns”. Uzhhorod is an “old town” in itself, and the special flavor of its historic center emerged in the “Czech” period. The Czech district, consisting of Malyi, Velykyi Halahov, and Halahov streets, was built during the First Czechoslovak Republic (1919-1939). This district is considered one of the main architectural beauties of Uzhhorod, thanks to its constructivist buildings, elegant cobblestones and streets with sakura trees that create a cozy atmosphere for walking.

3) One of the most prominent buildings in Uzhhorod is the so-called Uzhhorod Synagogue, built in 1904. The building combines Marrocan, Byzantine, and Romanesque styles. After the Second World War, it was converted into a philharmonic because of its excellent acoustics, and today this building is the Transcarpathian Regional Philharmonic, where you can enjoy performances by symphony orchestras. It is located on Teatralna Square.

Kyiv - you can't do without it

Of course, the Ukrainian capital is among the oldest cities in Ukraine. According to historians, the date of Kyiv's foundation falls between the second half of the fifth century and the first half of the sixth, and the official date of foundation is 482 A.D. That is, today the capital of Ukraine is more than 1,541 years old. And there is also the opinion of some historians that according to ancient manuscripts stored in the Armenian repository Matenadaran, Kyiv as a settlement is mentioned in documents that are more than 2,500 years old.

What is ancient about Kyiv?

In Kyiv, almost every tourist visits the monument to the city's founders - Kyi, Shchek, Khoriv, and their sister Lybid. Among the famous monuments of Kyiv's antiquity are the Golden Gate, St. Sophia Cathedral, Mamayeva Sloboda, and others.

The list of Ukraine's oldest cities includes Chernihiv, Slavske, Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi, Vyshhorod, Romny, Poltava, Zhytomyr, Terebovlia, and many cities currently occupied by Russia, such as Feodosia and Kerch. But in reality, these are also only a fraction of the Ukrainian cities with a history of more than 1,000 years that are worth seeing at least once in your life.

To this list can be added Chernihiv, Slavske, Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi, Vyshhorod, Romny, Poltava, Zhytomyr, Terebovlia, as well as many cities currently occupied by russia, such as Feodosia and Kerch. In fact, these are just a few of the Ukrainian cities with a history of more than 1000 years that are worth seeing at least once in your life.

So, you want to learn more about the history and culture of Ukraine, as well as see the incredible Ukrainian landscapes and sights with your own eyes, we suggest you do not hesitate to book a trip with Visit Ukraine for the dates convenient for you. Our portal offers more than 800 different tours to suit every taste and budget. Together with our professional guides, you can see the whole of Ukraine.

Just a reminder. Despite the difficulties of Ukraine's present, it is important to find time not only for cultural but also for active recreation, health improvement, etc. Moreover, Ukraine has a lot to offer. In particular, Zakarpattia is a well-known place for relaxation and recreation.

Follow the link and choose your dream trip from the largest online tour database in Ukraine. And we will take care of your comfort and safety!

Main photo: Freepik