Chernivtsi. The first «station»

The city on the banks of the Prut River. 40 kilometers from Romania. The city, surrounded by the walls of black wood. The city, which was called Black during the reign of Iaroslav the Wise. Built according to the projects of the best European architects. With architectural ensembles reminding of Vienna and Paris. Where Olga Kobylianska, Volodymyr Ivasiuk, Ivan Mykolaichuk, Arsenii Iatseniuk, and Mila Kunis were born. Aren’t you still intrigued? This is all about Chernivtsi in western Ukraine!

In ancient times, the settlement resembled a large village. It was hard to talk about some harmony or architectural composition. The settlement covered a large area, but buildings were located mostly chaotic. There were three squares, one of which, Turkish Square, remained to present days. Till the XVIII century, Turkish garrison which was later disbanded stayed there, but the name remained. Turkish well, according to the legend, was built by the Turks. Turkish baths, spectacular water tank.

Stone Turkish Bridge over the street. Not so long ago, a huge bike and unusual clock appeared here, which also attract tourists’ attention.

Sviatogo Khresta (Holy Cross) Square borrowed its name from the school, which was built here at the beginning of Austrian rule, namely in 1784. Unfortunately, this building hasn’t remained till present days. However, until today, there is a school on the square, where the outstanding Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu studied.

There is a memorial plate on the building, so you won’t miss it. There is one more famous building in the area – the House-Ship. It seems to be built by a rich merchant for his brother seaman, who stayed in Chernivtsi when he was old. The house was shaped like a ship, so the old man wouldn’t grieve over the sea. And there was set a fountain with a lion on the nose. There is one more interesting monument on the square, devoted to the 600-year anniversary of Chernivtsi with words To My Hometown on it. An inscription was written in the languages ​​of all residents inhabiting Chernivtsi during the history of their existence.

It was the Holy Cross Square from where the building of the city started. It was perhaps the first true architectural ensemble of the city, which included administrative and church buildings and the Church of the Holy Cross. There is a sundial on a wall of the temple. Beethoven St., which leads to another square – Philharmonic Square – stretches along this wall. Its history dates back to the ancient times – the XVIII century.

There was a market here back then. Its ancient name may seem a bit ridiculous – Melpliats. However, it is a German word meaning flour: mainly flour was sold in the market. In 1880, ​​the building where Music Society settled was built on the Square, and its name changed to Rudolfspliats, honoring the Crown Prince Rudolf.

You get to the Philharmonic Sq. after passing the Cathedral of St. Paraskeva – the first Orthodox Church in Chernivtsi. Here is one of the most interesting buildings in the city – Hotel Bristol. It still serves a place for welcoming the inhabitants – students. When going on, be sure to read what is written on the plates on the Philharmonic building!

Let’s move on!