Chernivtsi. The third «station»

Another – Teatralna Square – is located on the spot occupied by the urban neighborhoods till the late eighteenth century with dense forest behind. In the early XX century, an active construction of the site began. The square was a trading center. Originally, grain was sold here, and later it became the place where everyone could buy some fish. The square was called Fish Sq., Fishpliats in German. Soon, the area was named Ielyzavetpliats, but it still remained a shopping square. Changes have taken place in 1905. The theatre was built there, and small-town marketplace began to take the decent look. Today, you can see Chernivtsi Music and Drama Theatre named by Olga Kobylianska located here, Medical University, and Officers Culture Palace. There are shops, restaurants, fast foods, and a pastry nearby. Chernivtsi theatre was built by Czech architects in just 14 months. There is The Walk Of Fame in front of it – such as in the Hollywood, only celebrities are more familiar, all from Bukovyna. This Square is a place of youth meetings. Here you can see rebels, nonconformists, musicians, and ordinary guys hanging out at one place.

If you pass the theatre on the right and go down the street to the crossing of Goethe St. and Universytetska St. and then turn left, you will find yourself in the most impressive place in Chernivtsi. This is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places that can be found all over Ukraine. The building is on the list of the Seven Wonders of the country. When we were going to visit Chernivtsi for the first time, we couldn’t believe that such building and actually exists, and, moreover, it is in Ukraine. We started to call it Hogwarts. Maybe, some of you have already guessed what I’m talking about. You are in front of Chernivtsi National University, formerly the Residence of the Orthodox Metropolitans of Bukovyna and Dalmatia.

Tourists can easily get on the territory. The building is truly impressive, and there is nothing similar in Ukraine and even in the entire world. The building was set on the site of the old bishop’s house in 1864-1882 and is based on the design of the Czech architect Josef Glavka due to the efforts of Bishop Ievgen Gakman and supported by the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef. The building is part of the CNU UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you go from Central Square to Ruska St., you will see the Assumption Greek Catholic Church. A little further on, Michael’s Cathedral is situated. Its twisted domes indicate that it is the monument of Romanian architecture. Among the people, it is referred to as the drunken church. Another iconic landmark of the city is placed nearby. It is the wooden St. Nicholas Church – the oldest church in the city.

On the outskirts of Chernivtsi, there is an open air museum. It is not hard to guess that this is the Museum of Folk Architecture and Household. A slope of a gill hosts houses, garden beds, barns, smithy, windmills, and even the church with a bell tower. Among the exhibits, there are samples of folk clothes and ceramics. Also, there are collections of musical instruments, books, and icons represented. In the museum, you can walk and look around all alone. You can book a tour – an ordinary, theatrical or thematic one. Workshops, fairs, and celebrations often take place there, as well as traditional celebrations with proper folk customs dedicated to big holidays.

Chernivtsi is a comfortable and interesting city with an unusual atmosphere. For a long time, it was under Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it is very noticeable today. Come here for a few days. Finding some place to stay for a weekend is really easy.