Articles:
The most popular tourist attractions in Ukraine
Travelers hitting the road all have a different idea on how they want to spend their vacation. Some want to enjoy time on the beach, while others prefer to roam the countryside. Fortunately, Ukraine has both to offer.
Much of the land is quite flat, with the exception of a region in the West. Only 5 % of the country is mountainous, offering tourist destinations, such as the Crimean Mountains located on the peninsula bearing the same name, and the Carpathians in the southwest. These destinations are preferred by those looking for great hiking and rafting adventures or cyclists who want to tour the abundance of paved or unpaved mountain roads. In the winter, avid skiers can find many trails to keep them fit and on the go.
On the crossroads between Central and Eastern Europe, Ukraine borders the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Several seaside resorts and harbor cities like Odessa, Sevastopol and Yalta offer a smorgasbord of cultural delicacies. Besides the gorgeous beaches, these municipalities have enough beautiful parks, interesting museums and art galleries, historical monuments and churches, to keep anyone in a traveler’s party happy and content.
Once the center of Kievan Rus’, a medieval East Slavic state, Kiev is still an impressive capital and indisputable the cultural hub of the country. This magnificent city has a number of historic landmarks, including St. Sophia Cathedral. Built in the 11th century, she is the oldest standing church in the city and is furnished with some of the country's most precious mosaics and frescoes.
Known as one of the oldest cities in the Ukraine, the fortress city Kamyanets-Podilsky is situated on a rock island. This amazingly beautiful nine-towered stone castle, sits atop a peninsula surrounded by the winding Smotrych River. Because of its perfect location the fortress was always easy to defend against invaders and withstood many brutal attacks. In spite of the many modifications to the castle’s complex, it is still recognized as an original landmark and a destination worthwhile visiting.
Traveling through Ukraine is easy and affordable. The Ukrainian rail will get you just about anywhere, from any major city, all the way to the mountains. Every location has attractive resorts and hotels to choose from and if you prefer to experience the country first hand, you can always find a hospitable family that will offer you a room and show you their beloved motherland.
Popular tourist attractions in Brisbane
Ukrainian fashion – yesterday and today!
Colorful, elegant and characterized by a tapestry of intricate embroidery, the Ukrainian national dress is, nowadays, only worn at folk festivals and special occasions. Both men and women have their unique styles, which is linked to the particular district the wearers are coming from.
When performing folk dances, women wear unique, traditional dresses distinctive to their region. They usually consist of a brightly colored skirt worn over a petticoat and an embroidered white blouse with a vest. Quite often an apron will also be part of the ensemble. On their heads, the dancers will wear a floral headdress with bright streamers flowing down their back.
Ukrainian Culture: Keeping Traditions Alive
Although diverse in nature, Ukrainian culture emphasizes the importance of tradition, freedom and independence in the lives of its people. Although the Ukrainian people have dealt with the turmoil of oppressive governments, these adverse conditions produced, in many, a strong sense of nationalism and pride, evident in the cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Ukrainian Traditional Folklore
Ukrainian folklore shares many beliefs and practices with the wider Slavic population in Eastern Europe. However, Ukraine has had unique historical experiences that have given it its own distinct traditions as well.
I Love Ukraine
The Ukrainian language has a long and fascinating history. In spite of attempts to stop or limit its use, as well as fierce competition from the Russian language, Ukranian still prospers in the Ukraine, particularly in the western regions. As its use is encouraged more and more under the present government, even more Ukrainian people speak the language as their native tongue of choice. The shift in language is especially notable in Kiev, where rural dwellers have moved into the city, bringing their language with them. Schools in the Ukraine have started to provide more education about the native Ukraine language.
''Ridne Slovo''
