Zaporozhye (Ukraine) is a city of regional significance, a large cultural and tourist center. The sights of Zaporozhye have been attracting travelers here for many years. And this is not surprising, because the city is considered the cradle of the Ukrainian Cossacks. Today we will talk about the most interesting and outstanding places in the city.
Cossack sights of Zaporozhye
In the XV century. Cossacks appeared in the lower reaches of the Dnieper River. At the same time, the first fortified settlements appeared here, which later became known as the Sich. They were walled Cossack camps. Churches, utility rooms and kurens (residential buildings) were located here. In the entire history of the existence of the Ukrainian Cossacks, 10 sichs are known, the period of existence of which covers almost 200 years.
In 2004, a large historical and architectural complex was founded on the island of Khortytsya (Zaporozhye). It is a collective image of all the Dnieper Sichs that have ever existed.
A lot is connected with the history of the Ukrainian Cossacks in the city. Ancient oak - a monument inZaporozhye, which will remind everyone of the glorious old times. According to legend, it was under this oak that the Cossacks wrote their famous letter to the Turkish Sultan.
Besides, in Zaporozhye, every tourist will be able to learn a lot of interesting things about the history of this region thanks to the famous Museum of the History of the Zaporozhye Cossacks.
Khortitsa Island
The most interesting elements of the culture, history and everyday life of the Cossacks were embodied in the historical and architectural complex "Zaporizhzhya Sich". The territory of the reserve is arranged taking into account all the features of the development of the previously existing Sich. The complex is surrounded by defensive walls and other fortifications (deep moat, entrance tower, bell tower). The territory of the Sich is divided into two kosh: the inner kosh and the suburbs.
In the first part of the complex there are the main buildings: two kurens, a powder magazine, a school. In the center of the inner kosh (on the main square) rises the Sich Church of the Intercession of the Virgin - the largest building on the territory of the complex. No less interesting objects are located not far from the church: a kuren, a koshevoy’s house, a pushkarny, an office and a treasury.
By visiting the territory of the Sich suburb, tourists have a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the Cossack forge, pottery, tavern and hut.
Museums of the city
Local museums - this is what the city of Zaporozhye can surprise every tourist with. Here you will be told not only about the heroic past of the region, but also demonstrated unique samples of weapons and items of Cossack life, rareretro cars, the remains of the fleet of the XV-XVIII centuries, raised from the bottom of the Dnieper.
So, which museums are worth visiting in Zaporozhye?
- The Museum of the History of the Zaporozhian Cossacks is located on the island of Khortytsya. Expositions dedicated to the ancient, medieval, modern and recent history of the Zaporozhye region are opened here.
- The Museum of the History of Weapons is located in the very heart of the city on Lenin Avenue. The exposition is based on the private collection of V. Schlaifer. Here are collected unique and rare samples of weapons from different times and peoples.
- Museum of vintage cars - a visit to this place will appeal not only to adults, but also to small tourists. The exposition presents restored images of cars from the beginning to the middle of the 20th century.
- The Museum of Shipping is a place worth visiting while sightseeing in Zaporozhye. Samples of the Cossack fleet found at the bottom of the Dnieper are exhibited here.
Cult objects
- Pagan sanctuaries on Khortitsa - monuments of the early Bronze Age. The main object of this complex, located on Mount Bragarnya, in its appearance resembles the famous Stonehenge. Another sanctuary, which is located on one of the slopes of the beam near the Museum of the History of the Cossacks, consists of interesting egg-shaped stone structures. Also, restored idols of ancient pagan gods are installed on Khortitsa.
- Mennonite cemetery is a monument in Zaporozhye, which is worthy of the attention of tourists. Here you can see the ancient graves of Germanic-speaking settlers onisland of Khortytsya XVIII-XX centuries.
- Stone grave in the village. Patience is an interesting object, which is a separate sandstone massif. An ancient sanctuary was placed here.
Temples and cathedrals
- The Holy Intercession Cathedral is a real pearl of Zaporozhye, the main Orthodox shrine of the city. The modern temple, erected in 1886, is a 36-meter five-tower building. The reconstruction of the cathedral was carried out from 1993 to 2001.
- St. Andrew's Cathedral is a fine example of modern architecture. The building was erected in 2001 with the money of local patrons. The temple is made in the Baroque style in the form of a large cross. The building is crowned with one large central and two small domes. The cathedral is functioning, today divine services are regularly held in its building.
- The Cathedral of God the Merciful Father is the only Catholic church in the city. The building is a rectangular building, divided inside by a number of beautiful columns. The solemn consecration of the temple took place in 2004.
Sights of Zaporozhye worth seeing
There are many popular tourist sites in the city. These are not only monuments of the past, but also bridges, parks and gardens of Zaporozhye, unusual streets. Let's talk about places that deserve the attention of every tourist.
- DneproGES is the oldest hydroelectric power station on the main river of Ukraine. Its construction began in 1927. The Dnieper hydroelectric power station consists of rowing and two engine rooms. This is a unique building that will impress everyone.
- The Aswan Dam is a very interesting structure. This is the prototype of the largest Egyptian hydroelectric complex.
- Children's Railway is a great place for family holidays.
- The city of Zaporozhye is famous for its bridges. The most famous of them is the Arch Bridge. It not only serves as a place for the passage of railway transport, but is also a favorite vacation spot for local thrill-seekers.
- The musical fountain on the Festival Square of Zaporozhye is the cultural center of the city.
