The capital city of Kharkov oblast.
Kharkov (also spelled Kharkiv) is a city and administrative center of Kharkov oblast, northeastern Ukraine. Kharkov city lies at the confluence of Udy, Lopan and Kharkov rivers. Kharkov is the second largest city of Ukraine after Kiev.
Kharkov city population is about 1,446,000 (2010).
The phone code of Kharkov is +380 57; the postal codes are 61000-61204.
Kharkov was founded in 1656 as a military stronghold to protect Russia’s southern marchlands. The part of old kremlin wall survived. The center of a region of fertile soils and rapid colonization in the 18th century, Kharkov quickly developed important trade and handicraft manufactures and became a seat of provincial government in 1732.
Kharkov town nodal position was enhanced in the later 19th century by opening of the adjacent Donets Basin coalfield, first reached by rail from Kharkov in 1869. At that period Kharkov’s own industries, especially engineering, grew rapidly.
After the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the establishment of Ukrainian S.S.R., Kharkov city received the status of its first capital but lost this function to Kiev in 1934. During the World War II Kharkov city was bitterly contested and changed hands several times, with very heavy destruction.
Present day Kharkov retains its role as a communications center of Ukraine. Kharkov is the largest railway junction of Ukraine, with eight trunk lines converging on it and three main-line stations.
Kharkov city is also a node on the trunk highway system of Ukraine and Russia, with highways to Moscow, Kiev and western Ukraine, to Zaporozhye and Crimea, and to Rostov-on-Don and Caucasus.
Kharkov has a major airport. The city is the center of a metropolitan area comprising about 20 satellite towns.
The industrial structure of Kharkov city is headed by engineering. The wide range of products includes diesel locomotives, machine tools, mining machinery, tractors and other agricultural machinery, bicycles, generators, steam turbines, and many electrical items. There are also light industries producing foodstuffs and other consumer goods. Much of the power for industry and heating in Kharkov derives from natural gas.
The great destruction of World War II made it possible for contemporary Kharkov to be rebuilt as a city of broad streets, large apartment blocks, imposing, often ponderous administrative and office buildings, and large industrial plants.
Among survivals of the past of Kharkov are the 17th-century Pokrovsky Cathedral, the 19th-century Patriarchal Cathedral, and the bell tower commemorating the victory over Napoleon I in 1812.
Kharkov city is one of the most important cultural and educational centers of Ukraine. Kharkov university was founded in 1805. There are numerous other institutions of higher education, including polytechnic, medical, agricultural, and various engineering establishments.
In addition, Kharkov has a number of scientific-research institutions, a park of physical culture, and a botanical garden. Kharkov city has philharmonic hall, several theaters (the oldest of which dates from 1780), planetarium, and several museums. Kharkov city subway system was opened in 1975.
The museums of Kharkov:
Kharkov street
Kharkov city street
Kharkov street view
Kharkov is the largest city in the world on the 50th latitude: it is larger than Krakov, Prague, Meinz, Ust-Kamenogorsk. In October, 2010, the monument “50th latitude” was opened in Shevchenko park, the latitude itself is inlaid on the sidewalk in the shape of a line.
A district Saltovka located in Kharkov is the largest inhabited district in Ukraine with the population over 400,000.
Barabashov market is the largest market in Ukraine, it occupies the territory of over 75 hectares and is the largest in Eastern Europe and the 14th in the world.
Pokrovsky Monastery. The monastery is the oldest building in the city. In the 17th century it was the part of fortifications system of Kharkov fortress. The bell tower of the Intercession Cathedral (1689) has the form of defensive tower. On the territory there are Ozeryanskaya Church (1896), bishop’s house, deanery and the house with cells and refectory. Address: Kharkov, Universitetskaya (University) Str., 8.
Cathedral of the Assumption. This tall and slender church in the Ukrainian Baroque style was built in the center of the University hill on the site of the old cathedral of 1688. The bell tower with the clock built by architects E. Vasiliev and A. Tonne is the tallest building in the city (89 meters).
Due to the placement of the windows, the church is looking like the palace. In Soviet times the church was closed. In 1986, it was reopened as House of Organ and Chamber Music. Today the building is partially returned to the Orthodox Church. Address: Kharkov, Universitetskaya (University) Str., 11.
Three Saints (Golberg’s) Church. The church in honor of the Three Saints - Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and Ivan Chrysostom - was built in 1915 on the initiative of the chairman of the City merchant community, merchant of the first guild Gregory Golberg, who had brothers Basil and Ivan (the probable origin of the name of the church).
The church was founded in 1906 and the construction was lasting for 9 years. Beautiful interiors of the church are of particular art value. The original iconostasis was made in Italy. After 1917 the church was used as a warehouse, but in 1925 it was re-opened. Address: Kharkov, Pervaya Konnaya Armiya (Cavalry Army #1) Str., 101.
Annunciation Cathedral. Grandiose architectural ensemble built in the neo-Byzantine style with a 75-meter-high bell tower is overlooking the Lopan River. The cathedral was built in 1901 on the site of the old Annunciation Church, whose history began in 1655. Five-domed cathedral with a tall bell tower is known for its “striped” masonry and rich decor. The cathedral was closed by the Bolsheviks in 1930, but was re-opened during the Second World War. Address: Kharkov, Karl Marx Square, 1.
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This Catholic Church was built in 1887-1892. The building of basilica type has high Gothic bell tower with a spire and round window in the second tier. The organ, made in Bavaria, was installed in 1901. The church had hospice, asylum for orphaned children, parochial school, and cemetery chapel. In 1940 the church was closed by the decision of the municipal authorities. The first post-war mass was celebrated on the steps of the church only in 1991. The restoration and reconstruction of interiors was completed in 2000. Address: Kharkov, Gogol Str., 4.
Church of St. Panteleimon. The church in honor of the Holy Martyr and Healer Panteleimon was founded in 1882. The church was constructed in Russian-Byzantine style. In 1930 the church was closed; bell tower, cupola, and decorative turrets were dismantled. The restoration work was completed in 1999. Address: Kharkov, Klochkovskaya Str., 94-a.
St. Nicholas Church in Zhikhor. The first St. Nicholas Church in Zhikhor was built by means of Colonel A. Shcherbinin in 1747. It was made of wood, and soon burned down. The present stone church of St. Nicholas was founded by means of local parishioners in 1890. There was a parochial school. After the revolution the church was opened and closed several times. Today the church is restored. The walls inside have beautiful paintings. Address: Kharkov, Wanda Wasilewska Str., 11.
St. Nicholas Church in Grigorovka. The first wooden church of St. Nicholas in Grigorovka was built in 1765. In 1821 in place of the old one the new church was built by means of Colonel A. Norov. It was one-dome church built in the form of a cross with bell tower made of red brick. The church was closed from 1960 to 1989. Address: Kharkov, Tsementnaya (Cement) Str., 8.
Ozeryanskaya Church. The church was founded in 1892 on the former outskirts of the city. The majestic church was made of unplastered red brick in the eclectic forms of Byzantine-Russian style. The facades of the building have a lot of architectural details borrowed from ancient Russian religious architecture. The height of the four-tier bell tower is about 40 meters. In 1938 the church was closed. The divine services resumed in 1942. Address: Kharkov, Poltavsky Shlyakh Str., 124.
Church of Alexander Nevsky. The church was built in 1830. The church was small and could not accommodate all the parishioners. In 1904 the sum of 20 thousand rubles was allocated from the state treasury for the construction of a new church. In 1907, all the construction works and paintings were finished. The church was closed in 1920. It was re-opened in 1990. Today the church is completely restored. Address: Kharkov, Academician Pavlov Str., 46.
Peter and Paul Church. The church was founded in 1866 in a suburb of Kharkov - in Zhuravlevka (Shevchenko Street with surrounding neighborhoods today). The construction of the building began in 1871, and was finished in 1875. The church was built in Russian-Byzantine style. The church was renovated to its 130th anniversary. Address: Kharkov, Shevchenko Str., 121.
Three Saints (Golberg’s) Church
Pokrovsky monastery
St. Panteleimon church
Gosprom. The complex of buildings of the House of State Industry was constructed on the initiative of Felix Dzerzhinsky. Gosprom became the basis of the new administrative center of Kharkov (the capital of Ukraine at that time). It was the first high-rise concrete construction in the USSR (63 m) built in the style of constructivism. In 1955 one of the first Soviet television towers (45 m) was installed on the roof. Today the building houses regional government offices and offices of numerous firms. In the 5th entrance there is a museum of Gosprom. Address: Kharkov, Svobody (Liberty) Square, 5.
Mirror Stream. The rotunda of “Mirror Stream” fountain located in Pobedy (Victory) public garden opposite the Opera House is the hallmark of Kharkov. It was built in 1947 by architect V. Korzh in honor of the victory in the Second World War. Before 1930 this place was occupied by Mironositskaya Church (1701), later it was a waste-ground and trolley park.
According to legend, the decision to create a square with a fountain was made by the city authorities, after the visit of Soviet leader N. Khrushchev to the city. Khrushchev did not like the view from the window. Initially, the fountain-pavilion was called “Glass Stream”. In 2007 fountain was reconstructed. Address: Kharkov, Sumskaya Str., 40.
The old building of the university. Built in the 18th century as the house of the Governor-General it is the oldest classical style building in the city. From 1805 to 1958 the building housed Kharkov University. Later the university moved to new buildings located on Svobody (Liberty) Square. Today the building belongs to the Ukrainian Engineering-Pedagogical Academy. Address: Kharkov, Universitetskaya (University) Str., 16.
Liberty Square. It is the central square in Kharkov, one of the largest squares in the world. At the time of construction it was the largest square in Europe (12 hectares). The square was built in 1926-1928 as the new administrative center of Kharkov. Various festivals, concerts and fairs are being held on the square. Address: Kharkov, Liberty Square.
Children’s Railway. The railway opened in 1940 is located on the territories of Gorky and Forest parks. The length of the railway is 3.6 km. Originally there were two stations: “Park” and “Forest Park”. In 2000 the railway was reconstructed. It is open from May to late October (in May and September-October - only on weekends). Address: Kharkov, Sumskaya Str., 81. Opening hours: 10:00-17:00, days off - Monday, Tuesday.
The Cableway. Aerial cableway is running from the Botanical Garden (Otakar Yarosh Str.) to the Gorky Park (Sumskaya Str.). The overall length is 1387 m, height - up to 26 m. One way journey takes about 18 minutes. The cableway is open in the warm season of the year. Address: Kharkov, Sumskaya Str., 81.
Cascade Fountain. The fountain in the form of a cascade is going down the steep hill from Shevchenko Park to Klochkovskaya Street. The fountain was built on the site of the destroyed pre-war park stairs in 1954. It was opened to the 300th anniversary of the city. Address: Kharkov, Klochkovskaya Str., Shevchenko Park.
Shevchenko monument. Monument to Taras Shevchenko in Kharkov is considered the best of all existing monuments to the poet. The monument was designed by the sculptor M. Minzer. According to the author, multi-figure sculpture group represents the people’s struggle for freedom praised by Kobzar. The monument was unveiled March 24, 1935.
At that time it was the largest bronze composition in the USSR (total height - 16 m, the height of the figure of the poet - 5.5 m). Kharkov University students have several traditions related to the monument. Address: Kharkov, Sumskaya Str., Shevchenko Park.
Shevchenko Garden. The garden named after Taras Shevchenko is the oldest green area in the center of the city, one of the favorite places of residents and visitors of Kharkov. The garden was laid down by the founder of Kharkov University V. Karazin in 1804. On the north side of the park there is a monument to Karazin (1907).
The main entrance to Kharkov Zoo (1895) is located near the concert hall “Ukraine”. Astronomical Observatory (1808) can also be found in the garden. Other monuments: Monument to repressed kobzars, sculpture “Soccer ball”, moved from Kiev monument to Archangel Michael, sculpture “Aksakal”. Address: Kharkov, Sumskaya Str., 35.
Memorial of Glory. The largest in the city memorial complex was opened on the northern outskirts of the city in 1977 in honor of Kharkov residents died during the Second World War. Address: Kharkov, Belgorod highway.
Gorky Park. Central Park of Culture and Rest named after M. Gorky was built in 1893-1895. Originally it was known as Nicholas or Country Park. The total area of the park is about 130 hectares. Today it is one of the main centers of recreation and entertainment. Amusement park, movie theater “Park”, children’s railroad, cableway, tennis courts, etc. can be found there. The park was named after famous Soviet writer Maxim Gorky. Address: Kharkov, Sumskaya Str.
Water park “Jungle”. It is a large modern indoor water park. The interior is modeled on the jungles of South America. Total area of the park is 11 thousand square meters. The area of water attractions zone is 4 thousand square meters. There are 7 swimming pools (including sports, wave, circular, jacuzzi) with 11 water rides. The complex also includes hotel, restaurant, bars, sauna and massage, solarium, billiards. Address: Kharkov, Kyrgyzskaya Str., 19-B. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 14:00-23:00, Friday: 14:00-24:00, Saturday: 12:00-24:00, Sunday: 12:00-23:00.
Dolphinarium “Nemo”. Kharkov city dolphinarium was opened in Shevchenko garden in 2009. The show involves four dolphins, three seals and one sea lion. The visitors can also swim with the dolphins. The dolphinarium is open every day. Address: Kharkov, Sumskaya Str., 35, Shevchenko Garden. Opening hours: 12:00, 15:00, 18:00.
Kharkov scenery
Kharkov central marketplace
Kharkov city Lenin monument
Historical Museum. The museum was founded in 1920. It is housed in a building of former pawn shop, built in 1908. Four halls of the museum display archaeological excavations of Bronze Age settlements, a set of ancient things from Donets settlement of the 11th-12th centuries, numismatic collections, ethnographic collection, collection of arms, flags, etc. Tanks Mark V (English tank of the First World War) and T-34 (Soviet tank of the Second World War), and three guns can be found on open area of the museum. Address: Kharkov, Universitetskaya (University) Str., 5. Opening hours: 10:00-17:00, day off - Monday.
Monument to the characters of “12 chairs”. The monument to iconic characters of “12 chairs” novel written by I. Ilf and E. Petrov was opened in Kharkov in 2005. Address: Kharkov, Petrovsky Str., 21.
Monument to Cossack Kharko. Cossack Kharko (Khariton) is mythical founder of the city of Kharkov. The monument was opened at the beginning of Lenin Avenue in 2004. This is the first equestrian sculpture in the history of the city. The height of the sculpture is 6 m., the pedestal - 7 m. Address: Kharkov, Lenin Ave.
Planetarium. Kharkov planetarium named after Yuri Gagarin was opened in 1957. The planetarium has Space Museum and Museum about Unknown Flying Objects (UFO). Four-meter figures of aliens, flying saucers models, photos of UFOs are presented. Address: Kharkov, Kravtsov Str., 15.
Square of the Architects. This square located in the center of Kharkov at the intersection of Pushkin, Sovnarkomovskaya and Darwin streets, near the Architect Beketov metro station was completely renovated in 2009 and converted into unique sculptures park. The place is known for the sculptures of “Seven Wonders of Kharkov” made of white marble. Address: Kharkov, Pushkin Str., 39.
Constitution Square. The square appeared simultaneously with Kharkov fortress. Before the 19th century it was called the Fair Square (from 1659 it was the place of Uspenskaya annual fair, which became one of the largest in the country in the middle of the 19th century). In winter, the area was a favorite place for sledding. In the 19th century first stone buildings were built on the square. During the Second World War a lot of the buildings were destroyed. The square was restored after the liberation of Kharkov. Address: Kharkov, Constitution Square.
Square of Rosa Luxemburg. The square appeared in 1660-1662 with the construction of the fortification - part of Kharkov city defense system. After a while the central part of the fortification became a large trade area called Narodnaya (People’s) Square. In the middle of the 19th century the place became known as Pavlov’s Square in honor of the merchant Pavlov who opened the first store with fixed prices for goods. Later large building of the insurance company “Russia” (1910-1915) and the City merchant bank (1913) were constructed. During the Second World War the buildings were destroyed, but later restored to their original form. Address: Kharkov, Rosa Luxemburg Square.
Pokrovsky public garden. This terraced garden is located close to Universitetskaya Street. On the upper terrace you can admire the beautiful panorama of Zalopanskaya part of the city, Proletarian Square and Annunciation Cathedral. The monument to G. Skovoroda can be found there. The territory of the former Kharkov fortress is located close to the monument. The garden was reconstructed in 2009. Orthodox cross is installed at the top of the fountain; the water in the fountain is consecrated. Address: Kharkov, Soborny Spusk (Cathedral Descent) Str.
Garden of Sculptures. Sculptural compositions “Orchestra” and “Family in business” were placed in the courtyard of the shopping center “Platinum Plaza” by one of the authors of the sculptures - famous Israeli sculptor F. Meisler. His sculptures are well known all over the world. Also a Globe of Kharkov is standing at the entrance. Address: Kharkov, Sumskaya Str., 72. Opening hours: 8:00-23:00.
Fiddler on the Roof. The sculpture “Fiddler on the Roof” is installed on the building of the conservatory - a monument of architecture of the 19th century. The monument is dedicated to all artists, actors and musicians living in Kharkov. Address: Kharkov, Constitution Square, 18.
Kharkov Zoo. The date of foundation is considered to be 1896, when an exhibition of domestic animals and birds was opened on the territory of University garden. In 1906, the construction of the aquarium was completed. In 1911, the South-Russian Society of acclimatization decided to open a zoo in Kharkov, which was the third in the Russian Empire. During the Civil War, the zoo was ruined.
In 1922, Kharkov zoo was reopened to visitors. In 1928, special train with animals (lion, leopard, llama, kangaroo, mongoose, monkeys, parrots, and others) arrived to Kharkov from Germany. Swans, pelicans, and about a hundred species of waterfowl were taken from the Caucasus. In 1930s, an area with artificial hills for tours, gazelles, and moufflons was constructed.
Unfortunately during the Second World War most animals died. After the war new aquarium, winter facilities for large animals, ponds for fish and waterfowl were built, thousands of trees and shrubs were planted. Today it is one of the most popular places of leisure in Kharkov. Address: Kharkov, Sumskaya Str., 35. Opening hours: 8:00 - the end of daylight.
Kharkov University. Kharkov National University named after V. Karazin was founded in 1805. It is one of the oldest and largest universities in Eastern Europe. The initiator of the university was an outstanding scientist and educator V. Karazin. Originally it was housed in the Governor General’s house, and later was moved to new buildings on Liberty Square.
The university has become the center of Ukrainian national cultural renaissance. It is playing an important role in the development of present Ukrainian science and culture. Today about 15 thousand students are studying in the university. The university has Botanical Garden, Natural History Museum, Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, Museum of the University. Address: Kharkov, Liberty Square, 4.
Central Synagogue. The synagogue built in neo-gothic style with elements of Moorish style was opened in 1913. The height of the dome is 42 meters; the area is more than 2 thousand square meters; the capacity is up to a thousand people. This is the largest synagogue in Ukraine. From 1923 to 1990, the synagogue was closed. Today it belongs to Hasidim. Address: Kharkov, Pushkin Str., 12.
Museum of Art. Kharkov Art Museum is one of the oldest museum institutions in Ukraine. The museum is rich in unique works of art. The history of the museum originates to 1805, when the founder of Kharkov University V. Karazin purchased 2477 graphic works of A. Durer and F. Boucher for university collection.
In 1886, the first in Ukraine art-industrial museum was opened in Kharkov. Today the collection of the museum has about 20 thousand exhibits. In the department of Ukrainian and Russian art of the 16th-20th centuries the works of Aivazovsky, Shishkin, Vasnetsov, Pimonenko, Surikov, Murashko, Repin and others are presented. Address: Kharkov, Sovnarkomovskaya Str., 9, 11. Opening hours: 10:00-17:00, day off - Tuesday.
South Railway Station. It is the main passenger station of the Southern Railway in Kharkov. The first train arrived in Kharkov May 22, 1869. By the end of the 19th century the intensity of passenger and cargo flow greatly increased. Kharkov railway station became one of the largest in the Russian Empire. The station was destroyed during the Second World War.
In 1952, the new building of the railway station was constructed. It was built in “Stalin’s empire” style. In 2003, the last reconstruction was completed. On the platform #1 the monument to Father Fyodor from “12 chairs” novel can be found. Address: Kharkov, Privokzalnaya Str., 1.
A small one-storey detached house of the city mayor’s Ye.Ye.Uryupin is the oldest residence house, built at the end of 18th century. It is located on Rymarskaya street, 4.
Peter and Paul church
Cathedral of the Assumption
Annunciation Cathedral
Part of the monument to T. Shevchenko
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