The following watercolors were included in the fourth album of the artist Zbigniew Szczepanek “Zamki na Kresach”. It shows the 59 most famous fortresses in Kresach (the Polish name of the territory of today’s Western Ukraine).

About 40% of the castles show the author’s reconstruction, the remaining 60% – their current state. The images of some fortifications have been reconstructed for the first time and can therefore be considered unique in a way.

Berezhany Castle in Berezhany, Ternopil Oblast.

picturesque Ukrainian castles

Tags: fortress · Ivano-Frankivsk oblast · Khmelnitsky oblast · Rivne oblast · Ternopil oblast

This architectural monument is unique for Ukraine. The Holy Protection Fortress Church is located in the village of Sutkivtsi in Khmelnytskyi Oblast, about 47 km south of Khmelnytskyi.

It was built as a defensive church at the expense of the nobleman and owner of these lands, Fyodor Sutkovetsky, in 1476. It combines features of the Gothic and Baroque styles. The thickness of its walls is about 1.5 meters.

amazing fortified church

Tags: church · Khmelnitsky oblast

Pushcha-Vodytsya is a historical place and a climatic resort located mainly in pine forests in the north-western part of Kyiv. This locality got its name from the word “pushcha” (a dense, impenetrable forest) and the Vodytsya River, which no longer exists.

Today, it is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the capital of Ukraine. You can find a cascade of lakes with sandy beaches, boat and catamaran rental stations, as well as shops and ATMs here. Pushcha-Vodytsya is connected to Kyiv by a unique historical tram line running through the forest, which makes it probably the most scenic tram line in Ukraine. Pushcha-Vodytsya on Google Maps. Photos by: Igor Golovach.

unique forest tram

Tags: Kiev city

Unlike Caribbean beaches, Swiss Alps, and Michigan casinos, Ukraine isn’t usually a bucket list destination for everyday travelers. Despite the country being plagued with stereotypes of Cold War-era notions, harsh and freezing winters, and an overall gray landscape, these ideas couldn’t be further from the truth in most cases. In reality, Ukraine is packed with cultural heritage, historical meaning, and magnificent natural beauty that warrants a visit – once the unfortunate military invasion eases up.

Amid all the tragedy and catastrophe affecting the country, let’s take a moment to appreciate the most beautiful parts of natural Ukraine. These picturesque sights are fully accessible to tourists, offering call reception and browsing opportunities for all, while appearing as if they’re untouched.

amazing nature of Ukraine

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The State Historical and Architectural Reserve “Khotyn Fortress” is a fortress of the 13th-18th centuries located in the town of Khotyn on the bank of the Dniester River in Chernivtsi Oblast, about 60 km northeast of Chernivtsi.

Of the entire fortress, the Khotyn Castle is best preserved, although from a height you can see the remains of other fortifications. The Khotyn Fortress on Google Maps. Photos by: Maxim Ritus.

fly over the Khotyn Fortress

Tags: Chernivtsi city · Chernovtsy oblast · fortress

Kozelets is a village with a population of about 7.5 thousand people, located in the southwest of Chernihiv Oblast of Ukraine. It is known since the beginning of the 17th century as a fortified town, which was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth under the name Kozelec.

Here you can see several interesting architectural monuments, but the most interesting and picturesque one is the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1752-1763), an architectural monument of national significance, which combines features of Ukrainian and Elizabethan Baroque. Next to the church, there is a magnificent four-tiered bell tower, built in 1766-1770. Kozelets on Google Maps. Photos by: Maxim Ritus.

magnificent cathedral

Tags: Chernigov oblast · Chernihiv city · church

Zhytni Hory is a village with a population of about 2,300 people located in Kyiv Oblast of Ukraine, about 105 km south of Kyiv.

The main architectural attraction of the village is the Church of the Righteous Joseph the Betrothed (1766) – a monument of architecture of national importance. Zhytni Hory on Google Maps. Photos by: Maxim Ritus.

very elegant church

Tags: church · Kiev oblast

Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi (until 1918 – Akkerman) is a town with a population of about 47 thousand people located on the north-west coast of the Black Sea in Odesa Oblast, about 85 km south of Odesa. It is one of the oldest towns in today’s Ukraine.

The main attraction of this town is its old fortress – the largest fortress in the territory of Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Fortress on Google Maps. Photos by: Maxim Ritus.

magnificent fortress

Tags: Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi city · fortress · Odessa oblast

Discovering the Richness of Ukraine

Ukraine, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes, offers a plethora of opportunities for exploration and learning. Whether you’re a student looking to study abroad, a history buff keen to delve into Eastern European history, or a traveler searching for your next adventure, Ukraine presents a unique and enriching experience. From the bustling streets of Kyiv to the serene Carpathian Mountains, every corner of this nation has something special to offer.

Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash

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In Sutkivtsi, a small village with a population of about 1,200 people located in Yarmolinetsky district of Khmelnytskyi Oblast, there is an amazing Orthodox church dating back to the 15th century. The thickness of its walls is about 1.5-1.8 meters.

The Church of the Holy Intercession, built of gray stone with pointed, cone-shaped towers and loopholes, is a unique monument of defense construction in Podolia. It is one of the oldest defense churches in Ukraine and has no analogues in its architectural and planning solutions in the country.

unique fortified church

Tags: church · Khmelnitsky oblast