What Chernivtsi will surprise? Must Do List

Tourists that come to Western Ukraine often only visit Lviv. However, the West of the country is home for a true gem of Bukovina historical – Chernivtsi.

The small city has strong Austrian, German, Jewish and Romanian influence and hosts one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the best things to do in Chernivtsi is exploring the region’s unique cuisine. The culinary map of Chernivtsi embraces Ukrainian, Jewish, Romanian and Bukovina cuisines.

• Church of the Assumption Heart of Jesus

The city’s most famous Gothic church is Church of the Assumption Heart of Jesus. Its history dates back to the late 19th century when the first Jesuit missionaries arrived in Chernivtsi. In the post-WWII era, the church was used as a regional archive and a part of the architectural beauty was lost. However, the Church still functions nowadays and holds a regular service.

• Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans

One of the best-known attractions in Chernivtsi. Nowadays the luxurious building belongs to Chernivtsi National University. In 2011, UNESCO included the main building Chernivtsi National University in the list of World Cultural Heritage for ‘exhibiting an important interchange of human values’.

• Jewish Cemetery

One of the three in Ukraine that hold a status of the open-air museum. Sadly, the cemetery’s condition leaves much to be desired. Among the particular interests of tourists and researchers are the Bukovina metropolitan chapel and the ruins of the old synagogue. The familly crypt, tombs and tombstones scattered in the cemetery are prime examples of monumental art.

 

• Central Square

The central square of the city appeared on the map in 1825 and became the bustling center of the city life. The square’s main feature is a Town Hall, built in 1843-47 in the Late Classicism style. Every day at noon, tourists have a chance to spot a trumpeter that appears on the Town Hall’s tower and performs a traditional Ukrainian folk song Marichka.

• Olha Kobylianska Street

The heart of the Old Town is located at Kobylanska Street, formerly called Herrengasse. In the past, this pedestrian street used to be Soho of Chernivtsi, hosting the city’s most fashionable salons, restaurants, and cafes. You may also stroll down to Armianska street and take a walk in the historical Armenian district with its gem, Saints Peter and Paul Church, which nowadays functions as an organ hall.