In the north-east of Ukraine, at the intersection of forest-steppe and mixed forests, is located Chernigivska Oblast. Predominantly the entire territory of the region lies on the Pridneprovskaya lowland and only a small southeastern part — on the Poltava plain. In the depths of the region contains therapeutic mineral waters and the only deposit of bischofite in Ukraine, unique in its therapeutic properties and reserves. The region has been famous for its mighty forests and flood meadows for centuries. Chernigov region is also known for its rich water resources, consisting of more than 200 rivers and about 1800 lakes, ponds and reservoirs. The western part of the region is fed by the Dnieper, but the main waterway is considered to be its tributary — the Desna. The main trade route from Kiev to Eastern Russia passed through it in the times of Ancient Rus.
The territory of modern Chernigov region was inhabited in the Paleolithic era, 100 thousand years BC. Early Slavic tribes were formed here at the beginning of our era, and in the second half of the first millennium AD. — tribal union of the Northmen. The land of Chernigov region belongs to the historical region of the Northern Left Bank, which is called Severskaya land or Severshchina. After the formation of Kievan Rus, in the early X century Severshchina became part of it. It is generally believed that the Kiev and Chernigov lands were the basis of Kievan Rus, and Kiev and Chernigov were its most important cities. In the XI century the Chernigov Principality was formed — one of the richest and politically important lands of Russia, which united the East Slavic tribes: the Northmen, Vyatichi, Polans and Radimichi. The name of the Principality was derived either from the name of Prince Chernigov or from Cherniy gai (forest).
Due to the presence of fertile land, mild climate and rich flora and fauna Chernigovschina was rightly considered a favorable land for settlement, which entailed continuous wars for domination over this tidbit of territory. The most famous monument of Old Russian literature «The Word about Igor’s Regiment» tells about one of the numerous campaigns of Russian princes against the Polovtsians, which started from Novgorod-Seversky in 1185, and in Lyubech a unifying council of Russian princes took place. In the first half of the XII century internecine wars between princes led to the division of the Chernigov Principality, and in the beginning of the XIII century to the final decline, which was successfully used by the Tatar-Mongolian army, which completely devastated it. From the XIV century until the first half of the XVII century Chernigov Principality was a part of Lithuania, the Russian state (Moscow Russia) and Poland.
In 1648-54 the population of Chernigov region took an active part in the War of Liberation led by Bogdan Khmelnitsky. In 1654, the Pereyaslav Rada was held, where it was decided to reunite Ukraine and Russia, but because of the Polish-Russian war, it was possible to realize the plan only in 1667 according to the Truce of Andrusov, according to the results of which the left-bank Ukraine became part of the Russian Empire. And two years later in 1669. Baturin became the Hetman’s residence and, as history has shown, their last capital. In 1709, after the Russian-Swedish war, in which Hetman Ivan Mazepa, who fought on the side of Swedish King Charles XII, took part, Baturin was completely destroyed.
One of the most tragic events of the Civil War of 1917-1919 was the battle near Kruty, which took place on January 29, 1918 and claimed several dozen lives of students. During World War II, Chernigov region was assigned one of the key roles in preventing the German troops from advancing on Moscow, with the ensuing consequences.
Despite all the historical upheavals today Chernigov region has a huge tourist and recreational potential. On the territory of the region there are 610 natural protected objects, including 2 national natural parks — Ichnyansky and Mezinsky, 4 wildlife preserves, 3 natural monuments of national importance, monuments of garden and park art — Kachanovsky and Sokirninsky, Trostyanetsky dendropark.
The ancient Chernigov region can boast of unique monuments of history and architecture, belonging to both the princely period and the Cossack period. There are more than 200 such monuments and all of them symbolize the formation of Kievan Rus, and then Ukraine as an independent state. The main attractions of Chernigov region, which are worth visiting, are considered to be: Anthony’s Caves XI-XVIII cc. (the founder of the Kievo-Pechersk Lavra), Boris and Gleb Cathedral XII c., Holy Trinity Monastery 1600, Cave Church of St. Theodosius of Totem, Cathedral of Nativity 1800, St. George’s Church XIX c. and of course the mound «Black Grave» X c., in which the founder of Chernigov — Prince Black is buried.
The golden fund of old Ukrainian architecture includes Orthodox religious buildings of the XVII century, made in the style of «Ukrainian Baroque», which are rarely found in Ukraine. And the «List of Historical Cities and Towns of Ukraine» includes 15 cities and towns of Chernihiv region, the most famous and significant of which are Baturin, Novhorod-Seversky, Oster, Lyubech, Nizhyn, Priluki, Trostyanets and Chernihiv. Be sure to visit these beautiful places and you will definitely feel the all-consuming spirit of Rus.
Chernigov region attracts not only with its architectural and historical heritage, but also beautiful virgin landscapes, still untouched by the era of progress. Visiting this region you will surely admire what you see and catch yourself thinking that time has no meaning here.