The natural and architecturally rich Poltava region is one of the most famous in Ukraine. There is hardly a person who has never heard of it. Here there were events that influenced the history of the whole country and not only. Today Poltava region is famous for its numerous sights of Ukraine, as well as medical resorts and mineral waters.
Fertile lands and favorable climate of Poltava region attracted the first settlers more than 20 thousand years ago: they hunted, made stone tools, and later began to engage in cattle breeding and farming. The ancient development of these territories left a trace in the form of many ancient Scythian burial mounds and settlements of East Slavic tribes, the largest of which — Sliporid, is located in Lubensky district. And the village of Pereschepino is famous for the fact that one of the largest treasures in Europe was found here: 50 kg of silver and 25 kg of gold in the form of precious Byzantine and Persian coins and jewelry was preserved from the VII century! However, the locals believe that not all the treasures of Poltava region have been discovered yet: in the ancient Parasotsky forest near the village of Mikhailovka, where 300-year-old giant oaks stand, you can meet half-moon gronyanka — the rarest fern, according to legends growing only in those places where treasures and treasures are hidden.
The history of the region is familiar to many — in 1709 near the city of Poltava took place the famous Battle of Poltava between the troops of Peter the Great and Swedish King Charles XII. The outcome of this battle, in which together with the Russian emperor the inhabitants of the city and Cossack regiments fought for freedom, significantly influenced the history of Ukraine, Russia and even Europe. The place where the historical event took place is considered one of the main attractions of the country. Today it is a part of the state reserve «Poltava Battlefield» founded in 1909 — one of the natural wonders of the region, where a museum has been established with more than 8 thousand exhibits, including weapons, personal belongings of Peter the Great and Russian nobles.
But not only the Battle of Poltava glorified this region — the ancient towns of Poltava region, founded long before this event, have preserved a lot of architectural attractions, and its nature surprises with rare wonders and beauties.
It is known how rich in magnificent architecture Ukraine is — Poltava region is one of those that have preserved buildings built in the late XVII — early XIII centuries. The oldest building in the region is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Poltava in the Ukrainian Baroque style, built in 1699-1709 — it is the only religious building in the country with seven domes.
Such villages and towns of Poltava region as Veprik will surprise you with old buildings: St. Nicholas and Assumption churches built in 1823 and 1821 in the styles of Russian classicism and Empire respectively, Gadyach — Vsekhsvyatskaya church of 1836 in the style of classicism, Piryatin — Nativity Cathedral of 1781 in the style of Ukrainian baroque and many others.
Cult, administrative and residential buildings built in the early 18th century can be seen not only in Poltava, but also in Gadyach, Karlovsky, Kotelevsky, Kremenchug, Lubensky, Novosanzharsky, Harolsky districts, and, of course, in the legendary Dikanka and the famous Mirgorod.
Mirgorod is the pearl of Poltava region, an ancient town known far beyond the country’s borders, where miraculous healing waters and muds relieve from ailments, and a visit to the Museum of Ceramics gives a good mood. Dikanka, sung by N.V. Gogol, takes you to a wonderful world, where the setting of the famous book is recreated, introduces you to his work and life, and you can learn even better about them in the museum-reserve of the village of Gogolevo, where this great man began and ended his life.
If you are thinking whether Ukraine can surprise you with something pleasant, Poltava region is one of the first places where you should go. Unforgettable impressions will be given by walks through amazing forests with centuries-old trees and rare plants, where many famous writers have given meditations, in many parks and reserves there are old manor houses. Berezovorudsky Park and Zakrevskiy estate, Pivikha Mountain and XVI century monastery, Dikansky National Nature Park and Kochubey estate, Lilac Hay — this is not the whole list of the most interesting natural and historical places of Poltava region.