Seven Wonders of Ukraine

by Walter Kish

Earlier this summer, there was a well publicized international promotion asking Internet users to name a new set of seven “Wonders” of the World.  At the same time, the CBC ran a competition in this country to name the seven greatest “Wonders” of Canada.  It was therefore no surprise for me to learn that there was a comparable effort recently in Ukraine asking the online community there what they thought were the seven most notable “Wonders” of Ukraine. 

The original idea was proposed by former Deputy Prime Minister Mykola Tomenko who asked Ukrainians to submit their suggestions, which were then screened by a panel of experts.  They winnowed the proposals down to twenty-one finalists which were then voted on by online ballot.  I am pleased to present you with the results, some of which may surprise a few people.

Top spot went to the old fortress town of Kamianets-Podilskiy, whose legendary castle has become a popular tourist attraction.  The town boasts a thousand year old history and was a key strategic defensive bulwark against countless Mongol, Tatar and Turkish invasions.  The picturesque old castle, surrounded by the steep-sided canyons eroded by the Smotrich river, has been marvelously restored, and is as interesting a historical site as you’ll find anywhere in Ukraine.

Second spot went to Kyiv’s Pecherska Lavra, the famed monastery of the caves complex that I personally thought would have taken top spot.  Undoubtedly, the younger generation that predominates on the Internet is not quite as impressed with religious history as the general population.  Nonetheless, the Lavra is probably the most visited site in Ukraine and is one of only four named UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine.

The third choice was Sofiyivka Park in Uman.  Though not well known outside of Ukraine, this incredible 154 hectare park is a horticultural and landscaper’s delight, containing a remarkable variety of gardens, paths, ponds, fountains, sculpture, grottos and other man-made, though remarkably natural looking creations.  It was original built by the rich Polish noble Count Potocki for his beloved wife Sofia, starting in 1796.  In 2004, by Presidential Decree, it received the status of a National Park.

Fourth on the list of “Wonders” is St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv.  Its foundations were laid by Yaroslav the Wise in 1037 AD and it took over two decades to complete.  Its thirteen golden domed cupolas are undoubtedly Kyiv’s best known landmark, and for most of its history it was known as the centre of Ukrainian and Russian Greek Orthodoxy.  Currently, its status is uncertain as all three Orthodox confessions in Ukraine as well as the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church are all claiming it as their own.  For the moment, the state retains title and it is officially a museum, though occasionally permission is granted for religious services.

Fifth on the list are the ancient ruins of the Greek colony of Khersones in Crimea, found along the Black Sea in a suburb of Sevastopil.  These go back some 2500 years, and the well excavated ruins cover an area of several square kilometres.  The city was enclosed by a strong defensive stone wall, several hundred of metres of which still stand.  The ruins include the remains of a temple and large amphitheatre built during its period under Roman rule.

The sixth “Wonder” is the fortress of Khotyn, located some twenty five kilometres south of the first “Wonder” at Kamyanets-Podilskiy.  This is probably the best preserved and restored castle in Ukraine.  It is a massively tall structure, first constructed in the thirteenth century, and sits dramatically on the shores of the Dnister River, where it was used to control this strategic waterway from Tatar and Turkish incursions.  In 1621, a combined Polish and Kozak army of some 75,000 defeated a much larger invading Turkish army of about 250,000 in what became known as the First Battle of Khotyn.

The seventh and last “Wonder”, is Khortytsia Island on the Dnipro River, renown as the headquarters of the Zaporozhian Kozak Sich.  Although very few relics or structures currently remain on the island from Kozak times, it continues to hold tremendous symbolic and historical value to Ukrainians as a reminder of probably one of the most memorable and glorious times in Ukrainian history.

I have had the pleasure of seeing all seven of these “Wonders” over the three years I lived in Ukraine recently, and would have no trouble recommending them to anyone contemplating visiting Ukraine.  As to my own choices, the only “Wonder” that was not selected was the historical city of Lviv, which in my opinion definitely should have made the top seven.