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Welcome to Kharkov, Ukraine! Here are plenty of things to do, plenty
of things to see, plenty of things to be amazed by !
Kharkov was founded in the 17th century as a military garrison,
this city in northeastern Ukraine was built on the edge of the steppes,
A legend tells that Kharkov got its name from a farmer Chariton,
a.k.a. Kharko. Two rivers, Lopan and Kharkov, flow through this
city. The sea air is often brought here by westerly and southwesterly
winds, which makes its climate moderate continental, with prolonged
but not severe winter. The summer is warm, sometimes hot. Kharkov
abounds in orchards, gardens and tree-lined avenues. According to
the Kharkov meteorological service data collected over many years:
The average yearly t° is 6.9°C; ~ 44.6 F
The coldest months are January -7.1°C ~ 19F
and February -6.7°C ~ 20F;
The hottest months are July and August 30°C ~86F;
The yearly average month t° variation is 27.6°C;
The Kharkov population is second after Kiev in Ukraine, and is
now close to 1.5 million. Kharkov is a big (if not the biggest)
center of science and culture in Ukraine. There are more than 60
scientific research institutes, more than 170 secondary education
schools, more than 150 educational centers and special secondary
education schools, the number of private and state owned higher
education institutions has now reached 80. About 20,000 students
graduate yearly from Kharkov higher education institutions. There
are 49 cultural centers and institutions, among them 5 museums,
a town art gallery, six major theatres. Nuclear power equipment,
farm machinery, airplanes, and electronic devices typify the Karkov
factory output.
Kharkov have celebrated its 350th anniversary soon. The city still
has buildings that are 150 years old and more. They have the unique
"old Russian" architecture style. There were many famous architects
living and working in Kharkov. Kharkov features 40,000 hectares
of parks and a lot of green space.
After World War I, the city served as Ukraine's capital. Many of
its temples were destroyed during the Communist purges in the 1920-30s.
Then came World War II, proving more devastating for Kharkov's people
and cityscape. The Germans and Russians took turns occupying the
city. Now Kharkov is rebuilt and we can admire it's fascinating
architecture.
Freedom Square is one of the largest in Europe. Concerts, meetings,
trade fairs and other events take place here. The State Industry
building is in the center of Freedom Square. It is a unique architectural
and historical monument. It is the heart of the city. The State
Industry building was the first skyscraper in the former U.S.S.R.
It has being built from 1925-1928. It represents a group of buildings
connected with passageways, which are on different stages. The total
area takes 11 thousand square meters and the length of façade is
300 meters.
Go up to the observation deck to get a view of the city. From there
you'll be able to see the huge Memorial of Glory dedicated to the
Ukrainians who died in the Great Patriotic War. Near the memorial,
in a lovely park, is the statue known as the Mother of Ukraine.
For fascinating people watching, be sure to drop by Kharkov's mineral-water
wells, located at the western end of the park, next to the Hotel
Mir. City residents go there to fill all kinds of containers with
fresh drinking water. Pokrovsky Cathedral's stone bell tower is
a prominent local landmark. Blagoveshensky Cathedral made in Eastern
Baroque style from red and cream striped brick. It is also worth
seeing a night performance at the city's Opera and Ballet Theater
( pictured below).
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