What to see in Ivano-Frankivsk
Ivano-Frankiwsk used to be a Polish city – in the 17th century Andrzej Potocki came here to settle down with his family and establish the city of Stanislawow. After the next cuttings the city came under the power of Galicia. Stanislawow came back to Poland after the end of World War I, but after World War II it joined the Soviet Union. In the 1960s the city was named after a well-known writer, Iwan Franka, who actually doesn’t have much in common with the city itself.
The Polish traces in Ivano-Frankiwsk
World War II and joining Iwano-Frankiwsk to the Soviet Union destroyed many Polish monuments. Despite the fact that they can’t be returned, we can still plan a walk through the city by its Polish traces. We can begin with a visit to the former Potocki mansion, which did survive, even though its condition is tragic. We can admire the buildings of the palace and the garden around them only from behind the gate. A few decades ago you could find an army hospital here, but now it is a private place, closed for the tourists.
While looking for Polish traces we can get to the Mickiewicz square, with the monument of our great poet surrounded by trees and flowers. Even though Mickiewicz never visited
Ivano-Frankiwsk personally, this place became extremely popular around the citizens. The monument had to suffer a lot too – it was cut in half, and was hidden for a few years in fear of getting dipped, but it survived to our times and today you can relax or walk around the surrounding park.
Another Polish accent in the city is the NMP collegiate church, created by the order of the Potocki family. After World War II it was a carpentry workshop, a geologic museum, and today it is a museum of Przykarpacie Art.
Top 10 biggest attractions in Ivano-Frankiwsk
When you first look at Ivano-Frankiwsk, it doesn’t seem like having much to offer. But with every footstep and every following alley the city reveals its charm before us. Because
Ivano-Frankiwsk is a perfect city for peaceful walks. You can see all the most important monuments and attractions in one day, but I think it’s even worth staying here a bit longer.
What should you see in Ivano-Frankiwsk? You should see the town hall with the surrounding market square. You can begin with riding a lift in the “Legend” shopping centre to the viewing terrace. He town hall can impress anyone with its architecture – It is the only building with a golden dome, which can be found in Eastern Europe.
While you’re walking around the city, keep an eye out for forged sculptures – for several years In Ivano-Frankiwsk there is a celebration called Blacksmith Day. Blacksmiths from all over the world come to Ukraine to team up and create a special piece of art for the city.
You should also visit the baroque-styled Szeptycki square where you can find the NMP Collgiate church, as well as the greek-catholic cathedral under the call of Christ’s resurrection, and the buildings of the former Jesuits monastery. By the square you can find one of the forged sculptures “The bow of the city law”
It only takes a few steps from the Szeptycki square to the bastion, where the city’s former defense walls have survived. Today you can also find restaurants, cafes and shops, so it’s a good place for a short rest during the visit.
Stometrvika is a promenade in the centre of the city. It was created in the 1980s and was the first promenade in Ukraine. It’s a meeting place for the citizens, perfect for walks. There are plenty cafes and restaurants here, this is the most living place in the evenings.
At the Vichevyj square there is a musical fountain, constructed in a way to allow people to go under the streams and stay dry. We can find a bit of silence and relax in the Szewczenki park, which is famous not only for its wonderful trees, but also for small island of lovers, located in the middle of the lake.
Fans of architecture won’t be disappointed either – they should definitely see the building of the railway station with the longest platform in Ukraine, the monumental administrative building, commonly called the “White House” or the former Ormianian church in a characteristic blue color with golden domes.
