Thursday, July 19, 2012

Wildlife of Ukraine

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When one thinks of Ukraine, wildlife does not necessarily spring to mind as it would when thinking about a country such as South Africa. However, Ukraine has a number of protected areas and National Parks all aimed at preserving its natural splendors. Ukraine has quite a diverse landscape providing a number of habitats for a variety of species.Wildlife in Ukraine is certainly not scarce. Forest wildlife in Ukraineattracts many bird watchers keen to view fascinating bird species.
Ukraine can be divided into four flora zones which are Mediterranean, steppe, forest-steppe and forest. Beech trees are found throughout the western area of the forest zone. In the north of the forest region you will find pine, linden and oak trees whilst spruce is common in the northeast. The forest-steppe zone features grassland dotted with trees such as oak. In the steppe zone there are mostly grass plains which become more dry in the very south. Through the Mediterranean zone there are deciduous as well as evergreen grasses and shrubs.
Much of Ukraine's wildlife can be found in specific plant zones. The forest zone is home to red deer, elk, roe deer, squirrel, wild boar, foxes and wolves as well as brown bears and lynx. Bird life in the forested areas includes cranes, black cock, wood grouse, starling and blue titmouse. In the steppe zone you will discover ground squirrels, marmots, jerboas, hamsters and field mice. Bird watchers can see steppe eagles, quail, skylark and pink starling. Many bird species reside along the coastal areas and include cormorants, pelicans, wild ducks, martins, herons, sea gulls and bitterns. Within the seas are sturgeon, bullhead and mackerel. Ukraine's fresh waters provide a habitat for trout, perch, pike, bream, carp, zander, sazan and crucian.
When visiting Ukraine be sure to visit the country's protected areas. You will have a wonderful time spotting and photographing Ukraine's wildlife.
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Theatres

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Whilst many people spend their leisure time watching television, attending films at cinemas and surfing the web, there has been a form of entertainment that has spanned the centuries and is still popular today – theatre. Ukraine is certainly no exception when it comes to this. Although somewhat suppressed in the Soviet era, theatre is indeed growing in Ukraine and offers tourists a marvelous evening of entertainment.

Kiev is at the center of the theatre world in Ukraine. There are numerous venues for a variety of theatre performances scattered throughout the city. From intricate ballet and vibrant opera performances, to humorous comedy shows and alternative plays, there is something to suit everyone in Kiev. New theatre companies have come onto the scene and works are far more diversified than in the past. Unfortunately, financial restraints have hampered some development of theatre in Ukraine; however, directors are becoming more adept at obtaining sponsorships.
Comedies are most popular with local audiences and dramas often take a back seat to more light-hearted entertainment. Theatre tickets in Ukraine are relatively inexpensive and are fantastic for those traveling on a tight budget. It may, in some respects, be struggling to draw large audiences in the electronic age, but the age-old art of theatre will never die and has quite a bright future ahead of it in Ukraine.
In this section of Ukraine.com you can find out more about the many theatres in Ukraine, which will hopefully assist you when deciding where to go for a performance or two whilst staying in the country. For those who enjoy a taste of traditional theatre and are fans of opera or ballet, the T.G. Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theatre is the place to go. Established back in 1867, this prestigious venue has been host to some of the greatest operas and ballets in Ukraine. Another more traditional theatre, with a splash of modern drama, is the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre. Families will have a wonderful experience at any of the performances hosted at the Kyiv State Musical Theatre for Children & Youth. For something a little different, head off to the Kiev Drama Theatre on Podol where unique and fresh performances are on offer. Other theatres in Ukraine to look out for are Theater “Koleso”, Plastic Drama Theater, Ukrainian Small Drama Theater and Les Kurbas Theatre.

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Restaurant guide

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Take a break from exploring Ukraine's stunning attractions and fill up at one of the spectacular restaurants on offer. There is a wide variety of cuisine andrestaurants in Ukraine offering delicious meals, refreshing drinks and excellent service. Tempt your taste buds with the unique flavors of traditional Ukrainian food or try something international at an Italian, Chinese, American, Irish or other restaurant.
Kiev has probably got the widest selection of restaurants however excellent eateries can be found throughout the country, such as restaurants in Ukraine's Yalta. Besides Ukraine's restaurants there are a variety of pubs, bars, cafés and delicatessens offering sumptuous dishes. Whether you are looking for a quick inexpensive meal or something more extravagant, Ukraine's restaurants will conquer your hunger.
We invite you to check out our Business Directory for some restaurant suggestions.
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Religious Sites

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Religion has always been an important feature in the lives of Ukrainians. For centuries religious traditions have featured in local culture and this is certainly evidenced by the many religious sites in Ukraine. Churches, cathedrals, monasteries, synagogues and other religious sites are popular attractions for tourists visiting the country. From architectural wonders to more humble places of worship, thereligious buildings in Ukraine give one a chance to ponder upon the country's history and culture through the ages.

Kiev is considered by many to be the hub of religion in Ukraine and was even referred to as the New Jerusalem. Christianity was brought to this important Ukrainian city in 988 AD. Soon numerous churches were constructed throughout the city, creating a panorama of beautifully designed domes and walls. Many of these fine religious buildings were destroyed or damaged during wars and the atheistic Soviet era. Fortunately, efforts have been made to restore a number of these ornate structures in Kiev. Wooden churchesdominate the landscape in the Carpathian Mountains of Western Ukraine. The city of Lviv is home to a number of the more elaborate churches in the region.
Jewish religious buildings are also found dotted around Ukraine. There are just under 50 Jewish sites including burial and birth places of renowned Hassidic rabbis.
In this section of Ukraine.com you will become better acquainted with the most popular religious sites in the country. Be sure to visit attractions such as the St. George's Cathedral in Lviv, where you will discover a sacred relic of the Virgin Mary. Definitely not to be overlooked is the St. Sophia's Cathedral. This is Kiev's oldest church and is an architectural masterpiece. The Kyiv Pecherska Lavra Monastery is very interesting to visit. It was originally established by two monks and quickly became a very important center of the Orthodox religion. The Jewish site of Uzhgorod Synagogue dates back to 1910 and was designed in the popular Romantic style. It is truly fascinating to see. Other religious sites in Ukraine to visit are the Dominican Abbey, Radomyshl Synagogue, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Yalta, the Church of the Tithes and St. Volodymyr's Cathedral.
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Places of Interest

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A fascinating history, rich culture and exquisite natural heritage, Ukraine has much to offer its visitors. There are many sights in Ukraine to include on your holiday itinerary including monuments, museums, churches, palaces, cemeteries, mountains, rivers, beaches and beautiful landscapes. It is possible to see numerous attractions in Ukraine in one day, particularly in the cities where they are often within walking distance. Check out these attractions in Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa.

Kyiv

Sights in Kyiv are truly bountiful. One of the most impressive is the Kyiv Pecherska Lavra Monastery beautifully situated on a hill beside Dnipro River. The monastery was established back in 1051 A.D. and during the centuries since then it has grown, incorporating architectural styles such as Ukrainian Baroque, Classical and Byzantine. Still in use, this fascinating structure is made up of churches, towers and subterranean tunnels. Within the grounds you can also visit the Museum of Historical Treasures and Jewelry, Museum of Miniatures and Museum of Ukrainian Decorative and Applied Art.
St Sophia Cathedral is the oldest church in Ukraine and was constructed in 1037. It was an important center for ancient Kyivite worship and a political hub in Kyivan-Rus. The complex consists of two churches, a school, residence and bell-tower. Mariyinsky Palacewas built during 1750 and was previously one of the Tsar family residences. It is now used for official presidential functions. Kyiv Mohyla Academy of 1615 was Eastern Europe's first higher education institution. Stroll along the ancient street of Adriyivsky Uzvis which is today, home to numerous art galleries, cafés and exhibits.

Lviv

When visiting Lviv make a point of going to see the Lychakivskiy Cemetery dating back to 1787. Many well-known Ukrainians have been buried here. Ornate tomb-stones guard the graves of Lviv's past residents. It was named a historical monument in 1975 and damaged areas have been restored. Also make your way through the Old Town where you will discover the Ploscha Rynock Market Square, cathedrals, St. Yura Church, Boim Chapel and Dominican Abbey.

Odessa

Odessa is ideal for walking. Begin at the Potemkin Steps where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the bay. From there you can amble along Primoskjj Boulevard were you will see monuments related to the Crimean war. Westward you will arrive at the governor's palace. Beside the palace you will discover the Tyoschin Most, a stunning foot bridge across the gorge.
Beneath Odessa lies over 400km of catacombs, which through the centuries have been used by smugglers, partisans, and resistance fighters. Bus tours are offered to this interesting attraction in Ukraine. Be sure to check out the Odess Privoz, one of the world's largest farmers' markets. Shopaholics will find this a dream. From foodstuffs to clothing, from construction materials to consumer goods, this market has it all.
These are just a few of the sights in Ukraine. Wherever you find yourself in this vast country, there are attractions to keep your mind and your feet busy. For more information on Ukraine's natural attractions visit these pages on this website: “National Parks”, “Mountains”, “Wildlife” and “Ecotourism”. 


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Nightlife

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The nightlife in Ukraine varies from place to place. Generally speaking, you will find more to see and do in the bigger cities than you will in small towns. Ukrainians are open-minded and enjoy trying new things. As a result, you will find a variety of discos, nightclubs, bars and restaurants, which all sport their own unique flavor of entertainment. To get an idea of which are the popular hot-spots you can ask the locals - or dive right in and visit a variety of venues - variety is, after all, said to be the spice of life.
In an attempt to make your choices easier, we have listed a number of Ukrainian bars, pubs and clubs that can be found in Kiev. So check out our Business Directory for some ideas on where to start - then enjoy!
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National parks

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Ukraine has a great diversity of natural landscapes and wildlife. For this reason areas of Ukraine have been declared protected areas, nature reserves and National parks. National Parks in Ukraine are vital for preserving large natural areas and provide the country with great opportunities to develop ecotourism. We discuss the protected areas andNational Parks of Ukraine under the headings: Mixed Forest area; Forest-Steppe area; Steppe area; Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains and Crimean Mountains.

Mixed Forest

Shatskyi National Park – This Ukrainian National Park was created in 1983. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve in the year 2002. Within the borders of the park there are 23 lakes, the largest is Svityaz (deepest and biggest in Ukraine). Circling the lakes are pine forests, home to 61 IUCN Red List species both of fauna and flora.
Poliskyi Reserve – Located in Zhytomyr, the reserve was established in 1968, chiefly for research purposes. Swamps are an important habitat here and make up 22% of the park.
Cheremskyi Nature Reserve – Established in the year 2001, the purpose of the reserve is to protect and study special ecosystems as well as for sustainable development.
Desnyano-Starogutskyi National Park – Founded in 1999 and forms part of an Ukrainian-Russian biosphere reserve. 700 vascular plant species grow here.

Forest-Steppe

Yovorivskyi National Park – Created in 1998, much of the land is covered by oak, pine-oak, alder and hornbeam-oak forests. Also within the boundaries of the park are several historical monuments, a monastery and churches.
National Park Podilski Tovtry – Founded in 1996 and is known for its amazing geological formations. Forests, grasslands and meadows define the landscape. Approximately 1 700 plant species can be found in the Park. Mineral springs as well as historical andcultural monuments attract many tourists.
Kanivskyi Reserve – Established in 1968, it is situated on the bank of the Dnieper River. The reserve is considered to have great geological and archaeological significance.
Roztochchya Reserve – Protected from 1984, the reserve consists of pine, oak, ash and beech forests leading to swamps with willows and birches. This region is an important watershed for rivers leading to the Baltic Sea and Black Sea.

Steppe

Askaniya-Nova Biosphere Reserve – Established way back in the 19th century this is the oldest protected area in Ukraine. It was declared UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1984. The park guards Europe's only Festuca-Stipa grassland community. Large numbers of animal species can be seen throughout the reserve.
Ukrainian Steppe Reserve – Created in 1961, this reserve is actually made up of four reserves, namely Khomutivsky Steppe Reserve, Mykhailivska Tsilyna Reserve, Kamyani Mogyly Reserve and Melova Flora Reserve.
Chornomorskyi Biosphere Reserve – Organized in 1927, is vital for the protection of migrating and nesting birds. Some 300 species of birds reside in the reserve. It also plays a significant role in education and scientific studies.

Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains

Karpatskyi Biosphere Reserve – Founded in 1968, the reserve encompasses five massifs. They are: Ugolsko-Shyrokoluzhansky massif, Marmarosk massif, Chronogir massif, Svidovets massif and Khust massif.
Karpatskyi National Park – Created in 1980 it takes in Central Europe forest, alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems. This park is ideal for tourists as it incorporates health resorts, lodges, monuments, sporting facilities and archaeological sites.

Crimean Mountains

Yalta Mountain Forest Reserve – Founded in 1973 the forest extends along the coast of the Black sea. Protected forests include Crimean pine, juniper, beech, oak and hornbeam. Geological features to see are caves, grottoes, rocks, craters and waterfalls.
Karadag Reserve – Created in 1979, the reserve protects Europe's only Jurassic period rocky shoreline massif. Formations in the reserve come from extinct volcanoes. Minerals found in the reserve include crystal, cornelian, jasper, amethyst, agate and opal.
Cape Martyan Reserve – Established in 1993 near Yalta, the reserve protects the coastal aquatic ecosystem. Mediterranean vegetation such as fir,and oak grow here.
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Museums

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Where ever you travel to in the world, museums usually feature highly on the list of places to see. It is certainly no different for tourists in Ukraine. Ukraine is a country filled with historical sites, an intriguing past and a strong cultural heritage. Museums of all types can be found throughout the major cities in Ukraine, as well as in lesser-known towns. In this section of Ukraine Channel you will become acquainted with just some of the many interestingmuseums in Ukraine.

One of the most visited museums in Ukraine is the National Art Museum. Located in the city of Kiev, the National Art Museum of Ukraine houses an amazing collection of paintings, icons and other artworks. The building itself is of great historical significance as it was built back in 1898. It is anarchitecturarchitectural masterpiece. Also located in Kiev is The National Museum of Medicine of Ukraine. Established in 1973, this exceptional museum guides patrons through the development of medicine in Ukraine throughout the ages. As visitors explore the Museum of Medicine they will see exhibits with medical instruments, historic relics, models, medical manuals and replica full-scale interiors of various types.
Tourists traveling through Odessa will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy museum sightseeing. Pay a visit to the Odessa Regional History Museum to travel back through the history of this now bustling city. Vast arrays of historical items will keep you busy for hours. The Odessa Numismatics Museum is dedicated to the history of money and its circulation in the area. It houses around 2,500 coins and other items from various eras. Those touring Odessa will definitely not want to miss the Odessa State Museum of Archeology. With some 160,000 exhibits, you can discover all you ever wanted to know about the past of the Northern Black Sea zone. Indeed this Ukrainian museum offers a marvelous outing for the entire family.
Have you ever wanted a closer look at Stalin or Lenin? Then head over to the Waxworks Museum where you will see both these political figures as well as renowned actors, music stars, sports men and women and many other famous people, all captured in wax sculptures.
These are just a few of the fantastic museums in Ukraine. Others to look out for include the Ukrainian Museum of Historical Treasures, Lviv Glass Museum, Bulgakov Museum, the National Museum of Chernobyl and the Ivan Franko Literary Memorial Museum.


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Mountains

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Making up some 5% of Ukraine's land are the Carpathian Mountains in the west and the Crimean Mountains in the South. Ukraine's mountain ranges create a wonderful habitat for a variety of fauna and flora, ideal forecotourism. The highest mountain in Ukraine is Mount Hoverla, part of the Carpathian range, measuring some 2061m high.
The Carpathian Mountains form a 1 500 km curve, cutting through Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Austria and Slovakia. Of a medium height, the Ukrainian Carpathians feature small ridges and valleys as well as deep valleys with steep slopes. Many rivers originate in the Carpathian Mountains. Dniester River has many tributaries flowing through the Ukrainian Carpathians. Winter temperatures in Ukraine's Carpathian Mountains tend not become colder than -10 to -1°C. This range receives around 800 to 1 600 mm of precipitation. Summer is warm and has many thunderstorms. Flash floods often occur during spring and summer. Due to the lovely climate and mineral springs, the Ukrainian Carpathians attract many visitors. Mount Hoverla of the Carpathian Mountains is situated in the Eastern Beskides. Along its slopes, beech and spruce forests have sprung up. Further up is a sub-alpine meadow belt. The Prut River originates on this great mountain.
The Yayla Mountain range lies parallel to Crimea's south-eastern coast. Its tallest peak, called Roman-Kosh, measures 1520m in height.
Mount Chatyrdag, located in Crimea not far from the Simferopol-Alushta highway, is made up of two plateaus. On the lower northern plateau you will discover steppe grass culminating in juniper glades and beech forests. A lovely grove of yews grows on the eastern side. The upper southern plateau looks much like a giant bowl with several peaks. Alpine meadows layer this area. This mountain is excellent for hiking and the natural splendor of the area is breathtaking. Lovely caves can be explored on the lower plateau and include Mramornaya, Fur-tree, Vyalova, Emine Bair Hosar, Artuch-coba and Obval'naja.
When visiting Ukraine why not make a point of visiting one of these natural attractions. Enjoy a day walk on the slopes of one of the mountains in Ukraine or spend more days exploring this vast landscape of mountains and rivers in Ukraine. These are memories that will last a life time.
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Health Spas

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There are a few Ukrainian health spas worth considering if you are planning a trip to this wonderful country. A mixture of traditional natural treatments with modern scientific knowledge, the few sanatoriums or health spa resorts available in Ukraine provide great service at even better prices.
The two most popular Ukraine health spas are Morshyn and Truskavets. Morshyn is a regional health spa and the focus is warm and friendly personalized attention. Staff can speak both Ukrainian and Russian and facilities may be seen as being somewhat old. Truskaets is larger and has a more international flavor, but its prices are somewhat higher than those charged by Morshyn. Both Ukrainian spas offermud baths, natural springs, specialized diets, physical exercise, massages, Jacuzzis, etc. When converted and compared to local spas, visitors usually find that Ukraine's spas are very reasonable and affordable. To add to this, the staff numbers are quite large, so you will be able to enjoy great personal attention. You may find that you will need an invite to be able to enjoy the services of a Ukrainian spa, but these are easy enough to obtain. Simply write to one of the spas and you will soon have an invitation to enjoy the many relaxing luxuries that these spas have to offer.
It is wise to remember that Ukraine is still recovering from difficult political and financial times. Privatization is slow and funding is scarce. While this may mean you’ll pay far less at a Ukrainian health spa than you would at home, it also means that the facilities may seem to be a little rundown. However, you can be sure that looks are deceptive and that while the spas may not be shining and bright, their services are definitely worth more than gold.
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Castles

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Ukraine is a place of culture, history and natural beauty. For centuries the people who lived here worked to create masterful homes and residences that complemented the beauty around them and reflected the culture of their people. By and large they were very successful in this regard and as a result there are many beautiful castles and palaces in Ukraine today.
Generally speaking the castles in Ukraine have a robust appearance, since their primary purpose was one of defense. They may have doubled as a prison during the course of their history and they are usually situated on a hill of some sort. Over time, however, more elaborate and decorative additions have been made to some of these fortresses and this has given them a legacy worth taking note of. Many have been turned into museums that now give the public insight into a bygone era in a most imaginative and creative way. The palaces in Ukraine are mainly royal residences which, while providing adequate protection for the monarchy, have also been designed to ensure that those who live here do so in comfort and luxury. Architectural embellishments may be lavish and expensive and it isn’t uncommon to find gold-plated arches, gold-tinted artwork and solid gold furniture and utensils decorated with jewels in these dwellings. These expensive adornments also tend to reflect the masterful craftsmanship that was popular during a given era of Ukraine’s history; they not only make a journey through such an establishment enchanting, but also provide insight into the way that these nobles lived in days gone by.
There are a number of palaces and castles in Ukraine which are worth seeing. The Livadia Palace and Mariyinsky Palace are popular. For those who prefer castles, the Olesko Castle, the Kodak Fortress and the Lviv High Castle certainly aren’t a waste of time. Of course there are many more castles and palaces worth seeing which haven’t been mentioned here. Why not take a look at the information we have on each attraction to help you decide which castle or palace you would most like to visit when touring the beautiful country of Ukraine.



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Atr Galleries

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Art is a very important form of expression in every culture. Ukrainian art has had several influences over the years and numerous great artists from Ukraine have become known worldwide for a variety of artistic styles. Those who appreciate art will find Ukrainian art galleries to be of the highest standards. Exhibiting all forms of art, from paintings to drawings, and sculptures to graphic arts,Ukraine's art galleries feature amazing works of art from both local and international artists.

Museum art collections are somewhat limited and private art galleries in Ukraine are playing a larger role in exhibiting new works to the public. A variety of works can be purchased from Ukrainian art galleries including collections of folk art. Taking the time to view art works from the past and present will give you a wonderful insight into the perceptions of Ukraine's people, a deeper understanding of the culture.
The National Art Museum of Ukraine is an impressive building containing Ukrainian and international art of many decades. Developing over many years, the museum's collection is exquisite. Lviv Art Gallery at 3 Stefanyk Street, is Ukraine's largest art museum. Inside you will come across 53 000 art works ranging from the 14th through to the 20th centuries. The gallery boasts a wonderful collection of works by famous artists such as Rubens, Mengs, de la Turet and Goya. Also a center of education and science, the Lviv Art Gallery holds many important conferences and offers internships. The Maritime Art Gallery in Odessa exhibits sculptures and paintings of all things marine. Every two years they hold an international Marine Art Fair featuring mostly artists from Ukraine and Russia.
Below is a list of Ukrainian Art Galleries in Kyiv. Be sure to pay a visit to one of these great cultural havens.
Aquarel
Paintings by Ukrainians, Russians and Americans.
Open from 12:00
Artists Union Gallery
Ukrainian art works.
Open from 11:00
ARTEast
Classic, realism and avant garde Ukrainian paintings.
13 Reytarska Street
Open from 11:00
Center for Contemporary Art
Sculptures, photographs and graphic art by international artists.
2 Skovorody Street
Open from 11:00
Gallery 36
Paintings and sculptures by artists from Ukraine, Russia and Europe.
Open from 11:00
Drevny Kiev
Old Ukrainian paintings.
Open from 11:00
Honchari
Ukrainian ceramic art.
Open from 10:00
L-art
Soviet social realism paintings
Open from 11:00
Podol Fortuna
Realist paintings by Ukrainians.
19A Adriyivsky Uzviz
Open from 10:30
Lada Plus
Paintings and bronze sculptures
Open from 10:00 (week)
Open from 11:00 (weekend)
Ridna Khata
Ukrainian national clothes from the 19th to 20th century.
Open from 13:00



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