Bilgorod-Dnistrovs’kyi is one of the most ancient cities not only in Ukraine, but also in the world. Its history numbers more than 2500 years, that’s why the city has many places of interest. It is located in Odessa region, on the shore of the Dniester Estuary.
If you go to Bilgorod-Dnistrovs’kyi from Odessa, it takes about one and a half hours and your journey will be very pleasant for you thanks to unbelievably beautiful views and places of interests. You’ll pass by a little resort town Zatoka, which is located on Budaks’ka Spit and an interesting city Shabo known as a center of wine-making in the south of Ukraine.
No doubts, the main places of interests that attract tourists are the Akkerman fortress, a defensive complex, and excavations of an ancient Greek city Tyras. It is located on the cape at Dniester Estuary. Once Tyras was a great trade center, which used to be a connection bridge between East and West Europe. The Greeks founded it in the 6th century BC. Tyras was located on the way of water trade routes of the Danube. Such very advantageous location of Tyras played a large part in its development. The city has minted its own coins of copper, silver and gold, traded with many tribes. Agriculture, farming, fishing and other trades were developed as well. The city flourished in the 4th-3rd centuries BC. It fell into decay because of an invasion of the Huns. At the times of Kyivan Rus’ the Slavs built the city of Bilgorod on the place where an ancient Tyras used to be. That was a very strategically important place, so the city often changed hands and its names. In the 14th century the building of a powerful fortification was in question. It took about 200 years to build the fortress, herewith so the walls and towers to be durable special technologies were used. That’s why the fortress has been preserved in its original form till present days. Since the time the Turks owned the fortress, it has been calling Akkerman meaning “white stone”. It is a unique building of 9 ha with several levels of defence and divided into four courts, where each had its own purpose, and the whole fortress is surrounded with a moat! The size and power of the fortress really impress!
Also you can visit the exhibition-museum on the territory of the Akkerman Fortress, where archeological excavations of an ancient Tyras and the fortress are presented. Marble statuettes, accessories, coins and ceramics were found. Archeologists have discovered house footings, streets and defensive towers of Tyras, which you can see on its excavation place, next to the Akkerman Fortress, to the right side of its main entrance.
To get to know Bilgorod-Dnistrovs’kyi closer you should visit its other places of interest. Since the Middle Age the Armenian Holy Dormition of Virgin Mary Church has been preserved. It is located at the cross of Kalinina and Kutuzova Streets. The church is of a great historical value as ancient paintings and medieval tiles are preserved there. Next to Armenian Church there is a Sarmatian vault made of stones dating back to the 3rd century AD.
Shabs’ka Street leads from the fortress. On this street you can see a Scythian tomb of 2nd-3rd centuries AD. You’ll see an ancient ornament on its walls. You’re well advised to visit an underground Ioann Suchavs’kyi Church located down Shabs’ka Street. According to the legend, an orthodox merchant Ioann refused adopting Islam and was killed for this. A chapel was built on his grave. People say, water of the St Ioann Spring is healing and many people come there to be cured and filled with spiritual powers.
On the Dniester Estuary shore parallel to Shabs’ka Street there is Leonid Popov Street, where St Ioann Predtecha Greek church is located. It was built in 1482. Come inside so you could feel unbelievable calmness and peace! In the opposite part of the city on 75, Sverdlova Street you’ll see the biggest orthodox cathedral of Bilgorod-Dnistrovs’kyi – Transfiguration Cathedral. Pieces of St Ioann Suchavs’kyi relics are kept there. This religious building shouldn’t be missed by you.
Ancient Bilgorod-Dnistrovs’kyi has the glorious past. Visit this city and it will surely open you its numerous interesting and exciting legends!
Tours and excursions Bilhorod-Dnistrovs'kyi
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