The Black Sea reserve is the largest in Ukraine. It was created in the early 20th century on the picturesque coast of the Black Sea, near Kherson. Its huge territory, which is home to beautiful gulfs, peculiar islands, fabulous groves, sand massif, and deserted steppes, demonstrates the surprising variety of Ukrainian Black Sea landscapes. Unique natural conditions have bestowed upon the reserve

Located close to Kherson, Zmievka is the only Swedish village in Eastern Europe. This peculiar settlement is called the Little Europe in southern Ukraine, and it is known as a center of national and cultural diversity. Besides Swedes, representatives of 15 cultural heritages live here, including Germans, Finns, Poles, and Jews. The history of this unusual village began in the late 18th century, w

‘Askania-Nova’ is one of the oldest and largest biosphere reserves in Europe, located in a remote part of the Kherson steppe. Nowadays, this unique island of primordial nature, where live many rare animal species and exotic plants, is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine and is a part of the world network of UNESCO’s biosphere reserves. A lover of nature, baron Friedrich Falz-Fein, e

The huge desert that spreads over several districts of the Khersons’ka Oblast’ is one of the most striking places in southern Ukraine. Oleshky Sands is the biggest sand area in Ukraine, and some even call it the only desert in Europe. The sands, located near the lower reaches of the Dnieper River, have existed for many centuries, but the desert – in form that we know it today – appeared relativel

Crowning the abrupt precipice in the historical part of the city, the Shah Palace is rightly considered to be one of the most beautiful and magnificent edifices in Odesa. Constructed in uncharacteristic for Odesa neo-Gothic style, it stands out against other age-old buildings of the city and represents town's true adornment that locals boast about and guests are amazed at over more than one and a

Odesa Literary Museum is one of the largest specialized museums in the country and one of the most famous and visited in the city. It occupies the former palace, once property of Prince Dmitry Gagarin. Towered above steep slope in the historical center of Odesa, not far away from Opera House, the awe-inspiring edifice is considered the significant architectural monument. It represents another attr

The Flat House is perhaps the most unusual building in Odesa, its architectural highlight that gathers crowds of tourists all year long. Located in the very center of the city, a stone’s throw from the famous monument to Duke de Richelieu, this building with unique structure is very popular among locals, who are keen on brining the Southern Palmira’s guests here and watch their puzzled reaction. T

Located on the corner of Deribasovskaya St. and Preobrazhenska St., the historical and architectural complex “Passage” is reckoned to be one of the finest buildings in the city. Its chic, richly decorated edifice is included in Top-10 of the architectural masterpieces of the Southern Palmira and it’s considered one of the most famous sights in the city. The luxurious, eclectic building, whose exte

The building of Former Trade Exchange, now home to Odesa City Hall, is one of the most well-known sights of the Southern Palmira. Located in the very center of Dumska Square, adjacent to Primorsky Boulevard, the splendid neoclassic building is a magnificent architectural monument as well as a possessor of considerable historical value – the meetings held here had an immense influence on Odesa’s li