This coastal Ukrainian city has a working Black Sea port, calm beaches, and local restaurants. Its historic waterfront location has made it a center for maritime activity.
Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi sits on the Dniester Estuary in southwestern Ukraine, where medieval fortress walls stretch for 2.5 kilometers along the waterfront. Walk through the 13th-century Akkerman Fortress's 34 towers, descend into the underground St. Ioan Sochavsky Church built around a natural spring, or explore ancient Greek stone foundations dating back to the 6th century BC.
The Akkerman Fortress
This massive limestone fortress occupies 2 hectares on the Dniester Estuary banks. Its 20-meter-high walls contain several defensive courtyards, including the 5-hectare Civic Yard. You can climb the citadel's medieval towers for views across the estuary. The fortress is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM (April-October) and 9 AM to 5 PM (November-March).
Ancient Ruins of Tyras
Walk among stone foundations and artifacts from the 6th century BC Greek colony of Tyras. The excavation site reveals layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine buildings, including remnants of ancient streets and harbor facilities. You'll find information panels explaining the significance of different architectural elements throughout the site.
Religious Architecture
Visit the underground St. Ioan Sochavsky Church, where you can see the ancient well that forms its centerpiece. Local residents still collect water here for religious ceremonies. The Armenian Dormition Church's low-profile design reflects Ottoman-era building restrictions, while the Church of St John the Precursor contains 13th-century Greek architectural elements, including original stone carvings.
Getting Around
Buses run between Odesa and Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. The journey takes about 2 hours. Trains on the Odesa-Ismail line stop at Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi station four times daily. Within the city, most sites are within walking distance of the center. Local buses connect the train station with the fortress area.
Wine and Local Culture
Visit local vineyards along the "Road of Wine and Taste of Ukrainian Bessarabia" route. The city's ethnographic museum (open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM) displays artifacts from ancient Tyras through medieval times, including amphorae, coins, and everyday items from past centuries. The museum's third floor contains exhibits about traditional winemaking in the region.
