This western Ukrainian city has baroque and art nouveau buildings, an old fortress, and active cultural scene with theaters and museums, all set among green parks and hills.
Chernivtsi sits in southwestern Ukraine, where cobblestone streets lead you past Art Nouveau mansions and baroque churches. Walk down Kobylianska Street to find yourself among century-old cafes and the ornate Drama Theater, or climb the 45-meter Town Hall tower for views across the city's domes and spires. At the Chernivtsi University complex, you'll see intricate Byzantine-style brickwork and detailed Romanesque columns that earned this architectural masterpiece its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Getting Around Chernivtsi
The city extends for 11 kilometers along the Prut River, with most points of interest within walking distance in the central area. Public buses and trolleybuses connect all city districts. The Chernivtsi International Airport lies 6 kilometers south of the center, with regular flights to major Ukrainian cities.
Parks and Gardens of Chernivtsi
You can walk through several interconnected green spaces across the city. The University's Botanical Garden dates back to 1877, with an orangery housing Mediterranean plants. The City Park of Culture and Recreation, Schiller Park, and Fedkovych Park form a green network where locals gather for afternoon walks and weekend picnics.
The Austrian Period
The 19th-century Austrian influence remains visible in the city center, especially around the central square and Kobylianska Street. The 1847 Town Hall stands in the square's center, its clock tower visible from most downtown streets. The 1905 Drama Theater displays Viennese baroque elements with gold leaf decorations and carved stone figures on its facade.
Jewish Quarter
Beyond Ruska Street, several synagogues tell the story of the city's Jewish past. The oldest synagogue dates to the 18th century, while the former Grand Synagogue on Universitetska Street now serves as a cinema. In the Jewish cemetery, you'll find tombstones with inscriptions in German, Hebrew, and Russian, documenting the city's multicultural population through the centuries.
University Complex
The main building of Chernivtsi University, formerly the Residence of Bukovinian Metropolitans, ranks among Europe's most impressive academic buildings. Built between 1864 and 1882, its walls combine Byzantine-style brickwork with Romanesque columns and local decorative patterns. A 12-hectare park surrounds the complex, with walking paths leading through gardens and past architectural details.
Modern City Life
Contemporary Chernivtsi maintains a calm atmosphere, especially in its cafe-lined streets and pedestrian zones. Many 19th-century buildings now house shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces while keeping their original architectural elements. You'll see locals enjoying coffee at outdoor tables along Kobylianska Street or taking evening walks through the city's many parks.
