Uman
Where Jewish wisdom meets Ukrainian hills Actually, let me revise following the rules better: Hasidic prayers echo through medieval streetsThis central Ukrainian city draws Jewish pilgrims to Rabbi Nachman's grave, while its 18th-century castle ruins, folk museums, and riverside location add historic depth.
Uman, a city of 81,525 residents in central Ukraine, draws visitors to its 18th-century Sofiyivka Park where you can cross stone bridges above rushing waterfalls. The city is an important religious site where thousands of Hasidic Jews pray at Rabbi Nachman's grave during Rosh Hashanah. You'll find the bell tower of the 1764 Basilian monastery rising above the city center, while scientists conduct gardening research in the city's dendrological park.
Current Travel Advisory
Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, traveling to Uman carries significant risks. Russian missile strikes have targeted civilian buildings and infrastructure in the city. The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory for Ukraine, including Uman. Local authorities have stated that air raid shelters cannot accommodate all visitors during peak pilgrimage times.
Exploring Sofiyivka Park
Walk through the 1796 Sofiyivka Park's network of deep ravines, where streams flow beneath narrow stone bridges. You can follow granite paths between formal gardens and research areas, stopping at the 15-meter Grand Waterfall and smaller cascades. Count Stanisław Szczęsny Potocki commissioned the park's construction in 1796, and today you'll find scientists conducting dendrological research in designated areas while visitors explore the public sections.
Jewish Pilgrimage Site
Each year during Rosh Hashanah, more than 30,000 people, primarily men, gather at Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's grave to pray. This tradition began in 1811 after Rabbi Nachman's final request for his followers to join him during the Jewish New Year. You can visit the rebuilt synagogue within the former Jewish cemetery grounds. These annual pilgrimages support many local businesses and hotels.
Buildings and Architecture
The 1764 Basilian monastery's stone walls and Orthodox-style bell tower make it Uman's oldest building. At the city hall (1780), you can see the original columned entrance and clock tower. Inside the 1826 Dormition Roman Catholic church, you'll find Doric columns and symmetrical halls. The city center sits above a network of old fortress catacombs, which you can explore with a guide.
Transportation and Climate
Take buses from the central station to reach Kyiv, Cherkasy, Odesa, and Vinnytsia. The M05 highway connecting Kyiv and Odesa passes near the city. Winter temperatures drop to around -7°C in January, while summer days warm up to 22°C in July.
