Kharkov: the second largest city of Ukraine

Kharkov`s (Kharkiv's) history started in the mid-17th Century, when the Kozaks created the Slobody settlements; and since then, the city has turned into one of the largest commercial and cultural centers of Ukraine with population of over 1.7 million people. Kharkov is located at the confluence of Kharkov, Lopan and Uda rivers. It takes only 3 hours to get from Vienna (Austria) to Kharkov by plane.

Kharkov was a cradle of Ukrainian intelligentsia; and most of the first literary works in the Ukrainian language were written here and the first performances of the Ukrainian theater were started here, too. From December 1919 to June 1934, Kharkov was the capital of Soviet Ukraine. The Ukrainian cultural renaissance commenced here in the years 1920-1930. As one of the main industrial and scientific centers of Ukraine, Kharkov is the home of many scientific discoveries that made revolutions in technology. Scientists with world known names worked in Kharkov: among them Ostrogradsky, Landau, Livshits, Pavlov and Mechnikov.

In Kharkov there are 17 universities and 9 academies as well as many institutes and college. That is why Kharkov is the city of 100,000 students; and all foreigners are surprised at seeing so many young people on its streets.

The present architectural pattern of Kharkov was being developed for more than three centuries and has been influenced by various conditions of life, habits and traditions of Ukrainian people as well as of neighboring nations. The city has its own charm: narrow streets with old buildings, comprised of different architectural styles and small yards. In the city's downtown area, there is a huge and impressive main square, majestic cathedrals and small churches, and a metro (subway) which stations are considered to be works of art.

Kharkov has six outstanding professional theaters, a circus, several museums and many libraries. It is a very green city, with more than 100 parks within its limits.

The local population is peaceful and most hospitable. Kharkov is considered to be the safest and the quietest among large cities of Ukraine.