Trips to Ivano-Frankivsk(Part 1)

Ivano-Frankivsk, or Frankivsk, is a Ukrainian city (very, very much), but its architecture is a legacy of Poles, Austrians and even Armenians. There are very spectacular buildings here.

Usually, this place serves as a stopping place for tourists before starting their journey, because it is from this city that everyone goes to the mountains, or returns from them. However, Ivano-Frankivsk deserves more attention, as there are many unusual places here that will surely impress everyone.

Once upon a time, in 1662, the majestic Stanislav was founded. Why are we talking about some other city and not Ivano-Frankivsk? And everything is very simple, because initially the city was named after the Polish voivode Stanislaw Potocki.

But the local Poles who lived in this region at that time called this city in their own way, i.e. with the ending "ów". Therefore, the correct sounding of such a name should be "Stanislavov". The Austrians called this city as they heard it - "Stanislau", that's how the locals used to call the city of Stanislav.

The city is located on the territory of the former villages of Kniagynyna and Zabolottya, at the junction of the Bystrytsy (Solotvynska and Nadvirnyanska) rivers. To strengthen the city, the famous French architect Francois Corassini developed a special city project.

He planned everything so that the city stood like a fortress in the shape of a hexagon and was surrounded by earthen ramparts and a moat with water. By the way, some of the fortifications have survived to our time. Of course, the neighboring states, which included Ivano-Frankivsk in different historical periods, made their corrections in the development of the city's history.

Stanislav began with the Market Square and the Town Hall, which have been preserved in their original form to this day. In the planning of the city, streets and temples, the echo of the Renaissance idea of the "ideal city" can be clearly read. By the way, due to the originality of the architecture, this city is called "little Lviv".

Since 1962, the city has been named after the writer and prominent Ukrainian figure Ivan Franko. Why was he chosen? It is definitely difficult to answer this question, because Franko was in the city only a few times in his entire life. But what connected the writer and Stanislav very closely was his love for the local teacher Yuzefa Dzvonkovska.

Today, Ivano-Frankivsk is a modern European city that is developing very rapidly in all areas. Over the past dozen years, the city has become one of the leaders in the housing market in Ukraine. Today, Ivano-Frankivsk is also one of the most ecological corners of our Ukraine, thanks to its unique location.

What is interesting to see in Ivano-Frankivsk?

City Hall

It is located on Rynok Square itself and is considered one of the most important symbols of the city. This building is the tallest in Ivano-Frankivsk and has a height of almost 50 meters. Here you can climb to the observation deck and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Bastion

Since Ivano-Frankivsk was built as a military fortification against invaders, you can find many interesting historical buildings here. Bastion is a real fortress gallery, where there are various restaurants, shops for exhibitions.

Vovchynetsky mountains

They are also called "Ivano-Frankivsk Hollywood". There are many legends about these mountains, so it is better to come here during the day. After all, at night, according to stories, a kind of snake with a human head and a winged snake live here.

Nowadays, it is also a recreation area with wonderful views of the Carpathian mountains. This natural monument is located in the village of Vovchynets, which is immediately on the way out of Frankivsk. Approximately 7 km from the city center.

Vagabundo underground passage

An interesting creative space where film screenings, various exhibitions, as well as meetings with writers and artists, and sometimes even concerts take place.

Industrial plant "Renovation"

A fairly new location, which is located on the site of the old Promprilad plant. Thanks to the revitalization, the factory turned from an industrial object into a cultural object. Currently, there is a co-working space, a gallery, workshops, a craft brewery and a cocktail bar. And soon - and a lot more.

Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre

The first professional Ukrainian theater in Prykarpattia (founded in December 1939).

Neo-Opera-horror "HAMLET" is one of the examples of the implementation of innovative theatrical formats by the Frankiv Drama Theater. For this performance, a unique new location was opened - the basement stage, located in the former engine room in the basement of the theater, where the seats for the audience are built like the auditorium of Shakespeare's "Globus" theater.