Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine
Region: Kirovohrad Oblast
Geographic Coordinates: 48.500000, 32.266700
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 40.0°C (-40°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 227413
Language: Ukrainian
Kropyvnytskyi is a city located in central Ukraine with a population of over 230, 000 people. Formerly known as Kirovohrad, It was renamed in honor of the Ukrainian actor and singer Marko Kropyvnytskyi. The city is situated on the banks of the Inhul River and is surrounded by beautiful greenery. Kropyvnytskyi has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was founded as a fortress town. Throughout its history, It has been influenced by various cultures including Ukrainian, Russian, Polish and Jewish which can be seen through its architecture and cultural heritage sites.
One of the most impressive landmarks in Kropyvnytskyi is St. Elizabeth Cathedral which was built in 1874-1882 in neo-Gothic style. It stands out with its tall spires and intricate details both inside and outside. Another must-see site is the Museum of Local Lore which showcases artifacts from different eras including ancient times up until modern day. The city also boasts several parks such as Shevchenko Park where visitors can enjoy walking paths, Fountains, Playgrounds for children or simply relax on benches while taking in views of nature around them.
Other notable parks include Victory Park which features an impressive World War II monument dedicated to those who fought for their country’s freedom. For those interested in theater or music performances there are several venues throughout Kropyvnytskyi such as Regional Drama Theater named after Marko Kropivnitsky or Philharmonic Hall that hosts various concerts throughout year featuring local musicians as well as international artists. In terms of cuisine, Traditional Ukrainian dishes can be found at many restaurants throughout the city along with international options like Italian or Chinese cuisine for those seeking something different.
Overall, Kropyvnytskyi offers visitors an opportunity to experience Ukraine’s rich history while enjoying modern amenities. Its beautiful architecture, Cultural heritage sites, Parks and various entertainment options make it a great destination for travelers looking to explore this part of the world.
- Kropyvnytskyi City Park – a large park with stunning gardens, fountains, and recreational areas.
- Saint Elizabeth Cathedral – a beautiful neo-Gothic cathedral constructed in the early 1900s.
- Museum of Local Lore – a museum that displays the history and culture of Kropyvnytskyi and its surrounding regions.
- Kirovohrad Regional Art Museum – an art museum that showcases works by local artists as well as renowned Ukrainian painters.
- Central Square – the primary square in Kropyvnytskyi where visitors can find shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues.
- Ivan Kotlyarevsky Memorial House-Museum – a museum dedicated to Ivan Kotlyarevsky’s life and works, one of Ukraine’s most celebrated writers.
- Holy Transfiguration Monastery – an Orthodox monastery established in the 17th century.
- Tsvetkov Theater – an opera house with regular performances throughout the year.
- Manufacturing: The city has a significant manufacturing industry, with companies producing products such as machinery, metal products, textiles, and food.
- Agriculture: Kropyvnytskyi is located in an agricultural region and has a large number of farms producing crops such as wheat, corn, sunflowers, and vegetables.
- Construction: There is a growing construction industry in the city with companies involved in building residential and commercial properties.
- Retail: There are numerous retail stores and shopping centers located throughout the city selling clothing, electronics, household goods, and other items.
- Services: Kropyvnytskyi also has a range of service-based businesses including financial services firms like banks and insurance companies; healthcare providers like hospitals; transportation services like taxis; hospitality services like hotels; education institutions including universities; among others.
- The city was founded in 1754 by Catherine II as Elisavetgrad and named after her mother, Elizabeth Petrovna.
- During World War II, the city was occupied by Nazi Germany from August 1941 to March 1944.
- The famous Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko spent several years in exile in Kropyvnytskyi from 1847 to 1857.
- Ivan Karpenko-Kary, one of Ukraine’s most prominent playwrights and actors, was born in Kropyvnytskyi in 1845.
- The Ukrainian composer Mykola Lysenko studied at the local music school and later became its director.
- In the early 20th century, Kropyvnytskyi was an important center of Jewish culture and commerce with a large Jewish population that made up over half of the city’s residents.
- During Soviet times, the city was renamed after Sergei Kirov – a prominent Bolshevik leader who was assassinated in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) – in December 1934.
- After Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the city reverted to its original name of Kropyvnytskyi.
- Today, Kropyvnysky is known for its beautiful parks and gardens (including one named after Taras Shevcenko), as well as cultural institutions such as theaters and museums.
- Serhiy Rebrova Ukrainian footballer who played for Tottenham Hotspur F.C., West Ham United F.C., Dynamo Kyiv etc., was born here on June 3rd 1974.
- The Kropyvnytskyi Regional Museum of Local Lore is an excellent place to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the region.
- The Museum of Ukrainian Home Icons is a unique museum that showcases a collection of traditional Ukrainian home icons.
- The Kropyvnytskyi Art Museum is an art center that features exhibitions and collections of contemporary and classical art.
- The Monument to Taras Shevchenko is a beautiful monument dedicated to the famous Ukrainian poet and writer.
- St. Elizabeth Cathedral is a historic cathedral with stunning architecture and great religious significance.
- The Kirovohrad Oblast Philharmonic Hall offers visitors the chance to enjoy classical music performances by local musicians in a beautiful concert hall setting.
- Central Park named after Maxim Gorky is a popular park with walking paths, playgrounds, and scenic views for visitors to enjoy.
- The House-Museum of Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi is an important historical house-museum dedicated to one of Ukraine’s most famous writers.
- Memorial complex The Heroes’ Square pays tribute to soldiers who lost their lives during World War II.
- The Kropyvnytskyi Zoo may be small but it offers visitors the opportunity to see many different animals from around the world in one place!
- Kropyvnytskyi City Day is a celebration of the city’s founding, marked with parades, concerts, and fireworks.
- The International Festival of Chamber Music is a week-long event that showcases performances by renowned classical musicians from around the world.
- Ukrainian Independence Day is a national holiday celebrated in Kropyvnytskyi with patriotic speeches, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events.
- The Festival of Ukrainian Culture is an annual event that highlights traditional music, dance, food, and crafts from different regions of Ukraine.
- The Kirovohrad Oblast Folklore Festival is a regional festival that celebrates the folk traditions and customs of the Kirovohrad Oblast region.
- Easter Celebrations are an important religious holiday in Ukraine celebrated with special church services and traditional foods like paska bread and pysanky eggs.
- Christmas Celebrations are another major holiday in Ukraine celebrated with church services, caroling, and festive meals featuring dishes like kutya (a sweet grain porridge) and varenyky (dumplings filled with potatoes or cheese).
- Borscht – a soup made with beets, potatoes, carrots, and meat.
- Varenyky – Ukrainian dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese or meat.
- Holubtsi – cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat.
- Salo – cured pork fat that is often served as an appetizer.
- Chicken Kiev – breaded chicken breast stuffed with garlic butter.
Some popular restaurants in Kropyvnytskyi include:
- Puzata Hata – a chain of Ukrainian restaurants serving traditional dishes buffet-style.
- Lvivska Plyatska – a restaurant specializing in Lviv-style pancakes filled with various ingredients such as mushrooms and cheese.
- Shato Grill Bar – a restaurant serving grilled meats and seafood dishes along with beer and wine options.
- Korchma Taras Bulba – a restaurant offering traditional Ukrainian cuisine in an atmosphere reminiscent of old-world folk culture.
- Khmeli & Suneli Craft Beer Restaurant – A pub-style restaurant featuring craft beers from local breweries paired with traditional Ukrainian dishes like varenyky or salo platter.
- Central Park is a large park located in the heart of the city, featuring walking paths, benches, and a small lake.
- Shevchenko Park is another popular park with walking paths, playgrounds, and a small zoo.
- Victory Park is a large park that offers an amusement park, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
- Maksymenko Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden that showcases various plant species from around the world.
- Waterpark Aquarius is an indoor waterpark equipped with slides and pools suitable for all ages.
- Kropyvnytskyi Zoo is a small zoo situated in Shevchenko Park that houses various animals such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
- Sports Complex Zirka offers indoor sports activities like swimming, ice skating, and fitness classes.
- Paintball Club Militia provides an outdoor paintball field where visitors can participate in team-building activities or simply have fun shooting at each other!
- Kropyvnytskyi City Beach on the Inhul River serves as one of the main summer attractions for locals to swim or sunbathe on hot days!
