TOP 10 Things to See in Chernivtsi

"...Chernivtsi is a city halfway between Kyiv and Bucharest, between Krakiv and Odessa, it was the unofficial capital of Europe, where the best coloratura sopranos sang, where the sidewalks were swept with bouquets of roses and where there were more bookstores than coffee shops, and where fiacre coachmen argued about Karl Kraus..."

If you're planning a trip to Chernivtsi, a city that cherishes its centuries-old history and European architectural heritage, we've compiled a selection of the top 10 locations that everyone who has visited Chernivtsi should see.

Chernivtsi University

A must-see in Chernivtsi is the former residence of the metropolitans of Bukovyna and Dalmatia. It is the hallmark of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna, and is often called the Ukrainian Hogwarts. The construction of the majestic residence lasted for 18 years under the direction of Czech architect Josef Hlavka. It was officially opened in 1875. Today it is home to Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. The pompous ensemble of buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend that you take a walk around the university and explore its luxurious interiors. This can be done with a guide. Please note that from 10 AM to 4 PM, guided tours of the University of Chernivtsi are held every hour.

The Town Hall Bugler

During a walk in Chernivtsi, the cozy streets of the city will certainly lead you to the Central Square. The best time to be here is at 12 PM.  It is at noon every day, at any time, that you can see and hear a trumpeter climbing the Town Hall tower in national costume and singing the melody of the legendary Ukrainian song "Marichka" to the 4 cardinal points. This is a beautiful city tradition that is almost 20 years old. And in just a few minutes, you will be able to see the unique glow of the gilded panels of the Art Museum's Secessionist building, which is located next to the Town Hall.

The Light of Panska Street

Another charming tradition worth seeing in Chernivtsi is the lighting of the city's main lantern. This is a fascinating theatrical performance with the participation of colorful lantern makers that takes place in Chernivtsi every Saturday at dusk. You can see the tradition at the beginning of Olga Kobylianska Street.

Panska promenade

Walking along Olha Kobylianska Street is also among the essential rituals for a tourist. It's an ancient street where you'll find some of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Take your time to admire the concentrated architecture here. According to legends, during the Austrian times, the street was swept with roses, washed with warm soapy water, and at the entrance, one had to carefully wipe their shoes. In honor of this legend, local blacksmiths even crafted the statue "Janitor with Roses," which you'll come across during your promenade. Now, it's a cozy and picturesque pedestrian street that captures the city's charm, adorned with numerous restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.

Organ hall

The Armenian Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, which is also the organ hall of the Chernivtsi Philharmonic, was built in the 19th century. This is another Chernivtsi masterpiece by the famous Czech architect Josef Hlavka. Due to its shape and elegant color, the shrine is eloquently beautiful in winter and picturesquely expressive in summer. In addition to worship, you can also listen to the ancient organ here. To get inside and see the incredibly beautiful interiors, you need to make an appointment in advance by calling 0509091169

The Theater

Every tourist walking around Chernivtsi will definitely come across the theater, which is located right in the heart of the city, on Teatralna Square. This is a very beautiful monumental building, which Austrian publicist H. Heintzen called "a dream of velvet and gold." The building has many small details and is a real find for art lovers. On the facades you can see the figures of famous playwrights and writers, and inside you can enjoy a large, truly magical hall, which is decorated with ornaments and molded decor. The theater is open by appointment for a sightseeing tour or a theatrical tour, which is held once a month.

House-ship

One of the most beautiful buildings in Chernivtsi, with an unusual shape resembling a ship and a "deck" on the second floor, is the House-ship. If you're looking for interesting places in Chernivtsi, this building is definitely one of them. The history of the house is linked to a legend about two brothers. To see the building from the best perspective, stand at the corner of Holovna and Sholem Aleichem streets. The backdrop of the house-ship provides for intriguing photographs.

Jesuit Church

One of the oldest churches in Chernivtsi is the Neo-Gothic Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The tower of this church soars 60 meters into the sky. The building boasts distinctive Gothic architectural elements: massive buttresses, 15 of which support the structure's foundation, and large lancet windows (once adorned with stunning Czech stained glass). This church was originally known as the Jesuit Church, but today it is the Roman Catholic Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Twin Houses

Among the locations that undoubtedly pique the curiosity of tourists are the twin houses located on Ivan Franko Street, not far from the Town Hall. These two entirely identical structures appear as though they are mirrored reflections of each other. The buildings draw attention with their refined neoclassical architecture, enriched with distinct Renaissance accents. It is reliably known that the twin houses were erected in 1908. However, you will hear numerous legends about the owners of these buildings.

 ­­­Bristol

A luxurious four-story Secessionist building with a corner bay window tower, the former Bristol Hotel, adorns Philharmonic Square. Built in 1905-1906, the hotel was one of the most luxurious in the city. The city's wealthiest guests stayed here. Rumor has it that spicy receptions were also held here. Nowadays, the building has not lost its charm and fascinates passers-by both day and night. Nearby is a monument to the famous pianist and composer Franz Liszt. There is a sign that tourists should make a wish by rubbing the nose of this famous musician.