Kharkov Travel Guide, Ukraine

Kharkov is the Ukraine's second biggest city, being founded in the 1600s. During the 1930s, Kharkov was named the Soviet Ukraine capital, and this city is the biggest cultural, scientific, and industrial center in the country. Kharkov covers over 300,000 square kilometers of land, having a population of more than 2 million people. The city is also referred to as Harkiv, Charkow, Harkow, and Kharkiv.

Background

The city was a cradle for the intellectual society of the country. Kharkov is also where most of the first Ukrainian literary works of their language were written, as well as the city where the first Ukrainian theater performances were begun. Between December of 1919 and June of 1934 this city was the Soviet Ukraine's capital. The cultural renaissance of the country started here between 1920 and 1930. Kharkov is home to several scientific discoveries, which have made technology revolutions, as the city is one of the key scientific and industrial centers in the country.

The City Today

The architectural pattern of the city today has been created for over 300 years, being influenced by a variety of life, traditional, and habiting conditions of the people of Ukraine, as well as their neighboring nations. Kharkov has also developed its own charm in its narrow streets lined with old buildings, the combination of different styles of architecture, and its small yards. In the downtown area of the city, there is an impressive main square, small churches and majestic cathedrals, and a subway, of which has many stations that are considered to be art works.

There are 6 professional theaters, many museums and libraries, as well as a circus in the city. The city also has over 100 parks within the limits of the city. The population is most hospitable and peaceful, being considered to be the quietest and safest city among the other large cities in the country. Numerous foreigners travel to Kharkov for pleasure and business purposes.

The Kharkov National University is the oldest Ukrainian university, being founded by Vasil Karazin in 1805, and is located in the city. This is also the center of Ukraine for students, having over 188,000 students, which include 5,300 students who are foreigners, studying at the city's 83 institutions for higher education. This makes Kharkov a city of everlasting youth.

Climate

The climate in Kharkov is moderate, with an average temperature of 70°F around the middle of the year. During the winter, the temperature will normally reach an average low of 19°F. The rainfall level at about the middle of the year is an average of about 21 inches.