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Kaniv Ukraine – A Short Introduction
Picturesque and ancient, Kaniv was once one of Kyivan Rus’ largest cities. At that time, it was an outpost used for diplomatic meetings between Old Russian tsars and ambassadors of militant tribes.
In the 18th century, it became a popular destination for elderly Cossacks. They wanted to live out their days on the banks of the great Dnieper River, and on the Chernecha Mountain, where, according to legend, a monastery stood in the past.
Taras Shevchenko
The mountain remains one of Kaniv’s most important places, attracting thousands of tourists to the city. But today, it’s most famous for the fact that it housed the poet and painter Taras Shevchenko. He was so moved by nature’s beauty that he wanted his burial site here. After his death, the mountain obtained the name Tarasova Mountain and became a national cultural landmark.
The biggest monument to Taras Shevchenko stands above his tomb. A few steps away, you can visit a museum dedicated to his life and work; behind it is a picturesque park. From Tarasova Mountain, you can admire fantastic views of the Dnieper River – the same scenes that a century and a half ago inspired the poet.
But Tarasova Mountain is not the only place of interest in Kaniv. The Assumption Cathedral, built in Kyivan Rus times is also worth seeing. Kaniv is 160 kilometers (100 miles) away from Kyiv. It’s best to dedicate a day or even a full weekend to this charming town!
St George Cathedral Kaniv
Proudly standing on the high hill in the town’s historical center, the Assumption of the Holiest Mother of God Cathedral is a truly unique architectural and historical monument. This is the oldest Novhorod-Siversky religious building that survived in its original form.
The Assumption Cathedral, founded in 1671, is on the place where, according to legend, a pagan temple stood in ancient times. It’s also the place where Novhorod-Siversky’s citadel was in the Kyivan Rus times. But the temple’s building stalled for a long time. First, it was because all forces and funds went to building temples in Chernihiv at that time.
Later, because Russian Imperator Petr the First prohibited raising stone buildings anywhere except St. Petersburg. The magnificent five-dome Assumption Cathedral became the town’s genuine adornment. It’s still one of the most valuable and vivid Ukrainian Baroque buildings today.
Over its history, the temple was rebuilt several times and each time it substantially changed its appearance. It underwent the first large-scale reconstruction 100 years after its foundation.
In the 2nd half of the 18th century, dangerous cracks were found in the Assumption Cathedral’s walls. They seemed to have appeared due to unfortunate projecting. The building’s walls were strengthened, although this reconstruction reduced the temple’s inner space.
Another reconstruction followed in the early 19th century. The domes changed and the luxurious Baroque bell tower was adjoined to it. A specially constructed passage connects the temple and the bell tower.
Today its most beautiful iconostasis is the Assumption Cathedral’s main treasure. It includes fragments of the very first carved iconostasis with gilding – temple’s peer – and several icons dated to the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Kaniv Museum
The Kaniv Museum, located in the picturesque town of Kaniv in Ukraine, is a significant cultural and historical site. It is part of the Shevchenko National Reserve, which is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the renowned Ukrainian poet, Taras Shevchenko.
Historical Background
The museum’s origins date back to 1884 when the first folk museum dedicated to Taras Shevchenko was established on Taras Hill, also known as Chernecha Hill. This site is particularly important as it is the final resting place of Shevchenko, who was buried there in 1861. Over the years, the museum has undergone several transformations, including reconstruction after World War II.
Exhibits and Collections
The Kaniv Museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts related to Taras Shevchenko’s life and work. Visitors can explore various exhibits that include personal belongings of the poet, manuscripts, and artworks. The museum also features a significant collection of Ukrainian folk art, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Cultural and Educational Role
Beyond its role as a museum, the Kaniv Museum serves as a cultural and educational center. It hosts numerous events, workshops, and lectures aimed at promoting Ukrainian culture and history. The museum is a popular destination for both local and international tourists, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually.