The Annunciation Cathedral is the most beautiful temple in Kharkiv – one of the largest cities in Ukraine and its former capital. The history of the cathedral dates back to the 17th century when it was not a monumental cathedral, but a small wooden church. In its current form, it was rebuilt only in 1789.
The temple impresses with its solemnity, rich in interior decoration. Great Russian and Ukrainian artists painted the walls of the Annunciation Cathedral artists. This temple is a favorite attraction for tourists not without good reason.
The fountain “Zerkal’naya Struya” (The Mirror Stream) is one of the most outstanding architectural constructions in Kharkov. This arbor and fountain are on Sums’ka street in the Victory park in front of Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. It’s considered as one of the symbols and main attractions of Kharkov.
According to the official version this fountain, “The Mirror Stream”, built in 1947 by architect Korzh, was to honor of the victory in World War II. By the way, not many people know that this fountain isn’t unique. This is a copy of the fountain in Kislovodsk (“Altanka”). The legend says that “The Mirror Stream” was built by a high-ranking Soviet official for his young lover in memory of their holiday. Behind the fountain there’s a small park which is very pleasant for a walk, to sit on a bench, or have business meeting.
Now it’s surrounded by small picturesque public garden. There’s a pavilion where under a mirror stream flows. In front of the fountain there is a beautiful ground with a flower bed. Behind it you will find romantic pond of irregular shape.
The Mirror Stream is one of the most favorite places of kharkovians to meet and rest. On Fridays and Saturdays this is where newlyweds come to take wedding pictures. They often have to wait in a line, one couple at the time, may it rain or be dreadfully hot outside.
As far of sightseeing, this one is really entertaining. Get yourself a sandwich, sit on a bench and do some people watching for the rest of the day. It won’t disappoint you.
One of symbols of Kharkiv and its main attractions is the monument to the outstanding Ukrainian poet and writer, artist Taras Shevchenko. It’s considered to be the best monument to Shevchenko in the world and this is one of the seven wonders of Kharkiv. The monument is in the city center, in the garden that has the same name – Shevchenko Garden.
Along with the landscape and Kharkiv architecture they form a unified ensemble. The total height of the monument is more than 16 meters, and the statue of Kobzar made of gray labradorite is 4.5 meters.
Since the opening celebration of the monument took place in 1935, the interpretation of Taras Shevchenko’s personality was Soviet (as a revolutionary poet, writer, an ideological fighter for the bright future of the people). The style of sculpture combines Socialist Realism and Stalinist Baroque. The authors of the monument are sculptor Matthew Manizer and architect Joseph Langbard.
Unified multidisciplinary composition of the monument is best viewed in several stages. The monument is the original architectural spiral with triangular column with Shevchenko on a pedestal. Around it there were, in a circle, 16 statues frozen in movement. They represent the working people in the fight for their rights and freedoms.
A dynamic statue
The statue of Kobzar is full of dynamic. Laconic forms represent the style of Constructivism. Exaggerated folds of clothing, work with large surfaces creates the effect of power and fight. The sculptures surrounding the pedestal are dark bronze and two times smaller than the figure of Shevchenko.
According to author’s idea, this composition is best viewed from a small distance, starting with “Catherine” and then move counter-clockwise.