Dnipro: An Introduction to the History and Amazing Facts of Ukraine's Fourth Largest City
Dnipro, formerly known as Dnipropetrovsk, is the fourth largest city in Ukraine and is located in the eastern part of the country. It is the administrative center of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and is an important industrial, scientific, educational, and cultural center of Ukraine. With a population of over one million people, Dnipro is a vibrant city with a rich history that spans centuries.
History of Dnipro
The area around Dnipro has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, and archaeological evidence suggests that the first settlements in the region date back to the 6th century BC. The city itself was founded in 1776 by Russian Empress Catherine the Great and was named after her husband, Grigori Potemkin, who was the governor-general of the region at the time.
In the 19th century, Dnipro became an important center for industry and trade. It was also an important hub for the Russian Empire's military and political ambitions, as it was located on the banks of the Dnieper River, which connected the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea.
During World War II, Dnipro was occupied by Nazi Germany and was heavily damaged during the war. After the war, the city was rebuilt and became an important industrial center for the Soviet Union.
Amazing Facts about Dnipro
• Dnipro is home to some of the oldest churches in Ukraine, including the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which dates back to the 17th century.
• The city is home to the largest bridge in Ukraine, which is called the Dnieper Bridge. It is 5,000 meters long and was built in 1953.
• Dnipro is home to the world's largest fountain, which is located in the city's main square. The fountain is made up of over 400 jets and can reach heights of up to 120 meters.
• The city is home to the largest Jewish cemetery in Europe, which covers an area of over 8 hectares.
• Dnipro is home to the largest artificial lake in Ukraine, which is called Lake Dnipro.
Things to Do in Dnipro
• Visit the Dnipro Historical Museum, which showcases the history of the city and its people.
• Take a stroll through the city's parks and gardens, such as the Shevchenko Park or the Botanical Garden.
• Explore the city's many churches, such as the Cathedral of St. Nicholas or the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
• Visit the Dnipro Zoo, which is home to over 200 species of animals.
• Take a boat ride on Lake Dnipro and admire the city skyline from the water.
• Visit the city's many monuments, such as the Monument to the Heroes of the Great Patriotic War or the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
• Sample some of the local cuisine, such as borscht, varenyky, or salo.
• Spend an evening at one of the city's many bars and clubs, such as the Jazz Club or the Red Bar.
• Shop at the city's many markets, such as the Central Market or the Bazaar.
• Take a tour of the city's many museums, such as the Dnipro Art Museum or the National Museum of Ukrainian History.
• Take a trip to the nearby city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, which is home to a beautiful castle and a stunning natural landscape.