Poltava is the administrative center of Poltava region. The area of the region — 28,800 sq. km. The population of the Poltava region — 1,771,000. The population of the city — 350,000.
Poltava, the city of ancient origins (its first mention dates back to the 12th century, and the exact date of foundation is unknown), has always been a major centre of traditional Ukrainian culture.
Though the city is a largely rebuilt one, the standard city tour includes quite a few interesting sites of 17-19th century architecture: the wooden Saviour Church (1705-06); the Holy Cross Cathedral (1689-1709), the only preserved sample of Ukrainian baroque architecture, and the belfry (1786); the belfry of the Assumption Cathedral (1774-1801).
There are some very interesting museums in Poltava. The Local History Museum is located in the most peculiar building, a blend of European secession with local Ukrainian traditions; the Museum of I. P. Kotlyarevsky, famous Ukrainian writer, is located in his former private house, presenting urban interiors typical for the first half of the 19th century; the Museum of Panas Mymiy, famous Ukrainian writer; the Museum of the Battle of Poltava (1709).
People of Poltava maintain the cultural environment of the "heart of Ukrainian culture" — the city of Poltava. |
