Everything related to the Khmelnytskyi region is often subordinated to the popularity of an important historical center of Podillia – the old Kamianets-Podilskyi. However, the Khmelnytskyi region is wider and more interesting than it may seem at first glance. Many secrets are hidden in the Dnister canyon, in the quiet streets of ancient towns and villages, in the reliefs of Podilski rocks!
We offer you a list of little-known attractions of the Khmelnytskyi region: discover Khmelnytskyi – discover Ukraine!
1. Zavallia village – the karst cave Atlantis
Atlantis, a three-level cave, is an amazing place in the village of Zavallia, Kamianets-Podilskyi district. This so-called cave of the mountain king was opened in 1969, and still remains the most beautiful among the caves of Podillia.
Once in the cave, you will definitely be impressed by its inner entourage, because the gypsum crystals on the walls create unprecedented patterns reminiscent of prehistoric flowers. The cave has separate halls and galleries, as well as bizarre fauna – rare species of bats live in the Atlantis.
From time to time in the cave are held quests and training camps for tourism, for both children and adults. In addition, fans of extreme sports can by prior arrangement book an individual underground tour .
2. Bakota – a wiped out village
Bakota used to be a picturesque village in the Staroushytskyi district, but since 1981 it has drowned forever in the waters of the Dnister river.
The history of this energetically powerful place dates back to antient times, the first mention of Bakota is found in the chronicle of 1240.
This place is part of the territory of the Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park. The first thing that comes to mind while standing on the rocky bank of the Dnister river is how beautiful and, at the same time, frightening is the landscape you see!
It’s scary because 30 small villages are buried at the deep bottom of the Dnister, and even a trace of them is not left.
Isn’t that how legends are born? Shrouded in mystery, Bakota will continue to attract tourists with its beautiful nature. By the way, there is another wonder on the shores of Bakota – the oldest cave monasteries of Podillia. They are 7-9 meters deep in the mountanies. There are not enough words to describe this extraordinary cache of holiness.
Therefore, Bakota will definitely give you bright emotions and will allow you to spend time insightfully. By the way, the community of Staroushytsia is actively promoting tourism, there was built the first in whole region Green Point – a rest stop for cyclists.
3. Ancient Sataniv
Sataniv village is located in the Horodok district, on the border of Khmelnytskyi and Ternopil regions.
The best time to travel to Sataniv is late spring. It is during this period that the nature of the district appears in all its beauty: the elegant forests on Podilski Tovtry look marvelous!
You are probably wondering why the village got such a weird name? Some talk about the origin of the word “Sataniv” from the Roman “Sat an non?”(Let`s stay here or go further?) others say that the meaning of the word should be sought in Western languages. There are many theories, so it is better to hear them from local researchers.
Nowadays Sataniv is interesting for its waterfalls, recreation areas, clean terrain, and the well-known in Ukraine Zbruchanska mineral water.
In addition to the mentioned entertainment, in Sataniv you can participate in interactive quests and go on an interesting bike tour!
4. Half-timbering town of the Sangushko-Pototskyis’ residence in Antoniny
In Krasyliv district of Khmelnytsky region on the river Ikopot there is a small village Antoniny. In the heart of this village are hidden a beautiful park and several elegant buildings of the 18-19th centuries. In 1760, a park was established on the territory of the half-timbering town-residence of the Sangushko-Pototskyis’ families, which was considered one of the best in Volyn region. Trees and bushes, exotic for this area, grew in the park. Besides, Józef Mykola Potocki adored bright flowers, so alleys with incredibly beautiful inflorescences were well-groomed everywhere.
Nowadays, more than twenty exotic tree species, an avant-garde garage, a manor house and a pantry have been preserved on the territory of the manor town.
There is also a Polish cemetery, which has an even longer history than the Lychakiv’s one!
5. Waterfalls of the Dunaivtsi region
The South-East of Khmelnytskyi region is often called the Land of Springs, and for a reason – this is where the extensive waterfall network of the Dunaivtsi region is located.
About a dozen of waterfalls and healing springs ripple on the so-called territory of the spring region. The most famous among them is the eighteen-meter waterfall of the Malivtsi village, which was artificially created by a local lord in the 17th century; and the Burbun waterfall (in the village of Lysets). The name of the latter comes from the words “thump” and “grumble”. When you stand by the rippling waters, you imagine yourself as a part of the Ukrainian mythology. So, right there you begin to believe in legends and myths and start to listen whether it is not a mermaid singing under the stream of a roaring spring.
It is also worth mentioning the Holy spring and the waterfall near the Sokilets village. It is said that the waterfall already reached 500 years since its existence. The sceneries of the waterfall resemble the fabulous forests of Sherwood.
6. Zinkiv (land of delicacies and adventures)
Once upon a time, Zinkiv was a famous town known for its masters of pottery. And it is in Zinkiv that the famous Podilsk delicacy is made – black Zinkiv sausage!
Despite the gastronomic and ceramic delights, Zinkiv is also interesting for its beautiful church of St. Michael the Archangel. In 1769 the church was built at the expense of parishioners. The sacred place suffered remained almost untouched after the revolutions and wars. In 2007-2012, the temple underwent serious restoration work, so today it looks very attractive!
In addition to St. Michael’s Church, in Zinkov there is a manor house in the style of restrained Art Nouveau. So, there are enough attractions to visit!
7. Samchyky Residence
In the village Samchyky, located near Starokostiantyniv, is a unique architectural and park ensemble of a wealthy colonel of the 18th century Petro Chechel.
Most people from Podillia region know this place thanks to the magnificent residence, which was given the title of the Podillia Versailles.
It is said that at the end of the 18th century, Petro Chechel arranged a luxurious residence in Samchyky, with a beautiful park, oriental decoration of rooms in the Empire style. The estate was once surrounded by a stone wall, and there are still preserved 200-year-old pages, cheerful and sad lions in front of the entrance to the so-called Versailles. The first ones – greet guests, inviting them to a party in an amazing house with oriental ornaments. The later, accompanies guests with a sad look, as if they will never meet again.
8. Samchyky Painting
Samchyky village is famous for the legendary Samchyk-style painting art.
This decorative and applied art looks simple and very beautiful! Bright stylized flowers grow on plates and pots, on stoves, walls, and fences of the locals, and even at the bus stop in the village. And if you are willing – folk masters will be happy to hold a master class for guests, it isn`t odd that in Samchyky Secondary School painting is a compulsory subject!
9. Interesting Khmelnytskyi: unique sculptures by Mykola Mazur
Khmelnytskyi is not a very big city, and it is undoubtedly underestimated. While strolling around the city, it is difficult not to notice the individual aesthetic style inherent in the sculptures of Khmelnytskyi. By the way, they can all tell a fascinating story! For example, the Taras Shevchenko square has an open air playground full of bizarre characters from fairy tales. All of them are made from a variety of scrap, which was given a second life by the famous monumental artist, sculptor, easel painter, honorary citizen of Khmelnytskyi Mykola Mazur.
Colorful compositions are amazing, it is amazing how pipes, wheels, springs, pistons, bearings, tanks, reseivors, worn-out car engines continue to live a new life.
Mykola Mazur’s compositions are scattered around Khmelnytskyi like pearls. You will find them in the Checkman park, Ivan Franko park, at the Silistra stop, in the Shevchenko cinema… And all of them are like giant toys from our past.
The highest composition in a series of such works is The Space, located in the Mykhailo Chekman park. This is a 25-meter in lenght, six meters in height spaceship, and a giant, 5 meters in hight astronaut. The objects are made of metal by welding. The bright three-dimensional composition enchants with its extravagance, leaving neither children nor adults indifferent!
10. Khmelnytskyi Museum-Studio of Photography
This is the first museum of photography in the Independent Ukraine. Khmelnytskyi Museum-Studio of Photography is located in a three-story modern building of the 20th century, which was once an elite hotel The Continental. In addition to the exposition with ancient photographic equipment, the museum has permanent exhibitions, such as Proskuriv photography of the late 19th – early 20th century and The Old-new city. Hundreds of pairs of eyes from old photos look at the visitors in the lobby of the museum, observing the guests with interest.
By the way, in the museum-photo studio you can not only see the photographic equipment of the past, but also take a souvenir photo to remember. The museum also has modern exhibition halls, where presentations and exhibitions of the best modern photography examples of Ukraine take place.
The article was prepared by the Tourist Information Center of Khmelnytskyi.