Last Updated on 26th November 2025 by admin
Ukraine is a beautiful country located in the eastern side of Europe and shares borders with Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. This is a wonderful country with beautiful landscapes, rich history, and great culture. Here you can find ancient castles to modern architectural thats attracts visitors from all around the world.
Although the impact of war with Russia continues, Ukraine still exhibits strength and endurance, and its landmarks remain stand as proud symbols of its enduring heritage.
In this article, we will explore 12 most famous landmarks in Ukraine, each with their unique charm and cultural importance. So lets star! So let’s get started!
1. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Also known as the Kyiv Monastery of the Caves it is a world heritage site located in Kyiv. It is a complex of monasteries and churches which was established in the 11th century. The Lavra is a place that is referred to as underground caves, as the place houses the remains of thousands of monks and other crucial personalities in the history of Ukraine.
It is one of the most important religious places in the country and is regarded as being the cradle of Eastern Slavic monasticism. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is another place where you can have a magnificent view of Dnipro River and the city of Kyiv due to its elevated place. Lavra with its calm gardens and beautiful landscapes is a great place to relax in the busy city.
The Lavra occupies a separate place in the heart of Ukrainians and is one of the examples of the strong roots of religion in the country. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Ukraine, visitors come from all over the world to see its beautiful architecture, learn about its history and pay their respects to the saints and monks who are buried there.
2. Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is an area of 30 kilometers radius surrounding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant which occurred on April 26, 1986. It is a terrifying memory of a disastrous event that altered the history. This expansive region, which is in northern Ukraine, the location of tragedy and scientific wonder.
Nevertheless, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is an interesting tourist site despite the risks. It is a unique opportunity to see a place which has been frozen in time from the 1986 disaster. It is now a tourist attraction site and people can visit the ghost town of Pripyat, as well as the power plant ruins today. People going to the Exclusion Zone are required to wear protective devices to shield them against radiations and are only permitted to access some of its parts.
Pripyat used to be a thriving town with more than 50,000 inhabitants. It was evacuated in the days after the Chernobyl disaster and ever since abandoned. Visitors to Pripyat can see the empty buildings, overgrown streets and abandoned playgrounds.
3. Saint Sophia Cathedral
Saint Sophia Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Kyiv. It was constructed during the 11th century, and it is one of the oldest churches in Eastern Europe and one of the most significant religious and cultural landmarks in Ukraine. The cathedral is known for its beautiful mosaics and frescoes which depict scenes from the Bible.
The cathedral also has a number of unique architectural features, such as its 13 domes and its 103 columns. Its golden domes, elaborate frescoes and its ornate mosaics produce a spectacular sight. The exterior and interior of the cathedral are covered with religious and historical artwork providing a glimpse of the history of Ukraine.
Saint Sophia Cathedral was badly damaged during World War II, but was restored in the 1950s. It is now a museum and a famous tourist attraction in Ukraine. One of the most remarkable features of the cathedral is the 76 meters high bell tower which offers panoramic views of the historic Podil district of Kyiv, as well as the Dnipro River.
4. Lviv Old Town
The Lviv Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the city of Lviv, the western part of Ukraine. It is a relatively intact medieval city center having cobbled streets, renaissance architecture, and vibrant squares. The Old Town is filled with many famous landmarks, such as the Lviv Opera House, the Market Square, and the Armenian Quarter.
The Lviv Opera House is one of the most beautiful houses of opera in the world. It was constructed in the 19th century and is known for its good acoustics and its beautiful interior. The opera house provides a range of performances throughout the year such as operas, ballets, and concerts.
Lviv is known as the coffee capital of Ukraine and the Old Town is the place where this rich tradition lives. The streets are filled with the smell of fresh coffee that is brewed, and you can go out to see the many coffeehouses in the city. To make an experience even more authentic, one must not forget to visit the legendary Lviv Coffee Mining Manufacture.
5. Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle
The Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle is a medieval castle in the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, western Ukraine. It is one of the most famous castles in Ukraine and is characterized with its preserved towers, walls and other fortifications. The castle was erected in the 14th century on top of a rocky island surrounded by the turns of the Smotrych river.
Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle was the venue of many important battles in history. The castle is now a museum and visitors can explore the towers, walls and other fortifications. It was also a great center of trade and commerce during the Middle Ages.
The castle is a famous tourist attraction for a number of reasons. First, it is one of the well-preserved castles in Ukraine. Second, it is in beautiful location on the banks of the Smotrych River. Third, it has a rich and interesting history. Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle is also a must-see place in case you visit Kamianets-Podilskyi.
6. The Motherland Monument
The Motherland Monument, also known as Rodina Mat is one of the tallest statues in the world that is located in the capital city Kyiv. It is a part of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine during the Second World War. The sculpture is 62 meters (203 feet) high and with the pedestal, it is up to 102 meters (335 feet) high. It is also the highest stainless steel statue in the world.
The statue shows the woman holding a sword in her right hand and a shield in her left hand. The sword is 16 meters (52 feet) in length and it weighs 9 tons. The shield is 8 meters (26 feet) diameter and weighs 13 tons. The statue is a symbol of the victory of the Ukrainian people over Nazi Germany in World War II. It is also a symbol of Ukrainian people’s strength and resilience.
At the bottom of the statue is the Eternal Flame, a great symbol of memory for the heroes who fallen. Visitors can also explore the Memorial Hall, featuring exhibitions and memorials that illuminate the experiences of Ukraine’s residents during the war years and the strength of the Ukrainian spirit.
7. Golden Gate
The Golden Gate of Kyiv was the main gate of the 11th century fortifications of Kyiv. The Golden Gate was placed at the southern side of the city, and was one of the main entrances to Kyiv. It was a huge building – brick and stone. The gate had two towers, and was overtopped by a golden dome.
The sculptor Vasyl Borodai and the architect Yevhen Vuchetich were the creators of the statue. It was constructed 1979-1981 and the inauguration took place on May 9, 1981, on the 36th anniversary of the Victory Day over Nazi Germany. The structure was dismantled during the Middle Ages and very little of its existence remains. It was completely reconstructed by the Soviet authorities in 1982.
Over the centuries the Golden Gate fell into disrepair until, in the 20th century, the Golden Gate was painstakingly rebuilt to its former glory. Today, Golden Gate is a one of the famous landmarks of Ukraine. Visitors can climb to the top of the towers and enjoy amazing views of Kyiv. The gate also houses a museum, which relates the story of the gate’s history.
8. Khotyn Fortress
Khotyn Fortress is a complex of fortifications on the hilly right bank of Dniester river in western part of Ukraine. It was built in the 13th century and it was the site of many important battles in history. It played an important role in the defense of the region against Mongol invaders, Ottoman Turks and other enemies.
It is one of the oldest preserved fortifications of Eastern Europe and the fortress is well-preserved and is open to the public. This fortress with all its high walls, turrets and strategic site were a prize coveted by many over the centuries and changing tastes have left a fascinating cultural mish mash in its wake.
The variety of its architecture from Gothic to Renaissance is a visual witness of the fortress’s great past. Khotyn Fortress is a World Heritage Site and is one of the most famous monuments of Ukraine. Tourists have the opportunity to walk through the towers, walls, and other defense mechanisms of the fortress and understand its long-term history.
9. Potemkin Stairs
Potemkin Stairs or the Odessa Steps, officially the Primorsky Stairs is a monumental flight of stairs consisting of 192 steps, shallow steps rising 142 meters (466 ft) in a double-flight configuration with a central landing, from the Port of Odessa to the Vorontsov Palace atop the Primorsky Boulevard. The stairs were commissioned by Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia in 1790
Built in 1837-41 to a design by the Italian architect Francesco Boffo, the stairs are a popular tourist destination, and the setting of a number of famous films, including Sergei Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin, 1925, a classic. The stairs are not just a physical object, but are symbolic of Odessa’s rich maritime history.
The Potemkin Stairs are a very unique and special place. The Potemkin Stairs are one of the most famous landmarks in Ukraine and are a popular tourist destination. Once to the top, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Odessa’s bustling harbor and the Black Sea for a picture perfect sunset; and a legendary backdrop for images.
10. Maidan Nezalezhnosti
Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) or Maidan is the symbolic center of Ukrainian independence and is a historical site. Maidan Nezalezhnosti is in the centre of Kyiv, and it is very easy to get to by public transportation. The square is open to the public 24 hours, 7 days a week. The square is also a popular tourist destination, and is home to a number of museums, theaters, and restaurants.
The square was first called the Khreshchatyk Square, after the street running through it. It was re-baptized Independence Square in 1991, after Ukraine had gained its independence from the Soviet Union. It is the place of many significant events in Ukrainian history such as the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Euromaidan Revolution of 2014.
The square is a large open space which is surrounded by a number of important or famous buildings. These include the National Opera House, the City Hall and the Presidential Administration Building. The square is also home to a number of famous statues and monuments, including the Monument to the Fallen Heroes of the Revolution of Dignity which commemorates the victims of the Euromaidan Revolution.
11. St. George’s Cathedral
St. George’s Cathedral is a baroque-rococo cathedral in downtown the city of Lviv, the ancient capital of western Ukraine. It was built between 1744-1760 on a hill overlooking the city. It was constructed between 1744 and 1760 years, it also represents a World Heritage Site and one of the most significant religious and cultural landmarks in Ukraine.
However, St. George’s Cathedral is a building more than just an architectural marvel; it is an active place of worship that adds to its historic and spiritual importance. Visitors are invited to appreciate its beauty and get a taste of Lviv’s rich history and deep-felt faith.
The architectural ensemble of St. George’s Cathedral also aims a belfry, the Baroque Metropolitan Palace and chapter house, and a behind two gates enclosed garden. It is a famous tourist attraction and visitors come from all over the world to see its beautiful architecture, learn about its history, and pay their respects to the saints and monks that are buried there.
12. Tunnel of Love
The Tunnel of Love is near the village of Klevan, in western Ukraine. It is known for its beautiful scenery with trees and bushes grow over the tracks and create a tunnel. The passage originated as a regular railway track but, over time, the branches and leaves of the trees lining the passage have entwined and have formed a tunnel-like roof construction.
The tunnel is approximately 3 kilometers long and is used by freight trains for the transportation of wood from another factory nearby. The trees and bushes that create the archway were planted by railway workers in the 1970s in order to shield the trains from the elements. The Tunnel of Love gained popularity with tourists in the early 2000s, after being mentioned in a magazine article. Since then, it has been included in many other publications and documentaries.
This unique and whimsical location has gained its reputation as one of the most romantic places in the world. The Tunnel of Love is one of the famous tourist attractions of Ukraine, and it is frequently visited by pairs of couples who believe that kissing in the tunnel will bring them good luck.
These are just a few of the landmarks in Ukraine, their are lots of other but these are world famous due to its uniqueness and importance. Ukraine has something to offer everyone with its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in visiting a medieval castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or a beautiful nature reserve, there are something for anyone to enjoy in Ukraine. Plan your visit to these iconic landmarks and create your own memories in this remarkable Eastern European nation.
