Sprawling along the Dnieper River, Cherkasy Oblast is a culturally-rich district in Ukraine’s central region. It’s famously the birthplace of Taras Shevchenko, one of Ukraine’s most revered poets and political figures, and is home to an oak tree believed to be more than 1,000 years old.
Things to do in Cherkas’ka Oblast’
Whether you want to discover Ukraine’s cultural past or be immersed in its botanical riches, Cherkasy Oblast is full of surprises.
Explore Sofiyivsky Park. In the north of Uman is Sofiyivsky Park, an arboretum home to a huge diversity of trees and shrubs from around the globe. It was designed to reflect elements of Homer’s poems “Odyssey” and “Iliad”, with a scientific research institute among its facilities. You can learn about Ukraine’s flora at the on-site museum before enjoying lunch at the park’s restaurant.
Visit the grave of Ukraine’s greatest poet. Located atop Tarasova Hill near the city of Kaniv is Shevchenko National Preserve, which houses the grave of the beloved Ukrainian poet, Taras Shevchenko. Visit the museum to learn about his life and legacy before paying your respects to the bronze monument of the poet created by Matvei Manizer.
Photograph the nunnery of Mel’nyky. One of Cherkasy Oblast’s most important religious landmarks is the Holy Trinity Motroninsky Nunnery, which lies near the small town of Mel’nyky. Topped by a bright green roof, the whitewashed building is just a short drive from a scenic lake and a centuries-old oak forest.
Learn about Ukrainian culture at Zernolend. Combining a cultural heritage museum with a hands-on pottery workshop, Zernolend is a unique attraction ideal for all ages. Learn about the region’s rich history dating back to Scythian times or embark on a horse riding excursion while soaking up the picturesque landscapes of the Ivkivtsi region.
Getting around Cherkas’ka Oblast’
Cherkasy Oblast is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Kyiv and Kyiv Boryspil International Airport. Regular trains connect to Uman and Cherkasy while buses access the district’s smaller towns and villages. Having your own car is the most convenient way of exploring the region.