The Wooden Churches of Zakarpattia

Zakarpattia is called the land of wooden churches. In atheist times they were closed and fell into decline. Then they were ruthlessly used as warehouses and outbuildings. Many burned down. Some were attacked by seekers of treasure and valuables. In the Svaliava, Mukachevo, Vynohradiv, Tiachiv, Perechyn, Khust, Rakhiv, Velykyi Bereznyi, and Mizhhiria districts, unique examples of wooden folk architecture have survived. To acquaint people with the spiritual heritage of the Zakarpattia region, tourist routes have been drawn up with visits to the monuments of wooden sacral architecture.

Uzhhorod. The Museum of Folk Architecture and Life. The Church of the Holy Archangel Michael

27 March, Theatre Day. A Tour of Ukraine's Theatres

Theatre Day, founded by the International Theatre Institute under UNESCO, has been celebrated all over the world since 1961. On 27 March congratulations go to all who are involved in creating vivid spectacles in the temples of Melpomene — stage directors, artists, actors, costumiers, decorators, producers, cashiers, sound engineers, cloakroom attendants and all theatre-lovers, spectators and students of theatrical colleges. And although this holiday is considered professional, and the date is not marked in red in the calendars, for the workers of the stage this day is always a working one, and the spectator is the most welcome guest.

Lviv. Solomiya Krushelnytska National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet

Uzhhorod. 'Detsa u Notaria', the First Tavern of Its Kind

If you are in Uzhhorod for just an hour or two or for the whole day, then the restaurant-museum "Detsa u notaria" is the most positive place, where, together with dishes of the national cuisine, you can feel the Zakarpattia colour, taste a portion of folk humour, see a gallery of unconventional posters and signs, buy original souvenirs and charge yourself with a wonderful mood.

Uzhhorod. The tavern-museum "Detsa u notaria"

Uzhhorod. Mysterious, welcoming, romantic, wonderful

Uzhhorod — a popular tourist centre of all Ukraine. What do they not call this enchanting city! Tourists hurry to see the capital of Zakarpattia in spring, when the city is wrapped in a pink veil of blooming sakuras and magnolias. Uzhhorod draws you to itself like a magnet at any time of year, and each time it evokes delight and astonishment. It seems you already know all the landmarks, but suddenly you see them from a new, inimitable angle — for example, after the rain.

Uzhhorod. Theatre Square after the rain

Uzhhorod. The Skansen. A Zakarpattian Village in Miniature

The first museum of folk architecture and everyday life in Ukraine was opened in Uzhhorod in 1970. On an area of 5.5 hectares you can, in two hours, see Zakarpattia in miniature, with the homesteads of the Lemkos, Boykos, Hutsuls, Hungarians and Romanians. The skansen lies behind the defensive wall of the medieval castle.

Uzhhorod. The Museum of Folk Architecture and Life. The tavern

Synagogues in Ukraine. How Is Their Heritage Preserved?

In Jewish communities scattered across the world, the synagogue is a social and spiritual centre. In these beautiful buildings with large windows, one of which faces towards Jerusalem, not only are God's Commandments preached, but public matters are also decided, solemn ceremonies held and guests received. In the 'Houses of Assembly' the community's board sits and a communal court operates. Sadly, many spiritual heirs of King Solomon's First Temple were destroyed by the Holocaust. Some buildings were saved when churches of other denominations, or organisations and institutions, came to occupy their walls. Let us look, through examples, at what synagogues in Ukraine are like.

Uzhhorod. The former synagogue, 1904.