Chernihiv

Introducing Chernihiv

You’d never guess it today but in the 11th century Chernihiv was one of the three great cities of the Kyivan Rus, along with Kyiv and Novgorod (near St Petersburg). Inside the Boryso-Hlibsky Cathedral, looking at a plan of the old 10th- to 12th-century town on the wall, you’ll see it must have really been something. As a raised bluff of land, it formed its own natural fortress and commanded trade routes south to Kyiv. Today, the main reasons to visit are the Antoniy Caves, kayaking on the Desna River and a tight cluster of churches, which rise up from the plain as you approach town. Otherwise, Chernihiv makes a relaxing, rather than exciting, retreat.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009