Mykolayiv

Introducing Mykolayiv

The juggernaut of the Soviet Union’s shipbuilding industry fell upon hard times when Ukraine gained independence, but is beginning to emerge from its malaise on the back of renewed demand for its ships – and its women. Mykolayiv is the centre of Ukraine’s marriage industry, and the city’s pleasant, pedestrian main drag, vul Radnyanska (although just about everybody still uses its Soviet name, Sovetskaya), is eavesdropping central if you’re looking for a little insight into this curious subculture.

Mykolayiv is also home to Ukraine’s most famous zoo, although, as with any zoo in the former Soviet Union, you should temper your expectations.

Now that Odesa’s Ship Museum has burnt down, there is no longer any debate about which city has the best boat museum in Ukraine. Mykolayiv’s Shipbuilding Museum (vul Admiralska 4; admission 2.40uah; 10am-5pm Tue-Sun) features loads of exquisitely crafted models, through which you can observe the evolution of Mykolayiv-built warships over the last 300 years: from wooden schooners to Leviathan steel aircraft carriers. There are some stunning antique globes and extensive exhibits on the naval campaigns of the Crimean War, WWI and WWII. There’s nothing in English, but it’s still interesting for non-Russian speakers.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009