Khortytsya Island

The Zaporizhska Sich on Khortytsya Island was the most important cradle of Ukrainian Cossackdom, where hetman (leader) Dmytro Baida united disparate groups of Cossacks in the construction of a sich (fort) in 1553-54. At the height of its power the community numbered some 20,000 fighters, under the authority of one hetman. On the battlefield they were formidable opponents; off it formidable vodka drinkers.

There's an amphitheatre on the southern portion of the island where highly entertaining horse shows and mock fights are put on periodically by Cossack descendants; check with the travel agency at the Hotel Intourist for details.