Chernivtsi.

Chernivtsi is located in western Ukraine, on the both banks of the Prut River, a tributary of the Danube. The city covers the area of 153 km2 and is divided into three districts. The population is 254,300 inhabitants.

According to the archaeological data the city was founded in the second half of the 12th century. Chernivtsi was first mentioned in documents in 1207. In the middle of the 14th century the city was a part of the Moldavian Princedom. In 1744 it was ruled by Austria, since 1867 -- by Austria-Hungary, since 1918 it had belonged to Romania. In 1940 the Southern Bukowyna became a part of the Ukrainian Republic.

The Prut River divides the city into two parts. The part located on the right bank is steep, the part located on the left bank is flat. Chernivtsi is a green city with a botanical garden, an arboretum, 8 parks, and many squares. The architecture of the city is very original. It is presented by various styles: baroque, classicism and Soviet constructivism. Among the most important monuments are the Assumption Cathedral (built in 1783), the building of the State University and the former residence of the Metropolitan of Bukovyna (1864-1882), the Palace of Justice (1904-1906), the City Hall (1843-1847), St. Nicholas Church (1607) and the building of the theater. Chernivtsi is also a city of theaters, museums and libraries. It is famous for its University, the Medical University, the Economic University, 12 colleges and research institutes of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

The Musical Drama Theatre, named after O. Kobylyanska, the Puppet Theatre and the Philharmonic are very popular with the inhabitants and visitors of Chernivtsi. Chernivtsi is the hometown of J. Fed’kowych, W. Iwassyuk and N. Yaremchuk.

Here there are also many museums. The Museum of History, the Museum of Art, the Kobylyanska Museum, the Fed’kovych Museum and the Museum of Folk Architecture and Everyday Life are the most famous of them.

The leading role in the economical development of Chernivtsi is occupied by mechanical engineering, textile, clothing, knitting, and shoemaking industries. The factory "Bukovyna", manufacturing souvenirs, and the furniture factory are known all over Ukraine.