Interesting places:

Odessa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet

It is the oldest theater in Odessa, Ukraine. The Theater and the Potemkin Stairs are the most famous edifices in Odessa.

The first opera house was opened in 1810 and destroyed by fire in 1873. The modern building was constructed by Fellner and Helmer in neo-baroque style and opened in 1887. The luxorious hall follows rococo style. Its unique acoustics allows to deliver even a whisper from the stage to any part of the hall. The most recent renovation of the theater was completed in 2007.

Solotvyno

Solotvyno is a village in the Tiachiv Raion in Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine, located close to the border with Romania, on the right bank of the Tisa River (across from the Romanian city of Sighetu Marmatiei). The village’s name comes from the nearby salt mine.

Solotvyno was first mentioned ca. 1360 (the former one was burned down by the Tatars in 1241). It has 9,700 inhabitants and 2,200 households. It is the home town of deceased British Press Baron Robert Maxwell.

Present from Ukraine:

Sopilka

Sopilka is a name applied to a variety of woodwind instruments of the flute family used by Ukrainian folk instrumentalists. Sopilka most commonly refers to a fife made of a variety of materials (but traditionally out of wood) and has six to ten finger holes. The term is also used to describe a related set of folk instruments similar to recorder, incorporating a fipple and having a constricted end. Sopilkas are used by a variety of Ukrainian folkloric ensembles recreating the traditional music of the various sub-ethnicities in western Ukraine, most notably that of the Hutsuls of the Carpathian Mountains. Often employing several sopilkas in concert, a skilled performer can imitate a variety of sounds found in nature, including bird-calls and insects.

With the development of the 10 hole fingering instruments Sopilkas became part of the music education system in Ukraine. Pop groups began to use the instrument in their performances. The first was the folk-rock group Kobza. More recently, the sopilka has found its way into the music of Ruslana, Haydamaky, the Kubasonics and other contemporary bands which explore Ukrainian themes.

Interesting events:

Christmas in Lviv

Lviv has always been noted for its adherence to the traditional Ukrainian culture, and that is why the celebrations of Christmas in Lviv surrounded by a special charm here. In Christmas time, carols can be heard in Lviv for almost an entire month.

Nativity plays are performed in the streets, and a multitude of holiday concerts, fairs and festivals takes place. Here one can buy traditional Ukrainian outfits and get one’s filling of Christmas goodies, among which pampukhs (doughnuts) are the most popular and tasty. Preparing and eating pampukhs became such a favourite among the people of Lviv that it transformed into a separate event — the Pampukh Feast. During this festival, the bakers of Lviv amaze everyone with their products baked by old recipes, while local residents and guests can go back to childhood (if only for one day) and deny themselves nothing!

Restaurants:

Kozatskyi Stan Restaurant Complex

Veranda of Pans’ka Hata Lodge will give you all the warmth of Cossack soul. Affable waiters wearing traditional Ukrainian costumes will offer you hot dishes from an oven cooked according ancient recipes, and our bartender will feast you with hot mulled wine. Every detail of interior design will remind ancient atmosphere of picturesque Ukrainian lifestyle. The veranda can lodge 40 guests simultaneously. It is comfortable and pleasant to hold business lunches or family celebrations near warm Ukrainian oven.

http://kstan.com.ua/

Hotels:

«Podol Plaza»

Our unique four stars boutique hotel «Podol Plaza» creates a distinctive charm of elegance & antique style in the historical centre of Kiev. It has all the advantages of a large establishment, yet exudes the warmth, intimacy and attention to detail, which only a privately owned hotel can afford. Boutique hotel «Podol Plaza» offers 57 comfortable rooms for 124 guests. Service for our quests: 24 service of reception, Concierge, Room Service, Parking, Meeting Room (10 person), Transfer, Laundry.

http://www.podolplazahotel.com.ua/