City  

Daily a bugler in Bukovina folk dress climbs the 126 steps of the tower of the city town hall. At midday, exactly at 12, from all four sides of the balcony of the tower he plays the melody of «Marichki» on a trumpet.

The city of Chernivtsi is a regional center of the Chernivetskoy region, in the area known as Bukovina. It is located in the southwest of Ukraine in the Prut river basin. The city is approximately 153 square km, and has a population of over 240,000 persons. The area borders Romania and Moldova, occupying an advantageous transport-geographical position. The climate is favorable during all seasons: moderately continental, moist, mild in summer and in winter. Picturesque Carpathian landscapes, nature preserves, healing waters and healthy air, traditional way of life in Bukovina villages, and the architectural tradition of Chernivtsi create conditions for wonderful relaxation in this area of Bukovina. The first documentary mention of Chernivtsi is dated October, 8 1408 in the deed of Moldavian landowner Alexander Dobryy, when a custom-house was founded there.

This area has been part of several different countries during its nearly 600 year history: Kyiv Russia, the principality of Moldova, the Ottoman empire, Poland, Austro-Hungary, Romania, Soviet Union, and since 1991, part of independent Ukraine.

The territory of Chernivtsi was settled in the 12th century. This settlement defended fort “Chern” (“Black”) on ount Tsetsyn (right bank of the Prut River), which was built by Volyn-Galician Princes called “Kniaz”.

In the early 14th century the town grew on the right bank of the Prut River. In the middle of the 14th century it was under Hungarian and, later, under Moldavian rule. In 1408 Chernivtsi was first mentioned in the deed of the Moldavian Master (Prince) Alexander Dobryy (Good). By 1457 the town was an administrative centre of the volost (county) and successfully developed thanks to its position on an important Black Sea trade route. From 1514 Chernivtsi as well as the whole of Moldavia were under protection, and then under the rule of, Turkey. Buildings were mostly wooden, including Orthodox churches built by Moldavian masters. During the years of the Ukrainian liberation war of 1650-1653 the troops of Bogdan Khmelnytskyy were twice in Chernivtsi.

For centuries, under the influence of historic events, Chernivtsi existed as a multinational and multicultural city. And now, as it has always been, one of its principal features is tolerance. Various nationalities, religions, and political views have never prevented the citizens of Chernivtsi from living in harmony and mutual understanding. The city has quite naturally become a cradle for artists who embody and represent various national cultures. Famous names are shining on Star Alley on Theater Place in Chernivtsi: Joseph Schmidt, Orest Rusnak, Sidi Tal, Dmytro Hnatiuk, Volodymyr Ivasiuk, Nazariy Yaremchuk, Sofia Rotaru, Ivo Bobul, Andriy Shkurhan, Yan Tabachnyk. Famous writers include Olga Kobylianska, Aspaziya Munte, Mikhay Eminesku, Rosa Auslander, Elizar Steinberg and Itzyk Manger. The name of poet Paul Celan has become part of world literary heritage. They wrote in different languages, each had his or her unique outlook and style, but all of them were citizens of Chernivtsi. Most of them were born, educated and blossomed here as creative personalities.

Theatre Square, known as Elizabeth Square and earlier as Fish Square, is a favourite recreation place of many Chernivtsi residents. The city has quite naturally become a cradle for artists who embody and represent various national cultures. Famous names are shining on Star Alley on Theater Place in Chernivtsi: