UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine

Ukraine UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The UNESCO Sites in Ukraine have resulted from the recognition of 8 cultural and natural landmarks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine and 16 locations on the Ukraine UNESCO tentative list. These tourist sites in Ukraine are acknowledged for their unique and valuable cultural, natural, artistic, and historical significance and are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

In addition to these 8 sites in the Ukraine UNESCO list, there are many other places to travel to Ukraine that are being considered for UNESCO recognition. These sites, listed on the tentative list, showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country and are waiting for approval to join the prestigious and famous World Heritage Sites list.

To help visitors discover these remarkable Ukraine tourist attractions, we have put together an interactive map of the UNESCO sites in Ukraine.

Ukraine UNESCO Map

Click markers to show information and photo.

World Heritage Sites in Ukraine Placeholder
World Heritage Sites in Ukraine

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine

There is 8 UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ukraine. All of these three sites are listed under the Cultural category.

  • The Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora
  • Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
  • L’viv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre
  • Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans
  • Struve Geodetic Arc
  • The Historic Centre of Odesa
  • Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine
  • Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine are protected locations for their cultural and natural importance.

The Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora

The Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Crimea, Ukraine. It consists of the well-preserved remains of the ancient city of Tauric Chersonese, which the ancient Greeks founded in the 5th century BC. The site showcases this ancient city’s historical and cultural significance, which served as an important center for trade and interaction between different civilizations. The ruins include ancient city walls, residential areas, religious buildings, and a theater. The Chora, the surrounding agricultural lands, also contribute to the site’s significance, reflecting the agricultural practices and rural life of the time. The Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and connections with the ancient world.

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as “Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.” This historic site showcases the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. The site’s focal point is the magnificent Saint-Sophia Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece renowned for its Byzantine and Ukrainian Baroque elements. Surrounding the cathedral, there are several monastic buildings, including the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a complex of cave monasteries that holds great spiritual significance. These structures reflect centuries of religious and architectural evolution, making Kyiv a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and pilgrims alike.

L’viv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre

L’viv, located in western Ukraine, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ensemble of the Historic Centre. This enchanting city boasts a remarkable blend of architectural styles, reflecting its rich history and cultural influences. Strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets, visitors are treated to a stunning array of well-preserved Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic buildings. The city’s vibrant squares, such as the Market Square and the Rynok Square, offer a glimpse into its past as bustling trade and social life centers. L’viv’s historical center is not only a testament to the city’s architectural splendor but also a vibrant hub of artistic expression, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing the cultural heritage of this captivating UNESCO site.

Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans

The Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ukraine. It is a magnificent architectural complex that served as the residence for the metropolitans of the Bukovina and Dalmatia regions. The site includes the exquisite Chernivtsi University, which features a blend of architectural styles, including Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque elements. The residence is a testament to the cultural and religious history of the region, showcasing the rich heritage and artistic craftsmanship of Bukovinian and Dalmatian architecture. Visitors can explore the beautiful halls, courtyards, and gardens, immersing themselves in this remarkable UNESCO site’s unique atmosphere and historical significance.

Struve Geodetic Arc

The Struve Geodetic Arc in Ukraine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of significant historical and scientific importance. This arc stretches across ten countries and was used in the 19th century to measure the shape and size of the Earth accurately. In Ukraine, the arc features a series of triangulation points and markers used by the astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve and his team. These markers testify to the remarkable scientific achievement and collaboration during that time. The Struve Geodetic Arc in Ukraine is a remarkable symbol of humanity’s quest for knowledge and understanding of our planet.

The Historic Centre of Odesa

The Historic Centre of Odesa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odesa, Ukraine. This center showcases the architectural and cultural richness of the city. Known for its diverse architectural styles, the historic center features a blend of neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Renaissance Revival buildings. The vibrant streets are lined with elegant palaces, grand theaters, and charming courtyards, reflecting the city’s rich history as a bustling port and cosmopolitan hub. The Historic Centre of Odesa is a captivating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s past and enduring architectural legacy.

Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine

The Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region, located in Poland and Ukraine, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites of great cultural significance. These unique wooden churches represent the architectural and artistic traditions of the region’s Orthodox and Greek Catholic communities. Built between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Tserkvas showcase remarkable craftsmanship and intricate decorative elements. Their distinctive wooden structures, adorned with ornate religious icons and paintings, are a testament to the religious and cultural heritage of the Carpathian people. These Tserkvas serve as important religious and social centers, embodying the spiritual and historical essence of the region.

Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe

The Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning various European countries, including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Italy, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Ukraine, this site is a testament to the pristine beauty and ecological significance of beech forests. These ancient forests have mainly remained undisturbed for thousands of years and harbor an exceptional variety of flora and fauna. They provide critical habitat for numerous endangered species and serve as important natural carbon sinks. Exploring these enchanting forests is like stepping back in time, offering a unique glimpse into Europe’s natural heritage and the profound impact of untouched ecosystems on our planet’s biodiversity.

Ukraine UNESCO tentative list

  1. Historic Centre of Tchernigov, 9th -13th centuries
  2. Cultural Landscape of Canyon in Kamenets-Podilsk
  3. Tarass Shevchenko Tomb and State Historical and Natural Museum-Reserve
  4. National Steppe Biosphere Reserve “Askaniya Nowa”
  5. Dendrological Park “Sofijivka”
  6. Bagçesaray Palace of the Crimean Khans
  7. Archaeological Site “Stone Tomb”
  8. Mykolayiv Astronomical Observatory
  9. The complex of the Sudak Fortress Monuments of the 6th – 16th c.
  10. Astronomical Observatories of Ukraine
  11. Kyiv: Saint Sophia Cathedral with Related Monastic Buildings, St. Cyril’s and St. Andrew’s Churches, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (extension of Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra)
  12. Trading Posts and Fortifications on Genoese Trade Routes. From the Mediterranean to the Black Sea
  13. Cultural Landscape of “Cave Towns” of the Crimean Gothia
  14. The historical surroundings of the Crimean Khans’ capital in Bakhchysarai
  15. Derzhprom (the State Industry Building)
  16. Tyras – Bilhorod (Akkerman), on the way from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea

Tours in Ukraine

Our choices of tours in Ukraine are divided into thematic features such as Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa Experience.