Understand

Chernivtsi, a city with a rich and complex history, has witnessed the rise and fall of empires. From its origins as a fortress in the 13th century to its time as the capital of Bukovyna during the golden era of development, Chernivtsi has been passed between Poland, Moldavia, Austria-Hungary, Romania, the Soviet Union, and finally, independent Ukraine. This vibrant city has always been a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. Jews, Ukrainians, Romanians, Germans, Poles, and Roma are just some of the groups who have left their mark on Chernivtsi's identity. In the 1930s, Jews constituted a significant portion of the population, but today their numbers have diminished to just 1.2%. The dark days of World War II saw Chernivtsi fall into the hands of both sides. Under the rule of Romanian military dictator Ion Antonescu, tens of thousands of Bukovinian Jews were forced into the local Ghetto and later transported to concentration camps. However, amidst the tragedy, there were heroes like Romanian city mayor Traian Popovici and army officers who managed to save 20,000 Chernivtsi Jews.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pelmeni - Pelmeni are Ukrainian dumplings filled with meat, usually pork or beef, and seasoned with onions and spices. They are boiled and served hot, often accompanied by sour cream or butter.

Borscht - Borscht is a traditional Ukrainian soup made with beets, which give it its deep magenta color. It typically contains potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and onions, along with chunks of meat like beef or pork. Sometimes, a vegetarian version with mushrooms or tofu can be found.

Varenyky - Varenyky are a type of potato dumpling native to Ukraine. They are made using a mixture of mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs, then stuffed with ingredients like cheese, sauerkraut, or mushrooms. They can be boiled, fried, or baked and often served with sour cream, butter, or melted cheese.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing