Chernihiv: What to See in Ukraine's Ancient City and Region

Chernihiv is one of the oldest cities in Ukraine and was once the second most important centre of Kyivan Rus. It stands on the high right bank of the Desna River, about 140 km from Kyiv, and preserves churches from before the Mongol invasion that are rare anywhere else. Here is a short history of Chernihiv, its main landmarks, what to see in one day and what is worth visiting in the region.

History: from the chronicles to today

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The exact origin of the name is unknown. One version links it to the "black forest" of dense woodland around it, another to the legendary Prince Chorny, to whom the Black Grave burial mound is attributed. Chernihiv first appears in the chronicles under the year 907: in Prince Oleg's treaty with Byzantium it is listed among the cities receiving tribute from the Greeks.

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In 1024 the city was taken by Mstyslav Volodymyrovych, brother of Yaroslav the Wise, who made it the capital of his lands. After Mstyslav's death Chernihiv returned to Kyiv, and Yaroslav later gave it to his son Sviatoslav, founder of the dynasty of Chernihiv princes. The Chernihiv throne was considered the second most prestigious after Kyiv, and the city was almost as large as the capital.

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The Val: the heart of ancient Chernihiv

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If you are short of time, start with the Val, the former citadel and the most fortified part of the city. Here you will find:

• The Transfiguration (Spaso-Preobrazhensky) Cathedral, founded by Mstyslav around the 1030s. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings of Kyivan Rus, and several Chernihiv princes are buried there.
• The Boris and Gleb Cathedral (12th century), a princely burial church that now houses a museum display.
• The Chernihiv Collegium (early 18th century), one of the first educational institutions on the Left Bank.
• Old cannons along the edge of the Val and a panorama over the Desna floodplain: the most photogenic spot in town.

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Nearby are the history and art museums, and a few blocks away is the museum-estate of writer Mykhailo Kotsiubynsky.

What else to see in Chernihiv

• St Paraskeva (Piatnytska) Church (turn of the 12th–13th centuries), an elegant church in the city centre. Destroyed during the Second World War, it was restored to a design by architect Petro Baranovsky.
• Yelets Dormition Monastery, with a 12th-century cathedral, one of the oldest monasteries in Ukraine.
• Anthony's Caves on the Boldyni Hills, an underground monastery founded, according to tradition, in 1069 by Anthony of the Caves, with St Elijah's Church at the entrance.
• The Black Grave, a 10th-century burial mound about 11 metres high. Excavations in the 19th century uncovered weapons and aurochs horns bound in silver.
• St Catherine's Church (1715), a vivid example of Ukrainian Baroque.

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Day trips in Chernihiv region

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• Liubech, one of the oldest towns in the region, where the famous Council of Princes met in 1097.
• Baturyn, the Cossack hetmans' capital, with its restored citadel and the palace of Kyrylo Rozumovsky.
• Kachanivka, a palace and park ensemble once visited by Shevchenko, Gogol and Glinka.
• Kozelets, with its 18th-century Baroque Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin.

The region is also linked to one of the legends about the epic hero Illia Muromets: some researchers believe he came from the village of Moroviisk (now Morovsk) on the Desna.

A Hero City

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In February and March 2022 Chernihiv withstood a month-long siege by Russian forces. On 6 March 2022 it was awarded the honorary title "Hero City of Ukraine". Shelling damaged homes, schools and historic buildings, including the former Tarnovsky Museum building that housed the youth library. The city is rebuilding and museums are gradually reopening their displays. Before travelling, always check the current security situation and museum opening hours.

Practical tips

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• Getting there: about 2 hours from Kyiv by bus or car; there are also direct trains.
• How long: one day is enough for the Val, the centre and Yelets Monastery; allow a second day for Anthony's Caves and the region.
• When to go: late spring and early autumn, when it is warm and the parks on the Val are full of blooming chestnuts, lilac and hollyhocks.

If you are interested in the era of Yaroslav's sons, read the story of Yaroslav the Wise's daughter, Anne of Kyiv, Queen of France, and for walks in the capital see Kyiv streets with fascinating stories.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Chernihiv?

Its first mention in the chronicles dates to 907, but archaeologists have found traces of much earlier settlement.

What is the oldest church in Chernihiv?

The Transfiguration Cathedral, founded by Prince Mstyslav around the 1030s.

What is the Val?

The former citadel, the fortified centre of the ancient city, where the main cathedrals and museums are located today.

Why is Chernihiv a Hero City?

It received the title on 6 March 2022 for its defence during a month-long siege.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.