Chernivtsi National University

There are many old and beautiful buildings in Chernivtsi, but none can be compared with Chernivtsi National University, which is part of UNESCO World Heritage. The architectural ensemble, built over about 20 years (from 1864 to 1882), draws the eye from afar with its terracotta color, high towers, and volumes. The building’s architecture successfully combines Byzantine and Romanesque styles; it is massive and at the same time refined. Its facades are decorated with ornaments and patterns. The tower of one of the complexes is adorned with a crown of Stars of David — a kind of thank-you from the Bukovyna Metropolis to the Austrian government for its contribution to the construction, which cost 2 million złoty florins.

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The buildings of the former residence of the Metropolitans of Bukovyna and Dalmatia form an inner courtyard, and the area behind the main building was turned into a luxurious arboretum. However, the truly impressive beauty lies not only in the exterior of the building, but also in its interiors. The huge halls stand out not only for their color, but also for the materials used in the decoration. The rector’s office — the Green Hall — is done in delicate blue tones. Its interior was once decorated with portraits of Austrian monarchs, but they were destroyed when Romania annexed the lands of Chernihivshchyna.

The Red Hall is known for its walls lined with red silk. The wooden floor is made of parquet crafted from oak, red beech, and green linden. Its rich decoration recalls the fact that this was once the Hall of Sessions of the Holy Synod.

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The Synodal Hall is decorated with black and white marble. Its height was originally 20m, and pompous crystal chandeliers with silver fittings hang from the ceiling.

Photo from www.ukraine-is.com

Chernivtsi University is a place worth visiting to fully feel the spirit of history and to see how impressive Ukraine’s architecture can be.