Sofiyivka Park in Uman

Russian-language article (translation in progress).

Covering 154.7 ha of meticulously-landscaped grounds, Sofiyivka's architectural wonders incorporate Greek mythology to produce an aristocratic park of days gone by. The man behind it all was Polish noble Count Stanislaw Potocki, who had the park commissioned in 1796 for his beautiful Greek wife Zofya. After six years of daily labor by 800 workers from the Uman region under the direction of Polish military engineer Ludwig Metsel, Potocki presented the park to his wife on her birthday and named it in her honour. In 1832, Kyiv government authorities seized control of the park in response to Potocki's son's support of a Polish uprising, and it's been in Russian or Soviet or Ukrainian hands ever since.

At almost every turn there's a new sight to behold - picturesque views framed by rare trees, waterfalls and grottoes, and classical sculptures of Mercury, Cupid and Paris to name a few as well as busts of Greek philosophers. Create your own mythological tale as you stroll along the River Styx, sail along an underground river near the Lake of the Dead, and gaze upon the Isle of Love in the middle of the Sea of Sweetness. You can easily spend the better part of a day here, so you may wish to stay in the hotel located to the left of the main entrance. There's also a museum and restaurant nearby, as well as snack stands throughout the park. Open 10:00 - 18:00. Admission 2hr, children 1hr, weekends/holidays 4hr, children 2hr. Guided tours in English 15hr, children 7.50hr, weekends/holidays 30hr, children 15hr. The minimum price of an English group tour is 60hr, weekends/holidays 120hr. Whew!

210km south of Kyiv off the Odessa highway
Tel: (04744) 36 319/32 210

Sofiyivka Park in Uman

Join a trip

Thank you! Request received.