Where to Go on a Weekend with Your Family in Bila Tserkva
Bila Tserkva is a wonderful place for a family weekend getaway. This city on the banks of the Ros River is known for its picturesque parks. Walks here help you escape the bustle of the city and enjoy nature.
Oleksandriia Arboretum
The Oleksandriia Arboretum in Bila Tserkva is a true treasure of nature and history that is worth visiting for anyone interested in botany, architecture and active recreation. Located on the bank of the Ros River, this park is the largest landscape park in Ukraine, with an area of more than 400 hectares, which makes it not only the oldest but also one of the most beautiful parks in Europe.
Founded in the late 18th century by Count Franciszek Branicki, the park was originally conceived as a private estate in the style of European Romanticism. Today more than 2,500 plant species from various corners of the world grow here, including rare trees, shrubs and flowers.
In particular, you can see North American sequoias and Crimean roses here, which add special colour to walks in the park. Besides its flora, “Oleksandriia” attracts visitors with numerous architectural landmarks. Among them are the “Ruins”, which imitate an old castle, the “Luna” colonnade with unique acoustics that lets you hear a whisper at a distance, and the “Rotunda”, dedicated to Prince Potemkin. These architectural elements blend skilfully with the natural landscapes, creating an atmosphere of romance and harmony.
The park is actively used for a variety of events: tours, tastings of berries and fruit, festivals and sports competitions. “Oleksandriia” also has a zoo where you can see about 86 species of animals, including rare species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.
To plan your trip financially, you can always use services that let you get funds quickly and conveniently, for example online lending services – https://easypay.ua/ua/catalog/credit-online-24.
The Branicki Castle
The Branicki Castle in Bila Tserkva, also known as the Winter Palace, is a majestic architectural monument of the late 18th century. It was built in 1796 as the winter residence of the noble Branicki family. The family spent the warm months in the summer palace in the “Oleksandriia” park, but, unfortunately, that palace has not survived to this day. The Winter Palace, by contrast, still stands on Oleksandriiskyi Boulevard and is an example of Classicist architecture with clear geometric forms and harmonious proportions.
The palace stands out for its monumentality: the building has two storeys on the facade side and three on the rear side. Its facade is decorated with a four-column Ionic portico, which adds solemnity to the structure.
The original enfilade arrangement of the rooms has not survived; the current layout is corridor-based. Beneath the palace is a large stone cellar where wine and provisions were once stored.
Over its history the palace has gone through many changes. At first it was the residence of the Branicki family, but in the 20th century the building was used by Soviet institutions, and during the Second World War a German military hospital was located here.
In 1956 the palace received the status of an architectural monument and was taken under state protection. Today the palace houses Art School No. 1 and the district archive.
The Branicki Palace is an important part of Ukraine’s cultural heritage, attracting tourists with its historical past and architectural grandeur. It is included in the State Register of Immovable Monuments of Ukraine and remains a popular place for tours and photo shoots.
T. H. Shevchenko City Park of Culture and Recreation
The T. H. Shevchenko City Park of Culture and Recreation in Bila Tserkva is one of the most important centres for recreation and cultural events in the city. Its total area is 5.2 hectares, and the park’s arboretum has more than 100 species of trees and shrubs, creating a unique atmosphere for walks and active recreation.
The park is famous for its diverse flora: more than a hundred species of trees and shrubs grow here. One of its greatest attractions is the numerous landmarks: a monument to Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, sculptures of Karlsson and Fräulein Bock, and a memorial to the Heroes of Space. These sculptures have become not only symbols of the park but also popular spots for visitors.
Entertainment for children includes an amusement park with a children’s railway and the popular “Ferris wheel”. Although some of the rides need renovation, the place remains attractive for family recreation.
Every year the park becomes the epicentre of various events: festivals, exhibitions, sports competitions, and festive celebrations on major holidays. Thanks to its location, the park is the main venue for city events and active recreation for residents.
It is important to note that in recent years considerable attention has been paid to improving the park’s infrastructure. For example, in 2021 UAH 2.5 million was allocated for reconstruction.
For the residents of Bila Tserkva, Shevchenko Park is not just a place to relax but also a centre of culture and social activity. It serves as a meeting place for people of different ages, from young people to the elderly. Families often spend time here enjoying nature and tranquillity, while young couples and children delight in the entertainment. The park remains an important part of the city’s social life, offering opportunities for active leisure, walks and participation in cultural events.
