Oleksandria Arboretum — The Calling Card of the Bila Tserkva District
The Oleksandria Dendrological Park in Bila Tserkva is one of the largest botanical parks in Ukraine, covering 400 hectares with over 2,000 plant species, founded in 1796 by Countess Oleksandra Branytska.
Created as the family residence of the Branytsky counts, the modern Oleksandria arboretum preserves unique landscape compositions from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, where natural scenery harmoniously blends with architectural structures.
During a stroll, visitors can see the "Echo" colonnade with its unique acoustics, the romantic "Ruins" with a waterfall, the Chinese Bridge, the Rotunda pavilion, picturesque ponds, wide avenues, and centuries-old trees. At the highest point of the park — Paliy Hill — the remains of early 18th-century Cossack fortifications have been preserved, and the territory stretches along the banks of the Ros River.
The Oleksandria arboretum is particularly appealing in spring, when magnolias and lilacs bloom, and in autumn, when the ancient oak groves are covered in golden colours. At the same time, this botanical park of the Kyiv region is worth visiting in summer, to find shelter from the heat in the shade of ancient trees, and in winter, when snow-covered avenues create an entirely different atmosphere.
For an unhurried exploration of the park, one should set aside at least three to four hours; a guided tour lasts around two hours. The Oleksandria arboretum is open daily: from April 15 to September 15 — from 08:00 to 21:00, and from September 15 to April 15 — from 08:00 to 19:00. Admission to the park is paid.
What Else to See in the Bila Tserkva District
Castle Hill — The Symbol of Bila Tserkva
Castle Hill is the place where the history of Bila Tserkva began. It was here in the 11th century that Prince Yaroslav the Wise founded the chronicle city of Yuriiv, and later a church appeared that gave the modern city its name. Today, Castle Hill in Bila Tserkva attracts visitors with panoramic views of the Ros River. The remains of the ancient church's foundation are also open for viewing.
The Winter Palace of the Branytsky Family
The Winter Palace of the Branytsky family, built in 1796, was the urban residence of the count's family who founded the Oleksandria arboretum. In the warm season, the Branytskys lived in the summer palace on the park grounds, and in winter they moved here, to the center of Bila Tserkva. Today it is one of the most renowned architectural monuments of the 18th century in the city. The building is designed in the Classicist style, and currently houses an arts school and the district archive.
The Pidhirsky Family Chapel-Church
In the village of Antoniv stands one of the most distinctive architectural monuments of the Bila Tserkva district — the Pidhirsky family chapel-church, built in 1810. Its unusual stepped form, reminiscent of a ziggurat, sets it apart from other historic churches in the Kyiv region. It was once the family burial vault of the Pidhirsky family, and today it is a quiet place people visit to see the architecture, unusual for the region, and to absorb the atmosphere of old Antoniv.
Babyne Kozy Farm
If you want to complement a historical journey with gastronomic experiences, visit the family farm "Babyne Kozy" in the village of Halaiky. It is one of the most well-known farms in the Kyiv region, offering tours, introducing guests to the farm, and hosting masterclasses in hand-milking goats and tasting artisan cheeses. The farm operates by prior booking, so a visit should be planned in advance. It is a great option for a family trip or a weekend route.
Sakura Island Park
Sakura Island Park in Volodarka is a modern landscape park created on an artificial island in the middle of the Ros River. It attracts the most visitors in April when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, but is also of interest at other times of year thanks to its Japanese garden, themed zones, and decorative compositions. During a stroll, visitors can see a pagoda, torii gates, a Stone Garden, numerous sculptures, and a small zoo with birds and animals. It is a great location for family recreation and photography walks.
Buky Landscape Park
Buky Landscape Park is a natural canyon of the Ros River with rocky outcrops and a suspension bridge, one of the most photographed locations in the Bila Tserkva district. The suspension bridge at Buky is most often seen in photographs from this picturesque corner of the Kyiv region. The park is well suited for contemplation, photography, and outdoor relaxation.
Bila Tserkva — A City with Character
Bila Tserkva is the second most populous city in the Kyiv region (around 200,000 inhabitants) with an active theatrical and cultural life. So after visiting the arboretum or Castle Hill, there is no need to rush home. If you are wondering what to do in Bila Tserkva, theatres, concerts, and cosy venues make for a fine end to the day. The Kyiv Academic Regional Music and Drama Theatre named after P. K. Saksahansky regularly presents new productions, while the House of Organ and Chamber Music invites visitors to concerts. For overnight stays, the city offers hotels of various categories, and before the trip it is worth checking the events calendar to combine exploring the city with a rich cultural programme. This format of travel will be appreciated by those interested in Bila Tserkva and tourism in the Kyiv region.
A Route Through the Bila Tserkva District: A Weekend Getaway from the Capital
From Kyiv to Bila Tserkva is about 80 km along the M05 (E95) highway, so the drive takes approximately one hour. This is one of those destinations you can spontaneously head to even for a single day, though for a closer look at the district it is better to set aside a full weekend. On the first day, you can visit the Oleksandria arboretum, Castle Hill, and spend the evening in Bila Tserkva. Dedicate the second day to Buky Landscape Park, Sakura Island Park, or family agro-farms. A complete description of the trip with all stops and distances is available in the "Routes" section.
Choose a Day for Your Trip
To make the journey even more interesting, browse the "Events" section before you go. It is possible that during the days of your visit, a concert, performance, or other event worth adding to your Bila Tserkva district route will be taking place in Bila Tserkva or elsewhere in the Kyiv region. Sometimes all it takes is shifting your trip date by a day or two to see not only the most interesting locations in the district, but also to attend a special cultural event.
