Ivano-Frankivsk

Overall Score

2.7

Located in the western part of Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivsk is the administrative center of the same region. Until 1962, the city had a different name – St. Basil. It was founded by Henry Potocki in 1662 and was named after his father Stanislav – the crowned city of St. Stanislav.

The original purpose of the new settlement was to protect the land of Halychy from the attacks of the Crimean Tatars. Therefore it was planned to build a fortress that would be able to resist the invaders. In 1676 the defensive force successfully defeated the Turks attack. But already in the beginning of the 18th century the fortress-city was conquered and destroyed by the Russian army. The reason for the war was the support of St. Stanislaus Leshinsky by the Pototoks.

Till now, the Market Square and the city still retain the structure that had been built in those days. The heyday of trade and crafts in these places was in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the city was part of Poland.

Most of the many features of Yevgeny Frankov are the Armenian church, built in 1665 in baroque style. The building has been rebuilt and reconstructed many times. The first changes to its architectural design were made in 1811 and 1829. ×Thirty-nine years later, in a fire, some of the buildings facades were destroyed. Subsequent renovations changed the exterior contours of the building. Two of the towers ended up lower and the helmets were replaced by domes. It was not on the roof of the small tower. Further changes in history and architecture took place in 1919-1930. In 1970, the church housed the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism.

One of the citys most important architectural monuments is the Cathedral of the Holy Resurrection, finally built in 1753-1763. The construction of the building, which had originally begun in 1720, was fraught with errors. As a result, the building was demolished and a new cathedral was erected. Subsequent renovations and restorations did not alter the original architectural appearance of the building.

100 USD = 3,977.25 UAH

Overall Score

2.7
  • Air quality: 32 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
  • Tap water: No, not drinkable
  • Religious government: Non-religious
  • Population: 230,000 people
  • GDP: $2,099 / year
  • Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
  • Power outlets: 230V50Hz
  • Internet: 28 Mbps
  • Best wireless: Lifecell
  • Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
  • Tipping: Most locals in Ukraine don’t tip at restaurants, but tips may be expected from tourists. Tipping isn’t part of the culture, but is being introduced since Westerners have begun travelling to Ukraine. However if you do wish to tip, you can tip around 10% for good service.
  • Apartment listings: Nadia
  • Apartments: Airbnb
  • Hotels: Booking.com
  • More hotels: Hotels.com
  • Best coffee 24/7: Pid Templem
  • Best taxi: Uber
  • Online electronics shop: Rozetka
  • Best hospital: Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Clinic Hospital
  • Best short-haul air carrier: Ukraine International
  • Best intl air carrier: Ukraine International
  • Monthly costs for expat: $410
  • Monthly costs for family: $600
  • Monthly costs for local: $170
  • Meal: $2
  • Small Cola: $0.5
  • Beer 1 Pint: $1.1
  • Coffee: $0.7


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