Chernigov Ukraine history

The most romantic version is connected with the legend about Prince Chornyy, who ruled here in the 10 th century, and his daughter Chorna (or Tsorna). As the legend has it, the Princess was unusually beautiful; she liked horse-riding, hunting and was a good archer. The rumors about the girl’s beauty reached the ears of the Khazars’ Kagan (the prince of normadic tribes who lived south-east from the Eastern Slavs), whom Prince Chornyy paid tribute. The Kagan sent to Chernigov his matchmakers with rich presents. But the girl refused to marry her people’s enemy. The Kagan tried to capture the city and take the girl away by force. The townspeople beat off numerous attacks and there was nothing left to the Khazars as to lay siege. At that time Prince Chornyy was at odds with the Grand Duke Oleg of Kiev and he could not expect any help. He decided to break the siege while there was still enough manpower. As soon as the Prince with his armed force left the city walls, a gang of traitors rushed into the Princess’s room on the upper floor of the mansion, which was as high as old oak trees. The Princess managed to hit some of the enemies from her bow and threw herself out of the window when she ran out of arrows.

No matter how beautiful this legend is, it is in no way connected with the city’s name, since the first written record of Chernigov dates back to 860, much earlier that the traditional legend. Most historians believe that the city got its name from the name of a chief of a local tribe or the first settler Cherniga or Chernega.

Chernigov is rich in ancient and historical sights. Here is the fact that speaks for itself: the city has preserved one quarter of all architectural monuments of Ukraine of the pre-Mongol period.

Most of them are situated in the Old City that lies on the bank of the Desna and is called Val.

THE CATHEDRAL OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR SAVIOUR

THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINTS BORIS AND GLEB

was built in 1123. It is a classical example of architectural style of the Kiev-Rus period. This comparatively small one-domed church is decorated with architectural details made of carved stones. The most interesting thing in the interior of the church are the Holy Doors which were cast of a pagan silver idol.

THE CHERNIGOV COLLEGE

was built in 1700-1702 in the Ukrainian baroque style and it is decorated with numerous architectural details. It was one of the first secular higher educational establishments in the left-Dnepr-bank Ukraine.

ST.CATHERINE CHURCH

was built in the late 17 th – early 18 th centuries in commemoration of Chernigov Cossacks’ heroism in the war against the Turks.