Kharkiv is one of the largest cities in Ukraine, and it is also the regional center of Kharkiv region. Kharkiv was founded in 1654. The population is about 1.5 million people. Kharkiv is a large industrial centre of Ukraine. The productive capacity of Kharkiv industrial enterprises is based on the high-tech industries such as  power engineering, electrical engineering, transport and agriculture engineering, instrumentation, electronics, aerospace industry. Production of many of Kharkiv enterprises including high technological such as modern tanks, aircraft and turbines is known on the world market.

Due to its convenient geographical position, Kharkiv  has expanded its economic strength and developed a system of transport communications for centuries. Today it is a major transportation hub. 

Kharkiv is a city with rich cultural traditions. There are 6 major theaters: the Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre , the Ukrainian Drama Theatre, the Russian Drama Theatre, the Theatrer of Musical Comedy, the Youth Theatre, the Puppet Theatre. In addition, there are a lot of theatre groups and amateur studios. 

  Kharkiv is famous for a large number of museums, concert halls (including the Hall of Organ and Chamber Music). The city has a lot of libraries. There are more than 6.5 million books and periodicals in the funds of Korolenko State Scientific Library , among which are rare and unique ones. The Kharkiv regional philharmonic society organizes concerts and promotes musical arts. The Circus, Zoo, Dolphinarium are popular among the residents and visitors of the city.

Kharkiv is a city of sports. There are all conditions for training  future sport  masters and champions.

 There are 19 stadiums, 850 sports yards, 363 gyms, 19 pools, 40 tennis courts, and the Golf Club. 

Seven Wonders of Kharkiv

Seven Wonders of KharkivSeven Wonders of Kharkiv are the seven historic and cultural monuments, which were chosen in «Seven Wonders of Kharkiv» contest  in July 2008. 

1. The Monument to Taras Shevchenko                                                                              

Monument to Taras Shevchenko was installed  in 1935 at the entrance to the garden of the same name. It is considered the best one among more than 250 monuments to Taras Shevchenko in the world. 

2. The «Mirror stream» Fountain

The «Mirror stream» Fountain is referred to the most outstanding architectural constructions of Kharkiv and it is one of its symbols. It is under  UNESCO protection.                                                                                          

3. Pokrovskyi Cathedral of Kharkiv Pokrovskyi Monastery  

In the 18th century Pokrovskyi Cathedral premises was used for training students of the Kharkiv Collegium, where in 1759-1764 Hryhorii Skovoroda, the Ukrainian outstanding teacher, poet and philosopher studied. Currently, St. Basil`s Cathedral is the oldest architectural stone monument of national significance in Kharkiv. 

4. Blagoveshchenskyi Cathedral

This temple is a brilliant sample of neo-Byzantine style of architecture, it is able to house more than 4,000 people. Patriarch Athanasius III and several holy bishops were buried in the Annunciation Cathedral.

5. Uspenskyi  Cathedral

The Bell Tower was built in the neoclassical style. The height of the building reaches 90 meters. After restoration in 1980 the House of Organ and Chamber Music was opened here.

6. Derzhprom (House of State Industry) 

Derzhprom is the first high-rise construction with reinforced concrete skeleton in the Soviet Union. Huge, even by modern standards, a multi-storied construction was built in a short time: from 1925 to 1928. The various administrative agencies are located now in Derzhprom building.

7. The most important miracle, symbol of Kharkiv is Svobody Square

It is a unique architectural ensemble is known far beyond Ukraine. Svobody Square is one of the largest in the world (almost 12 hectares).

FOOD

There are a lot of cafes, snack bars nearby and a comfortable cafeteria in the Institute. A market and supermarkets are located only 5 minutes’ walk from the Institute.

TRANSPORT

 Bus, minibus, subway stations are not far from the Institute. A passenger fare is 3-5 hryvnias (approx. $0.15 – 0.25) per ride.