Dendrological park "Sofievka" is a masterpiece of world landscape gardening art of the end
XVIII - the beginning of XIX centuries. The park is stretched on the area of
154,7 hectares on suburbs of the ancient city of Uman of the Cherkassy region. It is a sample of a landscape park composed of water, ground, architectural constructions and sculptures.
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Dendropark “Sofievka” was found in 1796 by rich Polish magnate Stanislav Pototsky in honour of his beautiful wife – Greek woman Sofia. Stanislav has presented it for her birthday in May, 1802.
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The idea of romantic style of the park using Greek and Roman mythology belonged to Sofia herself.
The first architect of “Sofievka” was talented Polish military engineer Ludwig Metcel. Each day in the park about 800 people was working – all of them were landlord advocating serfdoms. This park was built in a very short time. Over 200 years “Sofievka” pleases its visitors with its beauty. Wonderful landscapes, exotic plants, antique sculpture, water reservoirs, cascades, fountains, streams, stone grottos – all of these you will see here!
After Pototsky's death the park has passed to possession of his wife Sofia and after her death the park was inherited by their son Alexander.
In 1832, after the Polish revolt which was supported by A. Pototsky, all his manors have been confiscated and transferred to the Kiev state chamber.
Behind a plan of its creators Sofiyevka is the embodied illustration of
poems of Homer “Iliad” and “Odyssey”, where each composition or small architectural form comprises the certain plan, expresses idea of a myth or certain event.
"Sofievka" has become famous not only all over the world. " Miracle of Uman " is known in the Universe:
in 1984 the minor planet # 2259, opened by the Soviet astronomer Burnashevoj on June, 19, 1971, has received name "Sofievka" in honour of dendrological park.During excursion with our guide you will find out about a history of the establishment, construction and development of park for more than 200-year's history, pass with the authors of the site on its alleys, admire perfect landscapes.
On the way back from the park, all tourists visit
very famouse Hassidic district (Hassidic sacred place – grave of Nahman, synagogue).