When it comes to the oldest cities of Ukraine, most of them immediately mention Kyiv or Lviv. But one of the oldest permanently populated cities not only in Ukraine but also in Europe is Belgorod-Dnestrovsky . Its history has more than two and a half millennium, and ancient ruins still retain the memory of past civilizations.
From Greek Tira to Ukrainian Belgorod
The history of the city begins in 498 BC, when the Greek colonists founded the Tira settlement here on the bank of the Dniester estuary. Thanks to the favorable geographical location, the city quickly turned into a shopping center of the Northern Black Sea. At different times, it had the name of Belgrade, Ackerman, Asproscro - depending on the dominant empire. But despite the change of names and rulers, the city has never lost its meaning.
The fortress that survived the centuries
The most famous symbol of Belgorod-Dnestrovsky is the Akkerman fortress -one of the largest medieval defense structures of Eastern Europe. Its walls, more than 2.5 km long and more than 9 hectares, were built in several stages - Greeks, Genoese, Moldovans, Ottomans. The fortress was a key defense point on the way to the Black Sea ports.
Open-air museum city museum
On this earth left a trace of many peoples: Greeks, Romans, Scythians, Slavs, Genoese, Turks, Moldovans. Each era left cultural and architectural evidence - from ancient columns to Muslim mosques. Today, this city is a real open -air museum that retains a multilayered heritage.
Blessed climate and favorable location
The soft subtropical climate, fertile land and convenient location near the Dniester estuary made the region attractive to trade. The Dniester River was a key artery that connected the inner regions with the Black Sea and therefore with all the Mediterranean.
UNESCO and recognition of historical weight
In 1999, Belgorod-Dnestrovsky celebrated his 2500th anniversary . At the same time, UNESCO officially recognized him as one of the oldest constantly populated cities in Europe. Now it is a small city of Odessa region, but its contribution to the development of civilization is undeniable and deeply symbolic.
