When it comes to the oldest cities in Ukraine, most people immediately think of Kyiv or Lviv. But one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities not only in Ukraine but also in Europe is Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi . Its history dates back more than two and a half millennia, and its ancient ruins still preserve the memory of past civilizations.
From Greek Thira to Ukrainian Belgorod
The history of the city begins in 498 BC, when Greek colonists founded the settlement of Tyre on the banks of the Dniester Estuary. Due to its advantageous geographical location, the city quickly became a trading center of the Northern Black Sea Region. At different times, it was called Belgrade, Akerman, Asprokastro - depending on the ruling empire. But despite the change of names and rulers, the city never lost its importance.
A fortress that has survived centuries
The most famous symbol of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi is the Akkerman Fortress , one of the largest medieval defensive structures in Eastern Europe. Its walls, over 2.5 km long and covering an area of over 9 hectares, were built in several stages by the Greeks, Genoese, Moldavians, and Ottomans. The fortress was a key point of defense on the way to the Black Sea ports.
Open-air museum city
Many peoples have left their mark on this land: Greeks, Romans, Scythians, Slavs, Genoese, Turks, Moldavians. Each era has left behind cultural and architectural evidence - from ancient columns to Muslim mosques. Today this city is a real open-air museum, preserving a multi-layered heritage.
Blessed climate and favorable location
The mild subtropical climate, fertile lands, and convenient location near the Dniester Estuary made the region attractive for trade. The Dniester River was a key artery connecting the interior regions with the Black Sea, and thus with the entire Mediterranean.
UNESCO and recognition of historical importance
In 1999, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi celebrated its 2,500th anniversary . At the same time, UNESCO officially recognized it as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Today, it is a small city in the Odessa region, but its contribution to the development of civilization is undeniable and deeply symbolic.
