Vinnitsa,, one of the oldest Ukrainian cities, is situated on the Yuzhny Bug river. It is more than 600 years old today. Vinnitsa is one of the biggest industrial and cultural cities of Ukraine, the centre of the Vinnitsa region and the Podolsk economic zone. The architectural monuments of 18-20th centuries - the cathedrals and the churches - are open today, including the renovated St.Mykola's Church, one of the best examples of wooden falk art. There are 5 museums, 2 theatres and a Philharmonic Hall in Vinnitsa.

The origin of the name Vinnitsa has not been ascertained definitively. Somebody simply affirms, would has derived from the name of the little river Vinnytchka, a tributary of the South Boug. In 1871 the railway Kyiv - Odessa has been layed across Vinnytsa. It favored significantly subsequent economic and cul-tural development of the city. In 1797 the population of Vinnytsa makes 30 000.

New cultural institutions like the Peoples House (1902) and the City Theatre (1910) were inaugurated. In 1912 one of the most original buildings of Vinnitsa was unveiled - the- hotel (nowadays 'Ukraine") equipped with central heating and electric elevator, which weren't common conve-niences in that time.

Peaceful life was broken again by the war in July 1941. Vinnytchyna became an Occupied zone. On our land the fascist regime was especially tough, because not far from Vinnytsa was built so called Werwolf, the secret headquarters of Hitler. Over 15 000 prisoners of war from several countries of Europe were used there as workers. An obelisk near the village Kolo-Mykhayiivka reminds us about that tragedy.

In March 1944 Vinnytsa was liberated from fascist aggressors. There was a cel-ebration, but a celebration full of bitter tears. Before the war, the main city of the oblast had the population of 100 000. In 1944 there remained only 27 000 . They have been working tirelessly. In 1948 almost all the enterprises of Vinnytsa were restored.

Nowadays Vinnytsa is a big industrial centre with 400 000 residents. There are here over 70 plants and factories, radio industry, metalworkings. In the same time, this is the city of students and scientists.

We are proud of Vinnytsky Medical University of M. Pyrogov widely known for its scientific traditions. 4 000 students from Ukraine and 52 foreign countries are studying in the six departments.

If you ever visit Vinnitsa, you shouldn't miss its museums. At outskirts of Vinnytsa there is a village Pyrogove. In 1861 it was bought by the great Russian surgeon Mykola Pyrogov He has built here the house, where now is located the memorial museum of the famous scientist.

The favorite place for rest and relaxation of Vinnytsa residents is the City Park. Beautiful alleys lined by old linden trees lead to the splendid fountain, to the athletic-courts, stadium, planetarium, to the open concert hall and to the cinema hall. Another alley displays monuments to the famous personalities. There are comfortable bars and restaurants in the park, which is spread out on 40 hectares.

This is not only one park of the city. The park Druzhba is well-known for its swan-lakes, that make beautiful cascade. In the Botanical Gardens you can find over 300 kinds of rare trees and plants on 80 hectares of territory.