Happy TravellerNestled in the northern region of Ukraine lies the historic city of Berdychiv. From its early settlement by the Chernyakhov culture to its position within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and later, the Russian Empire, Berdychiv has seen various cultural influences and political changes over time. Today, despite the damage sustained during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Berdychiv remains a city rich in history and cultural significance.
Berdychiv was once an important trading and banking center in its heyday, but the town became impoverished after the banking industry moved to Odesa in the mid-19th century. Nevertheless, it is still a city of great importance to Jewish history, with a large Jewish population and an important role in the development of Hasidism. Berdychiv was also home to many notable figures such as Honoré de Balzac, Joseph Conrad, and Vasily Grossman.
Visitors to Berdychiv can explore the remnants of the city’s past including the fortified Carmelite monastery, which was captured and plundered by Bohdan Khmelnytsky in 1647, and the many synagogues and batei midrash that once made Berdychiv famous for its cantors. The city is also home to a number of notable museums and galleries including the National Museum of the Holodomor Genocide, which commemorates the victims of the man-made famine of 1932-1933.
Travelers to Berdychiv will also be delighted by the city’s local cuisine, which features a mix of Ukrainian, Polish, and Jewish influences. From the hearty borscht soup to the delicious pierogi dumplings, there is no shortage of delicious traditional dishes to try.
Despite its tumultuous history, Berdychiv remains a city of incredible resilience and character. From its rich cultural heritage to its mouthwatering cuisine, Berdychiv offers visitors a unique and fascinating glimpse into the history and identity of Ukraine.
