Ukraine: Kolomyia

Next – Kolomyia. Another historic town at the foothills of the Carpathian mountains, dating back to 1240 at the times of Kievan Rus. The old city is particularly picturesque and rather compact with a lot of centuries-old ornate buildings from late 19th century, all relatively well preserved. The city is considered to be the capital of Gutsul culture (typical of the sub-Carpathian region, famous for crafts and cuisine). There are about half a dozen churches of various denominations here, including the Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary (1775), Church of St. Archangel Michael (1855), and more recent Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Christ (1998). Another famous building is the Pysanka museum aka Museum of the Easter Eggs – with a giant painted egg in front of it. The tall Ratusha clock tower is also interesting.