Mykolaiv, town in Lviv oblast in Ukraine
Mykolaiv is a small city in Lviv Oblast in western Ukraine, located within Stryi Raion. It contains old stone and wooden buildings, simple homes, and the Church of Saint Nicholas with a modest bell tower, which has stood for over 400 years and shapes the town's character.
Mykolaiv was founded in 1570 by Polish nobleman Mikołaj Tarło and granted rights to hold markets and self-govern under Magdeburg law. The city passed through Polish, Austro-Hungarian, and Soviet rule, each period leaving marks on its development and buildings.
The name Mykolaiv comes from its Polish founder Mikołaj Tarło, and this origin remains visible in local traditions and community gathering places. The town keeps a simple rural culture where people meet on squares, chat regularly, and pass down customs through festivals and religious celebrations.
Mykolaiv is well connected by train to larger cities like Lviv, allowing visitors to enjoy countryside views during travel. The town sits near the Dniester River and is surrounded by fields, so plan for slow exploration and time to take in the rural surroundings.
Near the city, the Stilsko fortified settlement from the 10th century was discovered in 1984, revealing old defenses and dwelling structures. This archaeological site shows that the region has over a thousand years of settlement history and offers visitors insight into long-term human presence in the area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
