Ivano-Frankivsk, Regional capital in western Ukraine
Ivano-Frankivsk is a large city in western Ukraine that spreads along the Bystritsa River and counts around 238,000 inhabitants. The center sits at 244 meters (800 feet) above sea level among hills and farmland near the Carpathians.
The settlement arose in 1662 as Stanisławów fortress, built by the Polish noble Potocki family against raids from Crimea. After changing rule under Poland, Austria and the Soviet Union, the city received its current name in 1962.
The Armenian community built its church starting in 1742, while the Assumption Cathedral with gilded domes marks the central square. Many preserved townhouses in the historic core show facades from the period under Habsburg administration.
The central railway station links the city to many destinations across Ukraine, while several universities and medical institutes shape the educational scene. The pedestrian zone in the old town makes it easy to explore the main sights.
Revera Potocki is said to have traced the layout with a plow in open fields, creating a Renaissance-style grid. This planning took place over the remains of the older settlement Zabolottia.
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