Arboretum Oleksandriya, National arboretum in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine.
Arboretum Oleksandriya is a botanical garden in Bila Tserkva spanning more than 400 acres and featuring tree species from East Asia and South America. The paths lead through forested sections, along waterways, and across open clearings planted with exotic shrubs.
The grounds were created in the late 18th century at the request of Frantsishek Branytskyi, who commissioned a French architect to plan the design. Over time the use changed several times until it was established as a botanical research center in the 20th century.
The name honors Oleksandra Branytska, the founder's wife, reflecting the family's connection to this place. Visitors today still see the alleys and ponds once designed as retreats for the noble society.
A walk takes at least two hours to see the main areas, and sturdy shoes are advisable because of the unpaved sections. The paths are well marked, but a map at the entrance helps with orientation between the different collections.
The colonnade with echo effect stands at the southern edge of the grounds and still works as it did two centuries ago. A whispered word at one end is clearly audible at the opposite end without raising your voice.
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