Vinnitsa, one of the oldest Ukrainian cities, is situated on the Yuzhny Bug river. It is more than 600 years old today. Vinnitsa is one of the biggest industrial and cultural cities of Ukraine, the centre of the Vinnitsa region and the Podolsk economic zone. The architectural monuments of 18-20th centuries - the cathedrals and the churches - are open today, including the renovated St.Mykola's Church, one of the best examples of wooden falk art. There are 5 museums, 2 theatres and a Philharmonic Hall in Vinnitsa. The Museum of Local Lore, the Arts Museum, the Music Drama Theatre and the Puppet Theatre are among them.

Area ancestor's believed, this part of Ukraine was a Heaven on the Earth, thus, no wonder, the main river of Vinnytchyna is the South Boug, which name derives from Bog, God in Slavonic.

The origin of the name Vinnitsa has not been ascertained definitively. Somebody simply affirms, would has derived from the name of the little river Vinnytchka, a tributary of the South Boug. More fastidious students of local lore deduce the word from wine-making trade. Distilleries said to be an ancient tradition in this region.

In 1640 Vihnylsa becomes important enough to have its own City Emblem and Seal. The official City Emblem consisted of two swords and two fishing-rods.

In 1871 the railway Kyiv - Odessa has been layed across Vinnytsa. It favored significantly subsequent economic and cul­tural development of the city. In 1797 the population of Vinnytsa makes 30 000.

New cultural institutions like the Peoples House (1902) and the City Theatre (1910) were inaugurated. In 1912 one of the most original buildings of Vinnitsa was unveiled - the- hotel «Savoy» (nowadays 'Ukraine") equipped with central heating and electric elevator, which weren't common conve­niences in that time.

Peaceful life was broken again by the war in July 1941. Vinnytchyna became an Occupied zone. On our land the fascist regime was especially tough, because not far from Vinnytsa was built so called Werwolf, the secret headquarters of Hitler. Over 15 000 prisoners of war from several countries of Europe were used there as workers. The prisoners were dying of starvation, beatings, and excessive toil. In 1942 the top secret project was completed and all the prisoners were executed by shooting. An obelisk near the village Kolo-Mykhayiivka reminds us about that tragedy.

The Great Victory was achieved trough much suffering, at a high price 20 March 1944 Vinnytsa was liberated from fascist aggressors. There was a cel­ebration, but a celebration full of bitter tears.

Before the war, the main city of the oblast had the population of 10O 000 . In 1944 there remained only 27 000 . They have been working tirelessly . In 1948 almost all the enterprises of Vinnytsa were restored. Nowadays Vinnytsa is a big industrial centre with 400 000 residents. There are here over 70 plants and factories, radio industry, metalworkings. City produces everything from bearings to computers, from fertilizers to agriculture machinery and equipment, from food stuffs and clothes to diamonds. In the same time, this is the city of students and scientists. We are proud of Vinnytsky Medical University of M. Pyrogov widely known for its scientific traditions. 4 000 students from Ukraine and 52 foreign countries are studying in the six departments. Over 7 000 students, now studying in the 9 departments of Vinytsky State Teachers' Treaning Institute, will become specialists in all subjects of sec­ondary school educational programs.

If you ever visit Vinnitsa, you shouldn't miss its museums. At outskirts of Vinnytsa there is a village Pyrogove.. In 1861 it was bought by the great Russian surgeon Mykola Pyrogov He has built here the house, where now is located the memorial museum of the famous scientist. In recognition of M. Pyrogov's valuable contribution to the science, the memorial house and estate, by a decree of the President of Ukraine L.D.Kuchma, has got the status of a national museum since June 1997.

The favorite place for rest and relaxation of Vinnytsa residents is the City Park. Beautiful alleys lined by old linden trees lead to the splendid fountain, to the athletic-courts, stadium, planetarium, to the open concert hall and to the cinema hall. Another alley displays monuments to the famous personalities. There are comfortable bars and restaurants in the park, which is spread out on 40 hectares.

This is not only one part of the city. The park Druzhba is well-known for its swan-lakes, that make beautiful cascade. In the Botanical Gardens you can find over 300 kinds of rare trees and plants on 80 hectares of territory