Yalta

Ukraine’s most important resort is Yalta, which has catered to pleasure lovers and health seekers for more than a century. Here at the Golden Riviera Russian aristocracy built elegant summer palaces and palatial villas rivaling those of Nice and Cannes. Livadia became the summer residence of tsars and famous as the site of the 1945 Yalta Conference. Following the 1917 Revolution, most opulent mansions were converted to sanitariums where Soviet citizens came to recuperate. Restoration of many palaces has reinstated them to former glory, and they present a desirable attraction. Historic sites such as Livadia, the impressive Vorontsov Palace, the interesting Chekhov Museum, and the spectacular scenery makes this a Black Sea playground. Chekhov House-Museum stands where famous Russian writer Anton Chekhov spent his last years. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Yalta, houses beautiful icons and prides itself in fine altar woodwork. Nikitsky Botanical Gardens, located on a hilltop above the sea, features a vast collection of ornamental plants.