14 interesting facts about Ivano-Frankivsk: what didn't you know about the pearl of the Carpathians?

Ivano-Frankivsk is a city that impresses from the first steps. For the City Day, we have collected 14 of the most interesting facts about this magical place - from the legends of the ancient Rynok Square to the unique egg monument. Find out why Frankivsk is not just a stop on the way to the Carpathians, but a unique center of culture, architecture and Ukrainian identity

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Ivano-Frankivsk is a city where history is intertwined with legends, and modernity harmoniously coexists with age-old traditions. Here, every street breathes the atmosphere of ancient Europe, and behind every corner lies a story that can surprise even an experienced traveler. To tell you a little more about this fabulous place and in honor of Ivano-Frankivsk's birthday, we have collected for you 14 of the most interesting and unusual facts about the city that makes you fall in love with yourself at first sight.

Ivano-Frankivsk is the second name of the city

Ivano-Frankivsk was founded in 1662 as a fortress called Stanislaviv. Therefore, walking around Ivano-Frankivsk, you will often come across the names “Stanislav” or “Stanislaviv”. In 1962, in honor of the 300th anniversary, the city received a new name - Ivano-Frankivsk, in honor of the outstanding Ukrainian writer, philosopher and public figure Ivan Franko.

Market Square - the oldest part of Ivano-Frankivsk

Market Square has survived since the founding of the city. Once it was the center of the hexagonal fortress, in the form of which the city was built. By the way, it was once called Death Square, because it was here that executions were carried out. Legends about the ghosts of the opryshki who roam the central buildings have survived to this day.

The city has its own "Potocki Palace"

The Potocki Palace complex is a historical monument of the 17th century, which was restored and became a popular location for art events and exhibitions.

Ivano-Frankivsk Town Hall is one of the most interesting in Ukraine

At first glance, Ivano-Frankivsk Town Hall may seem ordinary, but this impression is deceptive. The building is built in a rare for Ukraine style of functionalism - there are only a few similar buildings in the country. Throughout history, its appearance has changed four times. Interestingly, this is the only town hall in Europe that has a gilded dome in the shape of a helmet. If you look at it from above, the shape resembles the Order of the Polish Army.

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There is an underground labyrinth in Ivano-Frankivsk

There are rumors that a mysterious underground labyrinth is hidden under the city center. Part of the catacombs was already found by builders once. But it has not yet been possible to fully confirm or refute the legend.

One of the oldest operating train stations in Ukraine operates in Ivano-Frankivsk

The local railway station was opened back in 1866. And to this day, it receives passengers, preserving the spirit of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Ivano-Frankivsk was the first to receive electricity

Among the small towns of Western Ukraine, Stanislaviv was one of the first to receive full electricity. The first light bulbs at the railway station were lit in the 19th century.

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Ivano-Frankivsk is a city of festivals

Every year, the best blacksmiths from different countries of the world gathered in Ivano-Frankivsk for the “Blacksmiths' Festival” festival, creating unique metal sculptures right in front of the audience. Now Ivano-Frankivsk is actively developing its cultural life: numerous festivals are held here - from theatrical and musical to culinary and ethnic.

Frankivsk is one of the most comfortable cities in Ukraine

Ivano-Frankivsk has repeatedly been included in the rankings of the best cities to live in Ukraine due to its cozy atmosphere, safety and pedestrian friendliness.

Ivano-Frankivsk is a city with unique architecture

The city is famous for its architectural heritage - here you can see examples of Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau. The City Hall is especially impressive.

Some of Ivano-Frankivsk's squares are very small

The smallest square in the city is the square of Ivan Trush Street, which has only 360 square meters. The length of the street itself is a little more than 60 meters, and the width is less than 6.

“Stometrivka” is a symbol of a city walk

Popular among locals and tourists, the pedestrian street of Independence, known as “stometrivka”, has become a favorite place for meetings, walks and celebrations.

Egg Monument

In Ivano-Frankivsk there is a unique monument, which is not found anywhere else in Europe - it is an egg monument.

A city near the Carpathians

Ivano-Frankivsk is a great starting point for trips to the picturesque Carpathians. The mountains are just an hour's drive from the city.

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Let us remind you! Ukraine is a boundless mosaic of impressions: from ancient fortresses to exquisite European architecture, from legends of antiquity to the modern atmosphere of cities. All this is in convenient, bright routes that are easy to discover together with professional guides. We have already talked about the most interesting cities for traveling in Ukraine in 2025.

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