History

The town was founded in 1652 by the Cossacks who had migrated here from the areas on the right bank of the Dnipro river. The town grew rapidly and in 1658 it acquired the status of a Cossack headquarters. In the very early years of its existence Sumy turned out to be a bulwark against the Tatar inroads. The town bravely withstood all the attempts to storm and destroy it. The siege by the enemies was almost a daily routine. But the town survived even the worst of times and grew in size.

By the end of the 18th century the town became an important centre of trade and handicrafts. Merchants from all over Ukraine, from Russia, from Western Europe, even from distant Asia, flocked to Sumy's annual fairs. The economic prosperity changed the town significantly, but still many of old houses have been preserved and they are excellent examples of the architectural style of classicism.

Museums

1. The Sumy Fine Arts Museum. It is one of the most outstanding arts centres in Ukraine which contains unique paintings and works of applied arts.

2. The Museum of Local Lore. It contains unique collections covering archaeology and natural history of Sumy Area.

Parks

Among the places of interest one should also mention a children park "Skazka". It is full of side-shows where both children and grown-ups can enjoy their leisure time. One can also see wonderful ponds where majestic swans are swimming proudly. Looking at them one can dream of the same swan faithfulness.

Central park is an example of beauty of local nature, where a lot of side-shows are situated and where holiday fireworks take place.

Culture

In Sumy one can see how the past meets the present. It is the town of contrasts. It harmoniously combines the achievements of predecessors and nowadays ones. Numerous monuments to outstanding people who contributed to town's economic and cultural development or fell victims defending their native town, churches and cathedrals as an embodyment of people's creative spirit and holy belief are among of them.

Hotel for members. This hotel is situated within 5 minutes walk from the center of the city. It has all modern facilities. Almost all rooms have air-conditioner, fridge, king-size bed, TV, phone, mini bar. The rooms are cleaned every day.

There is a parking lot, 3 restaurants, swimming pool and sauna, billiard and pool, live music and beautiful view to the river.

Architectural Monuments

Sumy has a few architectural sites worth visiting: Church of Resurrection (early 18th c., baroque style with purely Ukrainian elements characteristic of wooden churches implemented in a stone construction), Cathedral of Annunciation (18-19th c.c., initially Reneissance building with further baroque and classicistic alterations; fine decorum and paintings), former Trinity Cathedral (early 20th c., now houses Organ and Chamber music Hall of the local philharmonic society and the Museum of Sculpture) are some of them.

Climate

In general Sumy is the town in Ukraine with a temperate climate and clearly recognizable change of four seasons. Average temperature of January is -7º C, the average temperature of July is +22ºC.

Money

Banks in Sumy accept all Travels Checks and credit cards including Visa, MasterCard and EuroCard. Western Union office is in every bank. Cash exchange is surely available. You can also withdraw money from ATM, which we have many in town.

NOTE: When you bring cards with you do not forget your pin number and please ask your bank if you can withdraw money with your card from ATM's in foreign countries including Ukraine.

Transportation

There are some theatres in Sumy town where citizens and guests can have a rest and relax being the performances' grateful spectators. The Shchepkin theatre in the Teatral'naya Square, the Young Spectator's theatre, are among them. These hearths of art are worth-visiting if one wants to make a complete impression of Sumy town. Numerous movie theatres are also popular.