Transcarpathian Ukraine--between Kyiv, Budapest and Vienna

The western area of Ukraine has often been part of European countries such as Lithuania, Poland, Austria, and Hungary.  In central Chernivtsi we saw many old buildings that looked European.  Most of them were built after Chernivtsi became part of the Austrain empire in 1850 so this city is often called "Little Vienna"

This is the city hall and square.  The most impressive building complex was the former residence of the Orthodox Metropolitans which now house the central buildings of the university.  We happened to be there on Aug 31, not knowing that this was the day to officially welcome all new students who would be starting school the next day.  We were lucky to find a parking place and found the grounds swarming with new students, often with their parents.  The balcony of the central building was used as the speakers' platform as several officials in their academic robes gave speeches.  An orchestra and chorus  on ground level provided music.  We skirted the crowds and took pictures.

Because this area often changed hands politically, various church allegiances developed.  Europeans brought Catholic Christianity and constructed many Catholic churches.  In 1646 a council in Uzhhorod, after lengthy negotiations, declared a unity between the orthodox and catholic churches in transcarpathia.    This Greek-Catholic Cathedral in Uzhhorod dates to that time. 

This is the Trinitarian Cathedral in Kamianets-Podilskyi

A former Jesuit Cathedral, this is now the Archcathedral of the Resurrection in Ivano-Frankivsk

 The Armenian Church in Ivano-Frankivsk

The protestant Reformation also brought Lutheran and other protestant churches to the region.