Vilkovo - Ukrainian Venice! Tips, reviews of the holiday in Vilkovo

It's about a small town, located at the confluence of the Danube River in the Black Sea. A wonderful, mysterious place where the beauty of nature and the creation of human hands merged together is Vilkovo. Ukrainian Venice - this is what residents and guests call this place. The old part of the city is located in the water, so you can get here only by boat, and instead of the streets we are waiting for channels. Let's find out how it happened that people founded this town on the river, and what kind of rest in Vilkovo, judging by the reviews, can expect us.

Nikon's Church Reform. Its consequences

Three centuries ago the Old Believers fled here from the church reform. As a result of Russia's victory in the Russian-Turkish war, its positions have intensified. The lands united , Moscow became the single center of Russia. There was a need to create a centralized church, because the Orthodox faith was the single core of the state. It was decided to come to one prayer, the same forms of worship and ritual. To this end, the Nikon reform was carried out, based on the church practice of Byzantium.

It so happened that in the years that have passed since the day of the baptism of Rus, the rites have changed a lot. Patriarch Nikon decided to eradicate this fragmentation by enlisting the support of the tsar. But in reality everything turned out to be more difficult - not all took change with delight. Dissenters were many: a significant number of boyars, merchants, representatives of the clergy and peasants. So the split began. The confrontation intensified, there were many victims, and the Old Believers realized that they had no chance to survive and defeat them. Some thought the solution to the problem was to run, others held protest self-immolations, while others went underground. Here such escaped Old Believers are lime trees and came to the swampy banks of the Danube.

The foundation of Vilkovo and feat

The founders of Vilkovo in 1746 literally rebuilt the city on the water and extracted "the land from under the water," namely, they extracted silt and laid it at the base of future houses and streets, protecting artificial islands with chopped reeds. The town is literally conquered by the river.

In the years of the Russo-Turkish War, Lipovans made an invaluable contribution to the victory. Their merits were highly appreciated and noted in the reports of Kutuzov. Without the aid of the licking, it would be impossible to carry out one of the most striking victories in history-the capture of the impregnable fortress of the Ottoman Empire, the city of Ishmael. As Suvorov said, personally inspecting before the storm one of the most powerful fortifications in Europe, "this fortress has no weaknesses." The lipovans themselves did not participate in military operations for religious reasons, but agreed to help Suvorov in organizing the transfer of troops along the Danube. They provided their boats with excellent driving qualities, maneuverability and spaciousness. All the same, during the years of life on the river, the settlers took into account all the nuances of navigation. Their long narrow boats had noses on both sides, which saved time on turns.

The commander-winner in the award gave the Lipovans the right to own the waters of the Danube, which was fixed on paper and sealed with the appropriate seal. In the 20th century, Romania tried to deprive them of this right, but the Hague International Court left behind the rulers of the Danube the right received from Russia. The act is faked - this is not only a military feat, but also a Christian step of goodwill. This people showed that they do not remember the old grievances, puts the common cause above their own interests and is able to help without hoping for a bribe.

Population

Most of the population of Vilkovo are Russian. They are in the town of 70%, and most of them still profess the ancient Old Believer faith. 25% are Ukrainians, as well as Romanians, Moldovans, Bulgarians and representatives of other nationalities. The population of the city of Vilkovo, according to the 2001 census, was 9.4 thousand people. Also, according to the same census, the Russian language is native to 84% of the population.

Religion

In the city there are three churches - one Orthodox and two churches of the Old Believers. There are also three Baptist churches here.

Geographical features of the province

The map of Vilkovo gives an idea of the location of the town.

The Danube falls into the sea by several dividing channels, "sleeves" that resemble a fork, which explains the name of the city. Parts of this fork were manually connected by numerous channels - "Eric", and now it is a town on 72 islands. Together with the river channels man-made canals created a single water system Vilkovo. Photos of the settlement are clearly shown by canals alternating with small islands. And if you look at the map of the city from the air during the flood of the Danube, then we will see neat rectangular islands of land among the endless waters.

The amazing nature of Vilkovo

Ukrainian Venice has every right to be called a paradise. All nature lives here at the junction of the sea and the river. Rare species of plants, birds, animals are typical for the region. Nearby there are pine forest and lakes. As in ancient Egypt, silt gives plants strength, being the best fertilizer. Standing in the water, residents take out silt, put it to dry, and then wheelbarrows deliver to the right place. Earth, created by own hands, always turns into a wonderful neat garden with vegetable beds or in a garden with fragrant flowers. Small reed houses of the inhabitants are buried in fragrant gardens and vineyards. Basically all the gardens are on the islands. Imagine only - to get on a visit to a neighbor, you will have to pass along the bridge or swim by boat! That's really really, Vilkovo - Ukrainian Venice. A photo of an ordinary street, the traffic on which is carried out by boat, provides an opportunity to imagine the everyday life of the Vilkivians.

Local business

In addition to farming, local residents are engaged in fishing. Moreover, this town is rightly called the capital of the Danube fishermen. Fish farming in the sea and the river is the main fishery in the population. Also, in recent times, reeds have enjoyed a good demand for exports. Fish, local strawberries, grapes, house wine and other products are sold to tourists.

sights

What can you see on holiday in Vilkovo? Ukrainian Venice is the only city in Europe that is located on the territory of the Biosphere Reserve "Danube Plavni". This is a protected area, where unique natural complexes are located and environmental monitoring is carried out together with scientific research. Nature here is full of life, many species of plants, animals, birds, waterfowl and even aquatic invertebrates are listed in the Red Book.

At the confluence of the Danube in the Black Sea is a symbolic sign "0 km". They say that to visit here and pass under it is considered a good sign - it will bring good luck and health. Just think - more than 2,5 thousand kilometers is the way of the Danube, flowing into the sea here, in a small man-made town - Vilkovo.

The Ukrainian Venice. Recreation

There are several recreation centers, a hotel and mini-hotels. Judging by the reviews, this is an ideal place to relax with a couple, a big company or a family with children. By the way, in many yards there are children's playgrounds with swings and slides. During the day, you can take a stroll by boat or boat along the picturesque river delta, go fishing, visit the best fish market in the region. From national dishes it is worth trying, as the experienced travelers, the real ear, the famous Danube herring, smoked bream, sauce "Salamur", Lipovan herbal tea and, of course, a glass of local wine "Novak", try to assure. Vilkovo - Ukrainian Venice, it is definitely worth a visit!