Welcome to Kherson, the remarkable southern city with cozy ancient places and numerous modern ensembles. Kherson is the city that successfully combines its rich 225-year old historic traditions with progressive science, culture and business undertakings. Even though the city is old enough and it can tell you many interesting stories from its rich past, still it's young and modern. More than 300,000 of its inhabitants believe Kherson to be their own. Among them the Ukrainians, the Russians, the Greeks, the Tatars, the Germans are. So, are you ready to set off on a brief excursion round the city? Well, the first thing about Kherson you are sure to notice is that it is very picturesque. How can't it be if it's on one of the longest European rivers the Dnieper? The splendid river views will turn your head and make you feel unlimited. The city is sinking within greenery. As soon as you're in Kherson your breath is taken away by its numerous parks, cozy squares, broad streets, hospitable people, Kherson girls' shining smiles... Kherson people always say, "We live in a civilized European city, we were born here. We know its history and we feel proud of it. We are eager to share our feeling of admiration with you and Kherson is always ready to tell its heroic story to you, too". So, Kherson appeared according to the Russian Empress's Catherine II edict. It was to become a fortress, a city and a shipyard to protect the southern borders of the Russian Empire. The bold mission was successfully fulfilled by the outstanding statesman G. A. Potyomkin. His imposing monument in Potyomkin Square (that is in the downtown) makes you realize the greatness of the aim he attained. The Ochakov Gates that used to lead to the Kherson fortress more than two hundred years ago are the symbol of the city. They still remind of the glorious heroic events from Kherson's past. They are built according to classic standards and resemble the triumphal arch. One of the most ancient fortress structures is the Catherine's Cathedral. It lives its own life behind the rampart that used to surround the ancient Kherson fortress. Everybody who wants to touch the Faith and tribute into the renowned history comes here. The cinema-concert hall "The Jubilee" is the unique construction: the dynamic curve of the sloping arch with the edge vertical filling makes the structure original and unforgettable. The Kherson Maritime College is the oldest maritime educational establishment in Ukraine. In 2004 it is going to be 170 years old! Nowadays the Maritime College's students are claimed all round the world. The city of Kherson is on the bank of the mighty, grand river Dnieper. Whenever you feel down, whenever you're lost within life routine and senseless trifles, come to one of Kherson's quays to admire the Dnieper's picturesque banks, the vast water space. The endless horizons will make you feel serene, they'll set you free. Kherson's embankments are popular places for the city's citizens and its guests to walk and admire peace and harmony of nature. So, Kherson's life is active and impetuous, Kherson's people are friendly and hospitable, Kherson itself is impressive and unique. And it's up to you to decide whether to let Kherson show its originality to you or not. In any case you're always welcome to Kherson!