"The City of Ivan Franko" Top 5 Page for this destination Ivano-Frankivs'k by hunterV

Ivano-Frankivs'k Travel Guide: 29 reviews and 71 photos

Market Square, Ivano-Frankivs'k, Ukraine

The History of the City Name

Ivano-Frankivsk would sound like Ivan-Franko-City in English.
It was named after the outstanding Ukrainian writer and poet of the 19th and 20th century Ivan Franko.
The city got this name in 1962 and had a Polish name before: it was called Stanislas.
I think the authorities regarded the name Stanislas as too Polish and decided to change the city name in honor of the poet who was born in that region and lived there.

The Unique City

Market Square, Ivano-Frankivs'k, Ukraine

This city is considered unique due to its architecture, geographical location and facilities.
The city architecture incorporates both the old and the new features and harmoniously blends the present and the past.
The city history dates back to 1662 when it was mentioned for the first time.
During the city's 300th anniversary it was decided to rename it after Ivan Franko, a great Ukrainian poet and thinker who lived in the city and created a number of his immortal works there.

A Memorable Visit

Chopin Street, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine

I was lucky to visit this city in 1990 when I was the teacher leader of the students' team in German during the All-Ukrainian German Olympiad in Ivano-Frankivsk.
We spent about a week there and managed to visit the main city sites.
The city is a famous center in the Precarpathian region.
It is famous for its craftsmen such as needlewomen, weavers, wood cutters, leather and metal craftsmen.
You can also visit the picturesque city environs and enjoy wonderful views of the Precarpathian region.

Pictures of Ivano-Frankivsk

Pros and Cons

Pros:beautiful countryside, lots of handicrafts and souvenirs
Cons:too far to get there...
In a nutshell:City of Tidy Streets, Squares and Friendly People

Last visit to Ivano-Frankivs'k: Mar 1990
Intro Updated Nov 5, 2011
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Reviews (3)

The railway station, Ivano-Frankivsk - Ivano-Frankivs'k

Getting There Transportation (1)

We came to the city by train. It is connected with Kiev, Lviv and other large cities by trains. There are also bus... more travel advice

The City Lake Things to Do (2)

The city park with a lake is very nice indeed. You can relax hiring a boat or just sitting and enjoying the countryside... more travel advice

Ivan Franko Theater Things to Do (2)

I think visiting this theater is a must for the people coming here. The theater is a modern building and the company... more travel advice

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Comments (14)

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toonsarah Dec 23, 2012 at 10:44 AM

Nice old buildings ia the Market Square :-)
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Dabs Jul 13, 2010 at 7:52 PM

I think we saw his grave in Lviv, didn't we?
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sourbugger Dec 7, 2009 at 5:39 AM

interestingly named place
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nada1712 Dec 6, 2009 at 9:55 AM

Fascinating city ...a lovely page!
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jumpingnorman Jul 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM

countrysides may be far but they are always great o visit...relaxing place...
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Dizzyhead May 24, 2009 at 5:29 AM

is this an interesting city to visit or not???? Peter
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deecat Mar 5, 2009 at 2:56 PM

Another delightful location, and your insights are just wonderful. Appreciate the time and effort you go to in order to give us a "feel" for the location.
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HORSCHECK Apr 12, 2008 at 12:23 AM

I will be in the West of Ukraine in about 4 weeks and Ivano-Frankivs'k might be a possible destination. I really like the architecture of the railway station.
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MalenaN Mar 9, 2008 at 12:57 AM

The City Park and lake looks to be a great place for relaxing!
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yumyum May 18, 2007 at 9:52 AM

I wish I could visit this city but unfortunately it's not on our route.