ABOUT CHERNIVTSI
The city of Chernivtsi has seen different governments, belonged to various empires, but everything in it remained respectful-tolerant and thoughtful-beautiful. The town can always be discovered from new perspectives, coming to it again and again to feel the atmosphere created for centuries.
Due to its history, natural beauty, magnificent architecture, generous spirits of its inhabitants Chernivtsi ranked a considerable position among Ukrainian and European cities long ago. Ancient origin and historical development fill it with special charm and attraction for people who are interested in Bukovyna.
The first written record of the town is found in the manuscripts of Moldavian landlord Alexander the Kind, issued to the merchants from Lviv on October 8, 1408. Every year this date is celebrated as an official town’s birthday. From the middle of XIX to the beginning of XX centuries numerous architectural monuments were constructed becoming a real glory of the town: Town Hall (1848); the building of Post-Office (1855); Armenian Church (1875); Jewish Synagogue (1877); Music and Drama Theatre (1905); Palace of Justice (1906); the building of Railway Station (1908).
The most fascinating architectural pearl in Chernivtsi is a masterpiece created by a well-known Czech architect Joseph Glavka – former Residence of Bukovinian Metropolitans. On June 28, 2011, the architectural ensemble of the Residence of Bukovinian Metropolitans and Dalmatia was included to the UNESKO world heritage.
The Theatre has become one more visiting card of Bukovyna capital. The Theatre was designed by Viennese architects F. Felner and H. Helmer. Its twin-brother is located in the town of Furth (Germany). The troupe of this theatre went on tour to Chernivtsi in 2001. In 1907 a monument to Friedrich Schiller was constructed in front of the Theatre, and in 1980 – the monument to Olga Kobylianska. The Theatre was named after her in 1954.
To the right of the Theatre one can see the building of Higher State Educational Establishment of Ukraine “Bukovinian State Medical University”. It is this facility that has become an original dwelling for celestial patrons. From the façade of the building constructed in 1912 as the Palace of Trade and Crafts, passer-byes are watched by Demeter, Goddess of harvest and fertility, and Hermes, God of trade, heraldry, merchants, commerce, roads, thieves, trickery, sports, travelers, and athletes, the emissary and messenger of the gods.
One of the oldest squares in the town. In 1877 the building of the Society of Music Arts, now Philharmonic society, was built here. The most prominent singers and music stars performed here: Solomiya Krushelnytska, Enrico Caruso, Arthur Rubinstein, Sidi Tal etc. The five-storied hotel “Bristol” is one more architectural dominating structure in the square. Now it is a dormitory of BSMU.
Chernivtsi is one of the towns of Ukraine that can be truly considered a masterpiece of architecture. 602 architectural monuments in the historical part of Bukovyna capital are registered in the State Fund including 17 of them of a national value. The official motto of modern Chernivtsi is “By combined effort!” – “Viribus Unitis!” in Latin. The right to use this motto was granted by Franz Joseph I, the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, and monarch of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Chernivtsi deserved to be called an intellectual center. It is the place where many famous scientists, cultural and public figures were born, worked and created (Erwin Chargaff, Sydir Vorobkevych, Volodymyr Ivasiuk, Mila Kunis, Paul Celan and many others).
Modern Chernivtsi not only carefully preserves and restores the symbols and traditions of the past, but initiates new ones. Since November 12, 2004, at midday a trumpet player wearing original national Bukovinian clothes walks up the stairs of Chernivtsi Town Hall every day and plays the melody of undying music composition “Marichka” (music by S. Sabadash, lyrics by M. Tkach). This melody is called an unofficial anthem of Chernivtsi.
Let’s preserve and increase glorious traditions of Chernivtsi attaching to them new European features! And the best way to know more about Chernivtsi is to travel to our wonderful city!
RECENT NEWS
Graduation Ceremony of International Students – Master’s Degree in Medicine At the Medical and Pharmaceutical Faculty of Bukovinian State Medical University, the final attestation of 6th-year students majoring in Medicine has been successfully completed. All international graduates successfully passed the Integrated Licensing Exam “Krok 2. Medicine”! Throughout their years of study, the students have come a long way — gaining valuable knowledge, acquiring essential practical skills, and successfully passing the state examinations and final assessments. Despite the challenging times in Ukraine, the entire BSMU team has ensured the most favorable conditions for quality education and the successful completion of studies. On June 21, 2025, a solemn graduation ceremony was held in the elegant hall of the “Akademichnyi” Palace of Bukovinian State Medical University to celebrate the graduates of the Medicine program (international students). The diplomas of Master of Medicine were presented by the Rector of the University, Professor Ihor Herush. We sincerely wish our graduates professional success, confidence in their knowledge and abilities, fulfillment of dreams, and realization of their most ambitious goals! We also warmly invite them to continue their medical journey at BSMU during their internship training.
Read moreDental Faculty Students of BSMU Successfully Completed Summer Clinical Practice On July 25, 2025, students of the 3rd and 4th years of the Dental Faculty at Bukovinian State Medical University successfully defended their reports on summer clinical practice. The event marked the final stage of an important part of professional training aimed at developing the clinical skills of future dentists. During the internship, students trained at both public and private dental institutions, which allowed them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real clinical settings under the supervision of experienced professionals. The practical training covered several key areas, including: initial patient examination and assessment; development of treatment plans; assisting during clinical procedures; adherence to modern standards of sterilization, infection control, and clinical protocols. During the final defense, students presented their reports, shared clinical case studies, described the specifics of their work at various training bases, and demonstrated significant progress in their professional competencies.
Read moreA Modern Laparoscopic System Installed at the Department of Surgery No. 2 of BSMU A new laparoscopic system, purchased with the funds of Bukovinian State Medical University, has been installed at the Department of Surgery No. 2. The equipment will be used for the training of medical interns, specialization in “Surgery,” as well as for organizing workshops and thematic improvement courses. This opens opportunities to involve leading specialists from clinics across Ukraine and to introduce modern treatment methods into the educational process. The new system is already being actively used in surgical practice — successful abdominal surgeries are being performed with the participation of medical interns under the guidance of Professor Ihor Shkvarkovskyi, Head of the Department of Surgery No. 2. The advanced laparoscopic equipment enables interns to acquire hands-on practical skills in conditions closely approximating real clinical settings, while patients receive high-quality medical care. The staff of the department, medical interns, and students express their sincere gratitude to Bukovinian State Medical University for its significant contribution to the development of medical education and the surgical service in the region.
Read moreHappy Independence Day of Ukraine! Independence is our choice — one that has come at a great price. Today, more than ever, we understand its true value. Our Defenders — men and women alike — fight every day to protect our right to be free. Their strength, dedication, and courage are the guarantee that Ukraine will stand and will win. We honor the memory of all Heroes who gave their lives for our Homeland and express our sincere gratitude to those who continue to defend it today. Ukraine has become a symbol of resilience, bravery, and dignity. Each of us, through our work, knowledge, and daily efforts, brings closer a peaceful, free, and strong tomorrow. Congratulations on this special day! Happy Independence Day of Ukraine! With respect, Professor Ihor Herush Rector of Bukovinian State Medical University
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