Ukraine is a really interesting country and if you want to see things that are far from the normal tourist traps of Kiev and Odessa, you have to travel. Kryvyi Rih, the eighth largest city in the country, is one of those less touristy places to see, but exciting all the same. It only has a population of about 710 people and it is the world’s third largest extractor of iron ore, providing 90% of it raw material to the country alone. A true steel city, it is steeped in history.
Kryvyi Rih was founded in the 17th century by Zaporozhian Cossacks that the name translates to ‘Crooked Horn’. It is considered the longest city in Europe, extending 130 kilometers, following the line of the ore deposits in the region. The city’s metallurgical works is the one largest in the world and has been in business since the 1880s. The area around the city is rolling steppe land that is filled with sunflowers, grain, and some of the wildest vegetation still growing in Ukraine. Linden and horse chestnut trees line the wind street of Kryvyi Rih and visitors can ride the tram through the major streets from one end to the other. There is also an underground tram that citizens and visitors can use.
There are a few hotels available in the city and most people visit to see the FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih Premier League football team practice or to enjoy the 21 parks, 12 quays, 22 gardens, 134 squares or the wild steppes that surround this 16 thousand acre city.
Read also:
Responses to 'Visiting Kryvyi Rih'