Poltava is one of the most interesting towns of Ukraine . It is situated on the picturesque bank of the river Vorskla.
Due to its history Poltava rouses great interest. Its name was first mentioned in chronicles as Ltava in 1174. This old name changed only in 1430. The history of Poltava is full of different events. Since 1569 it was a part of Poland, and only in 1667 it became a part of Russia.
The town is also well-known thanks to Poltava battle, when Peter the Great with his army defeated the Swedish army of Karl XII.
Now Poltava is a modern town and a regional centre. Machine-building, metal-working, food and light industries are well-developed there. It is also a large railway junction.
Poltava has many scientific-research institutes and 5 higher educational establishments.
There are two theatres - the Ukrainian Music and Drama Theatre and the puppet theatre, and the philharmonic society in the town.
The Museum of Regional Studies is one of the oldest in Ukraine, it was founded in 1891.There are more than 136 thousand displays, including unique collections of Ukrainian carpets national costumes and antique weapon.
Watch a video about Poltava
