The village of Ivkivtsi is located in the Cherkasy region, near the city of Chyhyryn, and is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes.
History and Archaeological Discoveries
The area around Ivkivtsi attracts archaeologists due to numerous ancient settlement findings. In 2020, a burial site of the Zarubintsy culture and a Scythian settlement were discovered in the village. These findings provide valuable insights into the life and daily routines of the Iron Age population that once inhabited this land.
Near the village stands Semydubova Hill, which holds special significance in local legends. According to folklore, this is where the Cossacks reburied the remains of Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi. Although this hypothesis lacks scientific confirmation, it adds a unique charm to the local tales.
Additionally, not far from Ivkivtsi lies the Motronynske Hillfort—one of the largest hillforts of the Early Scythian period, dating back to the mid-7th century BCE. This highlights the strategic importance of the region in ancient times.
The Windmill
Ivkivtsi is home to a preserved windmill known as the Odyntsi Windmill, built in 1906 by craftsman Oksentiy Odynts. The mill witnessed numerous historical events, including World War II, and remained operational until 1969.
In 2008, local residents, including Nazar Lavrinenko, took on the restoration of the windmill, preserving its authentic appearance. Today, the mill is not only a tourist attraction but also part of an educational project that introduces visitors to traditional grain milling techniques.
The “Zernoland” Project
The idea of creating the interactive ethnographic complex “Zernoland” belongs to Nazar Lavrinenko. On the site of a former Soviet collective farm, he established a unique agricultural park-museum that combines history, crafts, and traditions.
The project includes an ethnographic museum, a blacksmith’s workshop, a calligraphy studio, a motanka doll workshop, a weaving studio, a papermaking workshop, and a pottery workshop. Visitors can not only learn about traditional crafts but also participate in folk games, try their hand at ancient trades, and visit the restored windmill.
Today, Ivkivtsi attract tourists with their authenticity and preserved traditions. Thanks to the initiative of Nazar Lavrinenko and the “Zernoland” team, the village has become a key center of rural tourism—hardly any excursion bypasses Ivkivtsi.
