Geography and Geology
Khortytsia is the largest island on the Dnipro River, located within the city of Zaporizhzhia. It stretches approximately 12 km in length and up to 2.5 km in width. The island is composed of granite formations of the Ukrainian Crystalline Shield, which emerge on the surface as cliffs. These rock formations create the characteristic escarpments and rapids of the area. The elevation difference on the island reaches up to 50 meters, and its landscape combines steppe areas, oak groves, ravines, and floodplains.
Ancient Landmarks
Khortytsia has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Archaeological findings reveal remnants of settlements belonging to the Scythians, Sarmatians, Cimmerians, and other ancient peoples. The island is home to burial mounds, megalithic structures, and stone statues known as kamianyi baby, which indicate the presence of ancient ritual practices. One of the most fascinating discoveries is the remains of a Scythian sanctuary, which was aligned with solar cycles.
Zaporizhian Sich
In the 16th–18th centuries, Khortytsia was the center of Cossack life. It was here that Dmytro Vyshnevetsky (Baidai) established a fortification, which is considered the prototype of the Zaporizhian Sich. The island served as a natural fortress, protected on all sides by water and rocks. The Cossacks used it as a base for military campaigns, as well as a place for living, craftsmanship, and assemblies.
Modern Times
Today, Khortytsia is a national reserve and a popular tourist destination. It hosts the historical and cultural complex “Zaporizhian Sich” – a reconstruction of a Cossack settlement with defensive towers, a church, and huts. The island also attracts travelers with its scenic trails, kayaking routes, and the opportunity to see rare species of animals and plants.
For active recreation enthusiasts, there are horseback riding tours, biking routes, and rock climbing on the cliffs above the Dnieper. Those who wish to touch history can visit museums, archaeological sites, and enjoy theatrical Cossack performances.
Khortytsia is a place where nature and the past come alive, inviting visitors to explore Ukraine’s history in its brightest forms.
