Description of the attraction
Trukhanov Island is one of the most famous places in Kiev. It has attracted special attention lately due to the fact that it was the location of the camp of the Swedish football fans who came to UEFA EURO 2012. This island is located on the Dnieper, just opposite the historical center of the capital, between the Dnieper Desenok arm and the main channel. The total area of Trukhanov Island is approximately 450 hectares; it is connected to the right bank of the Dnieper by a pedestrian bridge.
Trukhanov Island got its name thanks to the Polovtsian Khan Tugorkhan (known from the chronicles and epics as Tugarin the Serpent), since here in the 11th century the residence of his daughter, the former wife of the Kiev prince Svyatopolk II, was located. Earlier on the same island there was a settlement of Olzhischi, which belonged to the famous princess Olga. In the 16th century, the Pustynno-Nikolsky Monastery took possession of the island, but at the end of the next century it was returned to the city.
Trukhanov Island began to be populated anew in the 19th century, when the first buildings appeared here, and later - workers' settlements. However, it was officially allowed to settle here only in 1907, when more than a hundred self-settlers already lived on the island. There was also a yacht club, shipyard, and the Hermitage park, later the church of St. Elizabeth was erected and consecrated. After the end of the Second World War, during which all buildings were destroyed here, Trukhanov Island became a resting place for the people of Kiev.
Today, the largest Kiev beaches (including Dovbychka beach and Central beach), sports facilities, water stations, rest houses, restaurants, as well as numerous green spaces are located on Trukhanov Island. In the north of Trukhanov Island there are Bobrovnya Nature Reserve and Peoples' Friendship Park.
