Ukraine is one of the oldest and most beautiful countries in East Europe. In ancient times it was known as Kievan Rus, which is why its current capital is named Kiev. The country has a fascinating history and rich culture. Apart from historic monuments, churches, museums, palaces, Ukraine is full of natural wonders, such as mountains, beaches, rivers, and simply beautiful landscapes. Perhaps the most visited places in the country are the Carpathian Mountains in winter and Crimean resorts in summer. Carpathian Mountains are considered to be the Green Pearl of Ukraine. This place is a mix of green areas, forests, meadows and humans living in a harmony with nature. Crimea is a fascinating resort for spending a summer vacation. The early settlers of the region included the Tatars, the Greeks, the Venetians and other nations. Crimea is full of outstanding cities and places. For example, Novy Svit Beach – the place near Sudak, where a famous marinist Ayvazovsky created some of his pictures. The most famous attraction of Kerch is Tsarske Kurgan – the grave of the Bosporan king. Livadian Palace in Yalta is another attractive sight. Other Crimean sights include the Ayvazovsky Museum, the Genoese Fortress, the Swallow's Nest castle, the Massandra Palace, city of Khersones, the Chekov's House-Museum, Alexander Nevsky's Cathedral and many others. The largest and the most bountiful city of sights is Kiev, of course. Millions of tourists visit it every year to see the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, the Dnipro River, St. Sophia's Cathedral, the Mariyinsky Palace, the Khreschatyk and other places of interest. People say that one of the most beautiful cities in Ukraine is Lviv. It is a very poetic city of ancient and relatively new architecture. The city was once the part of Austro-Hungarian Empire and then Poland. One of the most interesting places in Lviv is the 16th century market with its square – Ploshcha Rynok.