Putyvl is one of the oldest cities in Sumy region, first mentioned in the Hypatian Codex in 1146. The city is immortalized in The Tale of Igor's Campaign — it was here that Yaroslavna awaited news of Prince Igor's campaign. There is no separate marked trail, but old Putyvl overlooking the Seim valley is easy to explore on foot: from the Transfiguration Cathedral through the center and the Horodok tract to the Molchansky Monastery is about 4.5 km, taking 2–3 hours to view. The city's landmarks are protected by the state historical and cultural reserve.
From the Cathedral to the Church of St. Nicholas the Cossack
The starting point is near the Transfiguration Cathedral. From there, the route leads to the Church of St. Nicholas the Cossack. It was built in 1735–1737 at the expense of townspeople, who were called Cossacks here, and in 1770 a five-tiered bell tower was added.
Museum and Monument to Ioann of Putyvl
Next, the path turns toward the local history museum and the monument to Ioann of Putyvl, and from there south to the Horodok tract.
Horodok over the Seim
Horodok is the ancient detinets (citadel) of Putyvl. There is no separate castle here: it is a tract overlooking the Seim valley. In 1186, the fortress was unsuccessfully besieged by the Polovtsians. On Horodok stand a cross dedicated to the defenders of Putyvl in 1239 and a monument to Yaroslavna, while the viewing platforms offer a wide view of the Seim floodplains.
Molchansky Monastery
The finish is the Molchansky Monastery, which is reached by descending from Horodok along the river. The Molchansky Hermitage was founded in 1405, 20 versts from the city. In 1592 it was burned by the Tatars, and the following year the monks moved to Putyvl. In 1602–1604, the monastery was enclosed by walls and became a defensive outpost. From November 1604 to May 1605, it served as the residence of False Dmitry I, during which time the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Theotokos was built. In the 20th century, the monastery was closed, and its walls housed an orphanage, a school, and a military plant.
Tips
The route runs across hills above the Seim, so there are ascents and descents between Horodok and the monastery. The monastery is an active women's convent: when entering, please observe monastic dress code rules.
How to get there
Intercity buses run to Putyvl; the schedule can be found on the buses in Putyvl page.
Note. The route is described for a time when restrictions will be lifted. Certain villages of the Putyvl hromada are located within the territory of possible combat operations, the city suffers from shelling, and the forests of Sumy region in 2026 are closed to civilians. Do not travel here now without clarifying the situation with the hromada and the military administration.
