Ternopil is one of the youngest Halychyan cities which was founded at request of Polish magnate Jan Amor Tarnavsky. The permit was obtained in 1540. The castle was constructed in 1544 that since you can see it on the bank of Ternopil Lake in the city center. During centuries the castle repelled its Tatars and Turkey attacks. For long time the castle was as a military stronghold and protected Podillya territory. Despite of successful defence Ternopil castle soon lost his defensive capability. With time the city became a main trade center. There were many foreigners merchants who came from border countries to trade in Ternopil’s markets. Polish Jews settled in Ternopil beginning at its founding and soon formed majority of the population. There was built synagogue but a hundred years later was ruined. In XIX century there had been opened hotels, pubs and restaurants. The city had been changing and becoming more modern.
   

    In XVIII Joseph Potockiy invited the Dominicanes who founded in 1749-1779 the beautiful late baroque Dominican Church. Today It is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 

    Along the lake there is the oldest church of the Exaltation of the Cross. The church was founded in 1557 and was as defensive.

   

    Many public figures and famous Ukrainian writers such as I. Franko, V.Stefanyk, Y.Opilskiy visited Ternopil.
The city is surrounded by green parks and flowering public gardens. Walking along the quiet streets you can feel their historical atmosphere. Combined architecture of the Polish and Austrian styles, orthodox and catholic churches exist side by side remembering the complicated and fascinated distant past.