Zhitomir Travel Guide

Zhitomir or Zhytomyr (Житомир) is a city situated in central Ukraine on the shore of the Teteriv River (see map). With a population of 291,000 (2005), it is an industrial, cultural and educational center. Surrounded on all sides by an ancient forest, the city boasts a diversified economy ranging from lumber milling and agriculture to food processing and metal working. One of the more unique industries in Zhitomir is the manufacture of musical instruments.

Since its inception, Zhytomyr has always played a role as a major transportation hub. Its road (and more recently rail) junction lies not only on important north-south trade routes, but also on east-west routes linking Kiev with central Europe. An ancient Slavic town, the first record of Zhytomyr was chronicled when the city was sacked in 1240 by the Mongol hordes of Batu Khan. The city subsequently passed into the hands of the Lithuanians (1320), then the Poles (1569), before being assimilated into the Russian Empire in 1793.

Zhitomir truly is a unique travel destination. Located in a  picturesque natural setting, it offers a little bit of everything. Whether you venture into the surrounding hills and forest or try to lose yourself in the city's beautiful parks and public squares, you will find a sense of tranquility not found in Ukraine's larger cities.

Independent Zhitomir Guides

Phoning Zhitomir

+ 380 (Country Code) + 412 (City Code) + Telephone Number
For a complete list of Russia and CIS Dialing Codes, follow the link.

Additional Resources for Zhitomir, Ukraine

• Wiki: Zhitomir (eng)
• Wiki: Zhitomir Oblast (eng)
• Sites below are in Russian and/or Ukrainian. In order to translate, click on Google Translate and enter the webpage address.
• Interesniy.Zhitomir.ua: Blog about the history of Zhitomir
• Student.zt.ua: Zhitomir student forum