Chernihiv Val (the Rampart), also known as dytynets, is one of the oldest areas in the city. Its history dates back to ancient times. 
In Kyivan Rus, the largest fortified central part of the ancient cities was called “dytynets”. There were the residences of knyaz (prince), his court and druzhina (prince’s army) as well as the manors of boyars and the high clergy. The rest of the urban population (artisans, merchants) lived outside the fortress in a so called outer city.
The place for the Chernihiv fortress was chosen to advantage. So, Chernihiv dytynets sits proudly above on the high cape, where the Desna and the Stryzhen rivers merge together. In the 10-th century, the stronghold with an earth mound and a wooden fence was constructed there. Because its territory was considered safe for building cathedrals, churches, houses of princes and feudal lords.
In autumn 1239, the Tatars devastated Chernihiv principality. Dytynets fortifications were destroyed. Later on, the fortress was renewed and existed till the end of the 18th century as the heart of the city, its administrative and spiritual center. 
At the beginning of the 19th century, the remains of earth fortifications, walls and ditches were totally deconstructed to reshape the territory and make recreation and administration area.
As time went, the territory of modern Val used to be differently renamed: Dytynets, Fortress, the First Fortress of Cherkasy, Vzvallia and others.
The modern name Val appeared at the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th centuries when the fortress had already failed. Despite numerous reconstructions and renaming during two hundred years, the name “Val” still remains. Now, Val is the city park named after Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi. It is situated on the hill and outlooks the city cramped with architectural monuments. 
Val is a part of National Architectural and Historical Reserve “Chernihiv Ancient”.

  1. What to see on the Rampart?
  2. The Transfiguration Cathedral – one of the oldest temples of Kievan Rus.  
  3. Boris and Hlib Cathedral – look for a mysterious Semargl on its walls.
  4. The house of Mazepa or Jakob  Lizohub`s house – people say that there is a wandering ghost.
  5. The Chernihiv College - the first higher education institution on the Left Bank of Ukraine.