According to an ancient legend known to every local resident, the founder of Chernihiv - Prince Chornyi, after whom our city was named, was allegedly buried in the mound. To confirm or deny this legend, it was necessary to excavate the Black Grave. This is exactly what Dmytro Yakovych SAMOKVASOV decided to do. Excavations on a grand scale were started in 1873 and lasted more than three months. Moreover, the researcher had to hire diggers at his own expense, with 15 to 20 people working on the mound every day. The results of the excavations exceeded all expectations. The Black Grave turned out to be the richest burial in the entire Middle Dnieper region.

The Black Grave mound is a Slavic mound from the 10th century. According to legend, the ashes of Prince Cherny, the legendary founder of Chernigov, rest in the Black Grave until they were excavated in 1872-73 by the famous archaeologist, native of Novgorod-Seversky, Dmitry Yakovlevich Samokvasov. His research showed that the burial mound is younger than the city itself, because the first mention of Chernigov was in 907, and the mound dates back to approximately 960. Today the height of the mound is more than 10 m, the circumference is 170 m. Initially, the mound was surrounded by a ditch up to 7 m wide. The finds that were found during the excavations, unfortunately, are in Russia, in the Moscow State Historical Museum and they are not going to be returned.

Here you can feel the time. History of centuries. And this is especially not particularly helped by popularity. Silence and relative distance from other attractions of Chernigov.

From here you can see astonishing view

Underestimated landmark

The place is cool, but needs improvement. It was simply shocking how at the entrance, far from the central entrance of the private school, which is still under construction, there is a large banner that prevents access to the monument. Where is the local government looking? A historical place dating back to the 10th century will be given over to children?!? The road is being built nearby, but definitely not for tourists, but for parents who will take their children to school. And that's all, as already said in other reviews, opposite the women's monastery 🙈

It's okay to visit if you're bored

You can see this once

beatiful place but only a one time experience !!! Not worth the hype. The saint anthony caves are way more beautiful and interesting.

I love this place. Eletsky Monastery opposite the Palace of Culture. Restore a little the courtyard in front of the entrance, especially the most expensive school in the city, 200,000 per year per child. God help you.