The Enigmatic Azure Swimming Pool
Discover the haunting beauty of the Azure Swimming Pool in Pryp'yat', a unique historical site where nature meets the remnants of Soviet leisure culture.
A brief summary to Azure Swimming Pool
- Sportyvna St, 24, Pryp'yat', Kyiv Oblast, UA
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6 pm
- Friday 9 am-6 pm
The Azure Swimming Pool, located in the abandoned city of Pryp'yat', is a remarkable tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into the past of Soviet leisure culture. Once a bustling hub for the residents of this now-deserted city, the pool stands as a poignant reminder of a time before the Chernobyl disaster transformed the area into a ghost town. As you approach, you will be struck by the eerie beauty of the decaying structure, where vibrant mosaics and cracked tiles tell stories of laughter and joy that once filled the air. The azure waters, though stagnant now, reflect the haunting charm of nature slowly reclaiming what was once a lively recreational site. Visitors can wander through the remnants of the changing rooms and sunbathing areas, where time seems to stand still. The atmosphere is thick with history, and the contrast of the serene surroundings against the stark reminder of abandonment creates a powerful experience. Photographers and history buffs will find endless opportunities to capture the juxtaposition of human creation and nature's resilience. While exploring, it’s essential to respect the site’s fragile state and the memories it embodies. Guided tours are recommended to provide context and enhance the understanding of this historical site, allowing for a deeper connection to the stories entwined in its walls. As you explore the Azure Swimming Pool, be prepared for an experience that evokes nostalgia, reflection, and a sense of wonder at the remnants of a bygone era. This unique attraction not only highlights the architectural beauty of the past but also serves as a reminder of the resilience of nature and the passage of time.
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best photography lighting.
- Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven and slippery.
- Consider a guided tour for in-depth historical insights and safety.
- Bring a flashlight for exploring darker areas of the pool and its surroundings.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, start from the main road leading into Prypiat Marshes. Follow the signs towards Prypiat, and take the first right onto Sportyvna St. Continue straight for about 1 kilometer until you reach the Azure Swimming Pool at Sportyvna St, 24. There is parking available on-site.
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Public Transportation
To reach the Azure Swimming Pool using public transportation, take a local bus or minibus that heads towards Prypiat. Disembark at the Prypiat city center. From there, walk to Sportyvna St. It is approximately a 15-minute walk from the city center. Head east along the main road and turn right onto Sportyvna St. Continue for about 500 meters until you see the Azure Swimming Pool on your left.
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Walking
If you are already in the vicinity of Prypiat Marshes and prefer to walk, locate the main road leading into the city. Walk towards the center of Prypiat and look for Sportyvna St. Turn right onto Sportyvna St and walk straight for about 1 kilometer. The Azure Swimming Pool will be located at Sportyvna St, 24, on your left.
Attractions Nearby to Azure Swimming Pool
- Jupiter Radiotechnology Factory
- Pryp'yat·sʹkyy Richkovyy Vokzal
- Khrest-Oberih
- Friendship of Nations Monument
- Staryy Yakht-Klub
- Centrale Elettrica di Yaniv (Pripya't)
- Pryp'yatʹ
- Portovi Krany
- Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
- Chernobyl Observation Deck
- Pidstantsyya Chaes
- Chernobyl NPP Unit 2
- Prometheus
- Mist Cherez Vodoymu-Okholodzhuvach Chaes
- Observation platform at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant
Landmarks nearby to Azure Swimming Pool
- Monument to the heroes of World War II
- Dnipro River
- Kyivs'ke Reservoir
- ChernobylX
- Ryznya River
- Peremohy square
- Kurhany Hulʹbyshche Ta Bezimennyy
- Petropavlivsʹka Tserkva
- Ivan Mazepa Monument
- Historic cannon Val
- Budynok Arkhiyepyskopa
- Chernihiv Regional Art Museum
- St. Mykhail and Fedor Church
- Chernihiv Museum of Military History
- Mezhyhirya Residence