Memory heterotopias in Ukraine: Sites to re-imagine the past

Abstract

In the contemporary globalized world, tourist practices deal mostly with appropriated memory. Famous sights are arranged into classical routes proposed by guidebooks and guided tours presenting an official narrative of community’s collective memory. However, should a traveller step aside from major auto routes in Ukraine, direct liaison with the past at the forgotten historical sites is promised. A decade ago, Ukrainian travellers began to discover previously unknown to the public abandoned castles, palaces, manors, churches, cathedral, mills, etc. deep in the province and started to share travelogues after their quest-like trips around Ukraine. Sites that would be considered as heritage in the neighbouring countries, in Ukraine exist as ‘heterotopias’ (places outside usual society’s renderings). Based on the analysis of the Internet travelling community and author’s field trips, this article proposes to consider an alternative mode of tourism that provides potentially inclusive contact with the past.