Home «The Grain Paths of Mykolaiv» – Ukraine’s first agricultural excursion
Discover the centuries-old history of grain farming: from the origins, when Ukrainian grain first reached Europe on Greek vessels, to the present day, where it saves the world from hunger.
Travel across the paths that tell the stories of millions of Ukrainians and honor the contributions of the heroes who helped to establish Mykolaiv as the grain capital of southern Ukraine.
You have a unique opportunity to find out about the grand history of Ukrainian grain farming, which amazes, impresses, and inspires.
Learn when and how grain saved Mykolaiv from ruin.
Uncover who owned the largest international banks of Mykolaiv and what secrets their granite walls and tall doors keep from local historians.
Grasp the extent of the economic ties of Mykolaiv with Europe and North Africa. 120 years ago, Mykolaiv grain was on every European family’s table.
Learn about the heroes who shaped the grain history of southern Ukraine: Gottlieb Friedrich von Glasenapp, Mykhailo Livanov, Franz Frischen, Panteleimon Zyhomala, Ivan Ehrlich, and Oleksiy Vadaturskyy.
You will stroll through the streets of Mykolaiv grain merchants, nobles, and vice-consuls. You will take a bus tour tracing the paths of Mykolaiv farmers and dockworkers, leading you to the Mykolaiv Sea Port. You will look at the city of two rivers from the perspective of Mykolaiv sailors during a trip along the Southern Buh on board the NIBULON Express passenger vessel.
You will see authentic merchant houses, foreign consulates, 19th-century international banks, Ukraine’s oldest school of agriculture, the Mykolaiv Sea Port, and Ukraine’s largest grain terminal.
Finally, you will savor the most delicious bread in Europe made from grain grown in Mykolaiv, just as it was 120 years ago.
Mykolaiv Tourist Information Center
20 Admiralska St., Mykolaiv
We express our deep gratitude to Tetiana Hubska, an honored tourism worker of Ukraine, local historian, necropolis specialist, and historian, as well as to Viacheslav Shpakov, NIBULON’s communications specialist, for their in-depth work and for creating a unique excursion about the grain history of Mykolaiv.
«This excursion completely changed my perception of Mykolaiv. It is incredible that such a rich history, dating back to the days when Ukrainian grain was shipped to Europe on Greek vessels, is hidden behind unremarkable facades. I was particularly impressed by how skillfully the guide connected the past with the present: from modest trading shops to the operations of NIBULON. Of all the excursions I have taken, this one made the most profound impression on me. I returned home filled with pride and admiration for the fact that Ukrainians had contributed to such a significant part of world history».
Anna
«This was not just an excursion but a journey into the heart of Ukraine, into its agrarian soul. I was deeply moved by the stories of people like Oleksiy Vadaturskyy, who shaped history by elevating Ukrainian grain to the status of a national treasure. I never expected the history of grain farming to be so profound and even dramatic. Standing by the historic buildings of merchants and consuls, I felt connected to the powerful past that could be found in the modern walls of NIBULON’s grain terminals. There is a sense of pride in your people and their work!»
Adrian
«The images from this trip are still vivid in my mind. I expected to see an industrial Mykolaiv, but instead I discovered a city with a rich cultural and agrarian history. I was impressed by the fact that even during global crises Ukrainian grain continued to feed European countries, including Germany. This was more than just an excursion. It was a journey through time, where every stone and building reminded us of the story of Ukrainian grain farming. A huge thank you to the team for this unforgettable experience!»
Florian
«This excursion showed me a side of Ukraine I had never imagined. It is astonishing to learn that Mykolaiv is not merely a port city but a true grain capital that has fed Europe for centuries. What impressed me most was the story of Oleksiy Vadaturskyy, a man who carried on the traditions of his ancestors, creating a modern export system to help Ukrainian grain reach global markets. Vadaturskyy made an incredible contribution, and this can be felt in every story associated with NIBULON. Thank you for the opportunity to witness such a legacy».
Ole
«I had always thought of Ukraine as just part of Eastern Europe, but this excursion made me realize its profound contribution to global agriculture. I was especially impressed by the role of Oleksiy Vadaturskyy, a modern-day hero who had not only preserved the grain tradition but also made it a global phenomenon. Thanks to his efforts, Ukrainian grain feeds the world. The guide did an excellent job showing how Vadaturskyy and NIBULON had shaped modern Mykolaiv and helped it become a strong player on the global market. Truly inspiring!»
Chloé
«This was more than a historical excursion; it was a journey that unveiled the centuries-old path of Ukrainian farmers. I was captivated by the history, but what impressed me most was the role of Oleksiy Vadaturskyy, rightfully called ‘the guardian of Ukraine’s grain traditions.’ Thanks to his efforts, NIBULON has become a bridge between the past and the future, preserving the rich farming traditions and bringing them to the world stage. This was an incredible experience that deepened my admiration for Ukraine and its people».
Lourie
Michael
All-Ukrainian Public Organization “Taxpayers Association of Ukraine”
ISO 14001:2015
2017, 2019
CEO
Андрій Вадатурський став генеральним директором «НІБУЛОНу» після понад 15 років роботи в компанії — в липні 2022 року.
Він прийняв цю посаду після трагічної загибелі свого батька та засновника «НІБУЛОНу» Олексія Вадатурського разом із матір’ю Раїсою Вадатурською під час російського ракетного удару по їхньому дому в Миколаєві.
З 2014 до 2019 рік був народним депутатом України від одномандатного округу в Миколаївській області та членом Комітету з питань аграрної політики. У 2017 році створив і очолив велику міжпартійну групу, яка виступала за розвиток українських річок як транспортного засобу.
Має ступінь магістра електротехніки Українського державного морського технічного університету та ступінь магістра економіки промисловості Лондонської школи економіки. У 2009 році за вагомий внесок у розвиток агропромислового комплексу України був нагороджений Президентом України, йому присвоєно звання «Заслужений працівник сільського господарства».
Одружений, має трьох дітей.