Although Ternopol date of foundation is unknown, the first known reference to Ternopol occurs in 1524, when as a Polish town it was sacked by Tatars. Ternopol was known as a fortress. At the end of the 16th century the fraternity was organized which played an important part in the struggle against Catholicism.

In 1548 Magdeburg Law was adopted in Ternopol. In 1655 Cossack troops headed by B. Khmelnitsky captured Ternopol. But Ternopol city was under Poland's control.

On first partition of Poland in 1772 Ternopol was captured by Austria. In 1809-1815 Ternopol was ruled by Russia. After the fall of Austro-Hungary Ternopol was passed to Poland in 1920 and was annexed by the USSR in 1939. World War II inflicted exceptionally heavy damage on Ternopol.

In 2004, the population was 221,300.

The most of Ternopol is new, still the 16th century Nativity and 18th century Dominican churches survived. A medical, teacher-training and financial institutes are also located in Ternopol city. Ternopol city is known for its architectural and cultural monuments. Ternopol city is very comfortable for foreign travelers. There are a lot of exchange points and modern hotels.